Thursday, July 9, 2026 Every July, a wave of federal benefit payments resets for the new benefit year — and 2026 brings one of the biggest shifts in years. Between a permanent 25% boost to the old GST/HST credit, a fresh Canada Child Benefit increase, and the largest quarterly OAS bump of the year, millions of Canadian households will see different numbers land in their accounts this month. Here's what actually changed, and what to check in your own CRA account. The GST/HST Credit Has a New Name — and a Bigger Payout The GST/HST credit has officially been replaced by the Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit (CGEB) . It's not a new program from scratch — it runs on the same CRA infrastructure and eligibility rules — but the payment amounts are 25% higher, and that increase is locked in for five years. The first CGEB payment went out on July 3, 2026. Under the new structure: A single individual with no children can receive up to roughly $679 per year (about $170 per quart...
Senate to Decide Fate of Funding Bill as Shutdown Deadline Looms
In a dramatic turn of events, the U.S. House of Representatives approved a crucial funding bill just hours before the midnight deadline, sending it to the Senate for immediate consideration. The bill, which passed with a vote of 366-34, aims to temporarily fund federal operations and provide disaster aid, but notably excludes an increase in the debt ceiling as demanded by President-elect Donald Trump.
House Speaker Mike Johnson emphasized the importance of avoiding a government shutdown, especially during the holiday season, while acknowledging the challenges posed by Trump's last-minute demands. The bill now faces a critical test in the Senate, where its passage is expected but not guaranteed.
As the clock ticks down, all eyes are on the Senate to see if they can act swiftly enough to prevent a shutdown that would disrupt federal services and impact millions of Americans.
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