Ontario Child Benefit

The Ontario Child Benefit was announced in March 2007 and will go to all low-income families with children between the ages of 0 – 18, whether they are working or receiving Ontario Works (OW) or the Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP). As a result, if a family leaves social assistance, they will not lose their child benefits.

The Ontario Child Benefit will be implemented in July 2008 and is scheduled to increase gradually from $50/month/child to $92/month/child by 2011. As of July, 2008, the National Child Benefit Supplement (NCBS) will also no longer be deducted monthly from the cheques of families on OW and ODSP. While families on OW and ODSP will apparently be better off as a result of these changes, the amount they will get is significantly less than it appears. As of July, 2008, monthly ODSP and OW benefits for families will be reduced and families will no longer receive a separate winter clothing allowance or back-to-school clothing allowance. Thus, a single mother on OW with one child, for example, will only be better off by $31/month as of July 2008, growing gradually to $50/month by 2011.

Ontario Child Benefit Q&A - updated October 2007

Before the Ontario Child Benefit can be implemented in July, 2008, there are several outstanding issues that still need to be resolved. Many of these issues are highlighted in ISAC's Ontario Child Benefit Q&A and ISAC will continue working to ensure all families on social assistance benefit.

ISAC is also urging supporters to lobby candidates in the upcoming Ontario election speed up the implementation of the Ontario Child Benefit. Struggling families need the full amount of the Ontario Child Benefit immediately, not four years from now.

Ontario Child Benefit Election Backgrounder (ISAC - June 2007)

OW and ODSP Recipients Should File 2007 Tax Returns - April 2008