Eligible households in Barrie and across Canada will see a little extra money deposited starting today as the federal government begins issuing quarterly payments under its enhanced Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit.
The benefit, aimed at lower-income Canadians, is paid every three months and provides support to help cover the cost of groceries and other everyday necessities.
Boosted payments begin today
The Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit was previously known as the GST/HST credit.
Eligible households received a one-time payment worth 50 per cent of the benefit's annual value in early June.
Starting with today's payment, recipients will also benefit from a 25 per cent increase in quarterly amounts. The federal government says that boost will remain in place for the next five years.
Support tied to household income and family size
How much a household receives depends on several factors, including marital status and the number of children in the home.
Annual benefit amounts can range from a few hundred dollars to more than a thousand dollars per family.
The payments are targeted at lower-income households and are intended to help offset the rising cost of essential goods.
Affordability remains a federal focus
Prime Minister Mark Carney first announced the affordability measure in January, positioning it as a response to ongoing economic uncertainty and higher prices for necessities.
The enhanced benefit is one of the federal government's efforts to provide additional financial relief to Canadians facing increased household costs.
