Boosted affordability payments for Canadians start Friday

Eligible Canadians can expect to see extra money in their bank accounts starting Friday as the federal government begins sending out boosted quarterly affordability payments.

About 12 million Canadians received a one-time payment worth 50 per cent of the benefit’s annual value through the Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit (CGEB) in June.

Formerly known as the GST or HST credit, the CGEB provides quarterly payments to lower-income households.

Over the next five years, the quarterly payments are also getting a 25 per cent boost.

Families can receive anywhere from a few hundred to over $1,000 a year, with exact amounts based on their marital status and family size.

In January, Prime Minister Mark Carney pitched the affordability measure as a way to help Canadians cope with economic uncertainty and the rising cost of living.

With Files From The Canadian Press

READ MORE: 12M Canadians to get one-time Grocery and Essentials Benefit