With grocery prices remaining stubbornly high across Canada, many households are searching for relief. Recently, social media posts and online videos have claimed that Canadians will receive a $628 grocery rebate in August 2025.
For struggling families, such news feels like a lifeline. But is this true, or just another case of misinformation spreading online? This detailed fact-check breaks down the origins of the rumour, what the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) has said, and what real assistance is actually available in 2025.
Quick Summary: $628 Grocery Rebate in 2025
| Key Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Rumoured Benefit | $628 Grocery Rebate in August 2025 |
| Origin of Claim | Resurfaced from July 2023 one-time payment |
| Current Status | No official CRA announcement for 2025 |
| Official CRA Position | No new grocery rebate scheduled |
| Real Ongoing Programs | GST/HST Credit, Canada Child Benefit, Climate Action Incentive, CWB, Provincial Aid |
| Risk of Scams | High—scammers using fake rebate messages to steal personal data |
| Official Information Source | https://www.canada.ca |
Where Did the $628 Grocery Rebate Story Come From?
The $628 figure comes from a real government program—but it’s from the past.
In July 2023, the federal government issued a one-time grocery rebate to help low- and middle-income Canadians deal with rising food costs.
- The rebate was automatically given to those eligible for the GST/HST credit.
- Payment amounts varied depending on family size and income.
- Some larger families received up to $628.
This was never intended to be an annual or recurring benefit. However, old news articles and 2023 payment confirmations are now being reshared with current dates, creating the false impression that the program is happening again in August 2025.
What the CRA Has Said About 2025 Payments
The Canada Revenue Agency has made no announcements about a new grocery rebate for 2025.
Official updates about federal support programs are always posted on:
- Canada.ca
- CRA’s My Account portal
- Verified government social media accounts
If a payment is not listed there, it should be treated with skepticism. Financial experts have also confirmed that no grocery rebate has been approved for 2025.
Why Canadians Are Confused
The persistence of this rumour is due to several factors:
- Old articles being recirculated with new dates.
- Social media algorithms promoting misleading content for clicks.
- Public hope for relief amid high grocery costs.
- Clickbait websites publishing incomplete or outdated information.
This mix of economic hardship and online misinformation makes it easy for false claims to spread.
Real Financial Assistance Available in 2025
Even though the $628 grocery rebate is not returning this August, there are legitimate programs providing financial help:
1. GST/HST Credit
- What it is: A quarterly tax-free payment for low- and modest-income individuals/families to offset GST/HST.
- Next payment: October 2025.
2. Canada Child Benefit (CCB)
- What it is: Monthly payments to help with the cost of raising children under 18.
- Amount: Based on family income and number of children.
3. Climate Action Incentive (CAI)
- What it is: Quarterly payment to offset federal carbon tax costs.
- Next payment: October 2025.
4. Canada Workers Benefit (CWB)
- What it is: A refundable tax credit for low-income workers, paid in multiple instalments yearly.
5. Provincial or Territorial Assistance
- Many provinces and territories offer food, rent, and utility subsidies. Check local government websites for details.
How to Avoid Grocery Rebate Scams
Scammers use fake rebate offers to collect personal and banking details. Protect yourself by:
- Ignoring suspicious links in emails or text messages.
- Verifying payment details directly through the CRA’s official website.
- Avoiding sharing bank information unless on a secure, official government platform.
- Remember: Real government rebates are automatic—you won’t be asked to apply via email or text.
What You Should Do Instead of Waiting for a Fake Rebate
If you were counting on a grocery rebate this August:
- Check CRA My Account for legitimate upcoming payments.
- File your taxes on time to qualify for credits like GST/HST.
- Seek community support from food banks or local assistance programs.
- Adjust your budget to manage grocery expenses.
- Rely on official announcements rather than viral social media posts.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. Is the $628 grocery rebate happening in August 2025?
Ans. No. The last grocery rebate was in July 2023 and was a one-time payment.
Q2. Who received the $628 in 2023?
Ans. Low- and middle-income families eligible for the GST/HST credit; the maximum amount went to larger households.
Q3. How can I check if I’m getting any federal payments?
Ans. Log into your CRA My Account or visit https://www.canada.ca.
Q4. What help can I get in 2025 instead?
Ans. Programs like the GST/HST credit, CCB, CAI, and CWB are ongoing for eligible Canadians.
Q5. How do I know if a rebate message is a scam?
Ans. If it’s not listed on the CRA website and asks for banking details through unofficial channels, it’s likely a scam.
Conclusion: Stay Informed, Stay Protected
While the $628 grocery rebate claim has been popular on social media, it is not scheduled for August 2025. The original payment was a one-time 2023 benefit, and no new round has been approved.
The safest way to stay updated is to rely on official CRA announcements and trusted news sources. If you need financial help, focus on existing federal and provincial programs—they are real, ongoing, and designed to provide genuine support to Canadians in need.
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