Ontario Child Benefit
The Ontario government has introduced a new non-taxable Ontario Child Benefit that will help low-income families provide for their children.
Social assistance has changed for families who have children under age 18.
If you do not have a child, the changes to social assistance will not affect you. If you have a child under age 18, these are the changes:
The National Child Benefit Supplement (NCBS) is no longer being deducted from your social assistance payment.
The "basic needs" amount for your child has been removed from social assistance.
You no longer receive the Back-to-School Allowance and the Winter Clothing Allowance.
These Changes Mean
You receive less from social assistance BUT
Your monthly Ontario Child Benefit payment and your full NCBS will make up the difference.
Not Everything Has Changed
You 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 has not changed.
About the Ontario Child Benefit
The Ontario Child Benefit is a financial support for low-income families that you might still be eligible to receive when you leave social assistance. The Canada Revenue Agency will include your Ontario Child Benefit with your Canada Tax Benefit (includes NCBS) cheque/direct deposit.
If you have a child under age 18, you are required to pursue the Ontario Child Benefit as a financial resource. This means you must file your income tax returns and register for the Canada Child Tax Benefit. Ontario Works or Ontario Disability Support Program staff may ask you for documents to show you have done this.
If you 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 these changes, please contact your local office.
For more information about the Ontario Child Benefit
Please call toll-free 1-866-821-7770 or 416-325-5666 (Toronto)
TTY toll-free: 1-800-387-5559 or the Ontario Child Benefit Website.