If you’ve been scrolling through Facebook, TikTok, or Reddit recently, you’ve probably seen viral posts claiming that “Canada is giving $628 to all citizens as a Grocery Rebate this October 2025.” It sounds like great news for anyone struggling with grocery prices — but according to the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA), it’s completely false.
Before you start checking your CRA account or planning your next grocery haul, here’s what you need to know: no new Grocery Rebate has been announced for 2025. The only real Grocery Rebate was a one-time payment distributed in July 2023 as part of the federal government’s inflation relief plan.
These new claims are nothing more than misinformation — and in some cases, they’re linked to online scams designed to trick Canadians into revealing personal or banking information.
What the $628 Grocery Rebate Claim Really Refers To
The confusion around the $628 figure stems from the 2023 Grocery Rebate, a federal top-up payment meant to help lower- and middle-income Canadians during a period of high inflation.
That one-time payment was added to the GST/HST credit system, not a new benefit. If you qualified for the GST/HST credit based on your 2021 tax return, you automatically received the Grocery Rebate in July 2023 — no applications or forms were required.
Here’s what the real 2023 rebate looked like:
- Single adults (no children): up to $234
- Couples with two children: up to $467
- Seniors: around $225
- Larger families: up to $628
That’s where the viral $628 number comes from — but it was a maximum amount for families, not a flat payment for everyone.
Grocery Rebate 2025 – Fact Check Summary
| Topic | Details |
|---|---|
| Program Name | Grocery Rebate Canada |
| Claimed Amount | $628 (as per social media rumors) |
| Official Status | No new rebate for 2025 |
| Actual Program Date | July 5, 2023 (one-time payment) |
| Eligibility (2023) | Low- and moderate-income families and individuals |
| Maximum 2023 Payment | Up to $628 (for families with two children) |
| Official Source | Canada.ca – Grocery Rebate |
| CRA Statement | “No new Grocery Rebate announced.” |
| Fact Check | Verified false for 2025 |
| Administered By | Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) |
Why People Believed the $628 Claim
The rumor gained traction because economic hardship remains high across the country. With the cost of groceries, rent, and energy bills continuing to climb, Canadians are understandably eager for government relief.
These viral posts often reuse old information — mixing the real 2023 Grocery Rebate details with false claims about a “new payment” coming soon. Unfortunately, many Canadians who saw those posts assumed the news was credible because the Grocery Rebate name and amount were real in 2023.
Scammers have capitalized on this confusion, spreading links to fake government websites that look identical to official CRA portals. Clicking such links can expose users to identity theft, malware, or banking fraud.
What Was the Real Grocery Rebate and Why Was It Created?
The Grocery Rebate was announced as part of the 2023 Federal Budget in response to Canada’s affordability crisis. At the time, food prices were soaring faster than incomes, creating financial strain for millions of households.
The government designed the rebate as a one-time boost for those already receiving the GST/HST credit — effectively doubling the amount they received in that payment cycle.
It was intended to:
- Ease food inflation pressures for low- and middle-income Canadians.
- Support families and seniors who faced rising living costs.
- Deliver quick relief without requiring new applications or systems.
Payments were issued automatically on July 5, 2023, directly to recipients’ bank accounts or by cheque.
How the Real Grocery Rebate Worked
Unlike traditional government benefits, the Grocery Rebate was not a new standalone program. Instead, it was integrated into the GST/HST credit system.
If you met the income thresholds for the GST/HST credit, you received the Grocery Rebate automatically — based on your 2021 tax return. There was no need to sign up or apply.
This made the distribution process fast and secure, ensuring that eligible Canadians received their relief payments without risk of fraud or delays.
CRA Confirms: No New Grocery Rebate in 2025
According to the latest official updates from the Canada Revenue Agency, there are no new grocery rebate payments scheduled for 2025. The July 2023 payment remains the only one-time grocery rebate issued by the federal government.
The CRA has specifically warned Canadians not to click on any messages or links claiming to offer new payments or “claim portals” for a 2025 Grocery Rebate. Such messages are part of phishing scams that aim to collect sensitive data.
If you receive an email, text, or call mentioning a $628 October payment, ignore it and report it through the CRA’s official Scams and Fraud Alerts page.
Real Programs That Still Provide Financial Relief
While there’s no new grocery rebate, Canadians can still access several legitimate programs designed to help with inflation and living costs:
- GST/HST Credit – A quarterly tax-free benefit for low- and moderate-income Canadians, automatically calculated based on income.
- Canada Workers Benefit (CWB) – A refundable tax credit that supports low-income individuals and families who are working.
- Climate Action Incentive Payment (CAIP) – A quarterly payment to help households offset the cost of federal carbon pricing.
- Canada Child Benefit (CCB) – A monthly tax-free benefit for families raising children under 18.
- Old Age Security (OAS) and Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS) – Monthly payments to eligible seniors.
Each of these programs has its own eligibility criteria, but all are officially managed through the CRA, making them safe and verifiable sources of financial assistance.
How to Protect Yourself from Fake Rebate Scams
The CRA and RCMP have both reported a rise in scam attempts related to fake benefit announcements. Scammers often use official-sounding language, government logos, and phishing links to appear credible.
Warning Signs of a Scam:
- Texts or emails claiming “You’ve been approved for the $628 rebate.”
- Messages asking you to “confirm your SIN or bank details.”
- Links that don’t lead to a “.gc.ca” website.
- Promises of instant cash or urgent deadlines to “claim now.”
Always cross-check any claim on the official CRA website or through reputable news outlets before responding.
Why This Misinformation Keeps Spreading
False financial claims often resurface online because they tap into real economic concerns. As inflation continues to affect daily expenses, many Canadians are desperate for relief — creating a perfect opportunity for scammers.
Algorithms on social media platforms also amplify such content because it garners high engagement, further spreading misinformation at lightning speed.
Fact-checkers and financial journalists urge Canadians to remain skeptical of “too-good-to-be-true” government payments and to verify all information using official government sources.
CRA’s Message to Canadians: “Be Vigilant”
The Canada Revenue Agency has reiterated that all benefit-related communications come directly through CRA My Account or by official mail. The agency never sends benefit claims via random links, texts, or calls.
To stay safe:
- Use two-factor authentication on CRA accounts.
- Check for official government domain names like “.gc.ca.”
- Keep your SIN and banking details private.
- Follow the CRA’s scam alert page for up-to-date warnings.
The Bottom Line: If It Sounds Too Good to Be True, It Probably Is
While a $628 grocery rebate would certainly help Canadian families, the claim circulating on social media is false. The real rebate happened over two years ago, and there are no new payments planned for October 2025.
Canadians should remain cautious about unverified financial posts, no matter how convincing they appear. Real relief programs do exist — but they’re only accessible through verified government channels like www.canada.ca.
5 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. Is there a $628 Grocery Rebate coming in October 2025?
No. The CRA has confirmed that no new Grocery Rebate is scheduled for 2025. The last one-time payment was in July 2023.
Q2. What was the original Grocery Rebate?
The 2023 Grocery Rebate was a one-time top-up to the GST/HST credit to help low-income Canadians cope with inflation.
Q3. How can I check if I received the 2023 Grocery Rebate?
Log in to your CRA My Account and check your payment history for a transaction labeled “GST/HST + Grocery Rebate” from July 5, 2023.
Q4. What should I do if I receive a message about a new Grocery Rebate?
Do not click any links. Visit the CRA’s Scams and Fraud Alerts page to report it. Only trust updates directly from canada.ca.
Q5. Are there any active government benefit programs for 2025?
Yes. Canadians can still receive legitimate support through the GST/HST Credit, Canada Workers Benefit, Canada Child Benefit, and Climate Action Incentive Payment.
