Hajdu highlights Groceries and Essentials Benefit as payments set to begin in spring 2026

By Tahani Elghazaly
Published February 18, 2026

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Employment and Social Development Canada said Jobs and Families Minister Patty Hajdu visited UHC – Hub of Opportunities in Windsor, Ontario, on February 18, 2026, to highlight the government’s new Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit as part of efforts to ease food-related affordability pressures and address food insecurity.

The department said the benefit is intended to support more than 12 million low- and modest-income Canadians, including about five million in Ontario, with payments beginning in spring 2026. It also notes the measure follows the February 12 announcement by the Minister of Finance and National Revenue that legislation has passed to implement the benefit.

Government backgrounders describe the benefit as the renamed and enriched GST/HST credit, including a one-time spring top-up and a 25% increase for five years starting in July 2026.

Practical note

No separate application is generally required, but Canadians must file taxes and keep CRA direct-deposit details up to date to receive payments.