New GST Payment in Canada – January 2026 Amounts, Dates, and Changes

The first GST/HST credit payment of 2026 is scheduled for Monday, January 5, and millions of eligible Canadians can expect direct deposits to land that day. Others receiving the benefit by cheque will see it shortly after by mail.

This payment is one of the most consistent quarterly supports from the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA), and its timing — right after the holidays — makes it especially important for households managing tight budgets. Plus, a small increase is already confirmed for later in 2026.

Here’s everything you need to know about who qualifies, how much you could receive, and what to expect throughout the year.

Overview

The GST/HST credit is a tax-free payment issued every three months to help low- and modest-income Canadians offset the sales taxes they pay on daily purchases. It’s one of the simplest benefits to receive — you don’t need to apply every year unless you’re new to Canada. Eligibility is assessed automatically when you file your tax return.

Each payment year runs from July to June, with new calculations kicking in every July based on your previous tax return.

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January

The January 5, 2026 payment falls within the July 2025 to June 2026 benefit year, so the amount you receive depends on your 2024 tax return.

Here’s what to expect for January and April 2026:

• CRA uses your 2024 adjusted family net income to determine eligibility
• If you’re eligible, you’ll receive one-quarter of your annual GST credit
• Payments are issued automatically, no need to apply again if you’ve already filed taxes

That means if your income or household changed in 2024, your January and April 2026 payments may look different from last year.

Eligibility

To qualify for GST/HST credit payments in 2026, you must meet the CRA’s basic criteria:

• Be a resident of Canada for tax purposes
• Be at least 19 years old, or meet one of the following if under 19:
  • Have (or had) a spouse or common-law partner
  • Be (or were) a parent living with your child

Payments are income-tested, so as your household income rises, your credit is reduced — and could be eliminated altogether if your income exceeds the threshold for your family size.

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Newcomers

If you recently moved to Canada, you may still qualify once you’re considered a tax resident. In your first year, you’ll likely need to apply manually using one of two forms:

• RC151 for individuals without children
• RC66 if you have children, which also helps with child-related benefits

Once you file your first Canadian tax return, the CRA typically assesses your eligibility automatically in future years.

Amounts

For the July 2025 to June 2026 period, the maximum annual GST credit amounts are:

Since the benefit is paid quarterly, most recipients receive about one-quarter of their eligible amount on each payment date.

However, actual payments depend on your income. The CRA reduces the credit as adjusted family net income (AFNI) increases.

Thresholds

These are the 2024 income thresholds for the 2025–2026 benefit year. If your income exceeds these amounts, you won’t receive the GST credit.

Single or Single-Parent Households

Couples

These thresholds are reviewed annually. If your income is just under the cutoff, you may receive a reduced amount, not the maximum.

July

Many people mistakenly assume new benefit amounts start in January. In reality, the CRA updates the GST/HST credit amounts every July, based on indexation (inflation adjustments).

For the July 2026 to June 2027 benefit year, the CRA has confirmed a 2% indexation increase. That means higher maximum amounts starting July 3, 2026:

You’ll see this adjustment reflected in your July 2026, October 2026, and January/April 2027 payments.

Dates

Here are all the confirmed GST payment dates for 2026:

Late

If you don’t receive your GST payment on January 5:

1. Check your CRA My Account for payment status
2. Confirm your personal info is up-to-date (address, banking)
3. Understand CRA’s under-$50 rule: if your credit for a quarter is less than $50, you’ll get a lump-sum in July

It’s also worth checking your CRA mail or email notifications if you’re signed up for paperless alerts.

Scams

Payment periods often bring scam activity. Watch for fake CRA emails or texts saying:

• “Confirm your banking”
• “Unlock your GST payment”
• “Click here to claim benefits”

Only use CRA My Account or official channels to check your status. The CRA will never ask for personal information through links in unsolicited emails or texts.

The GST credit remains one of the simplest and most helpful quarterly supports for low- and moderate-income Canadians. If you qualify, make sure your 2024 taxes are filed, and all your personal details with the CRA are accurate.

The first 2026 payment lands on January 5, with higher amounts expected in July 2026 due to indexation. Staying informed and organized helps ensure you don’t miss a single dollar you’re entitled to.

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