Ontario Child Benefit and Changes to Social Assistance
In 2007, the Ontario government introduced a new non-taxable Ontario Child Benefit to help low-income families provide for their children. Starting in July 2008, monthly Ontario Child Benefit payments of up to $50/month per child ($600/year) will begin. When these payments begin, social assistance (Ontario Works and the Ontario Disability Support Program) will change for families who have children under age 18.
| If you do not have children under age 18, your social assistance will not be affected. |
These are the changes you can expect to see:
- The National Child Benefit Supplement (NCBS) will no longer be deducted from your social assistance.
- The portion of “Basic Needs” for your child will be removed from social assistance.
- The Back-to-School Allowance and the Winter Clothing Allowance will be removed from social assistance.
You will continue to receive other help for your children through social assistance (such as shelter allowances and health benefits). You can also continue to claim some of your child care costs if you are working. The monthly amounts for Temporary Care Assistance and Assistance for Children with Severe Disabilities will not change.
* Ontario Child Care Supplement for Working Families
You will receive less on your social assistance payment
But
You will keep all of your monthly Ontario Child Benefit and full NCBS payments – they will not be deducted from your social assistance payments.
Starting in July 2008, if you are eligible, the Canada Revenue Agency will include your Ontario Child Benefit with your Canada Child Tax Benefit (which includes NCBS) cheque/direct deposit. You will continue receiving your social assistance payment separately by cheque/direct deposit as you normally do.
Please Note
The Ontario Child Benefit is a financial support for low-income families that you could continue to receive when you leave social assistance.
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Preparing for the changes…
1. It is very important that you and your spouse file your income tax returns every year, and register your children for the Canada Child Tax Benefit, or you will not be eligible for the Ontario Child Benefit.
You are required to pursue the Ontario Child Benefit as a financial resource. Your local office staff may ask you to show what you are doing to obtain this benefit.
2. If you have children under age 18, but are not receiving the Ontario Child Benefit, or are receiving less than the maximum amount of the Ontario Child Benefit, there is other help available to you. Talk to your local office for more information. |
For more information
If you have questions about the changes to social assistance, please contact your local office.
For information about the Ontario Child Benefit, including information about registering for the Canada Child Tax Benefit, maximum amounts of the Ontario Child Benefit and the Ontario Child Benefit on-line calculator, please call toll-free 1-866-821-7770 (TTY toll-free: 1-800-387-5559), or visit on-line at the Ministry of Children and Youth Services' website.