Having and raising kids is incredibly rewarding, but it’s also very expensive. In fact, the average Canadian family spends anywhere from $10,000 to $15,000 per year to raise a child until they hit the age of 18. That’s a hefty amount that not all Canadian parents may be able to comfortably afford.
Luckily, the provincial and federal governments have programs in place that are meant to help ease the financial burden that often comes with raising children. In Ontario, parents may be eligible for the Ontario Child Benefit to help out.
The Ontario Child Benefit is a plan backed by the provincial government designed to help low-to moderate-income families with the financial responsibilities of raising children under the age of 18. Parents can receive this benefit whether or not they are employed. Payments are tax-free and are issued on a monthly basis to families who qualify.
Eligible families can receive up to $1,473.96 per child per year, which works out to up to $121.75 per child every month. If your adjusted family net income is more than $22,504, you may receive a partial benefit.
Payment amounts are based on the following:
The amount that you receive through the Ontario Child Benefit is based on how much you earn. As such, you may be able to increase your benefit by reducing your taxable income, which you can do by maximizing your tax return with tax deductions and credits.
For instance, things such as childcare expenses, education fees, adoption expenses, medical costs, student loan interest, and donations can be used as tax deductions and tax credits. Speak with a tax specialist to help you reduce your taxable income and thereby maximize your OCB benefit.
Payment dates for the Ontario Child Benefit in the year 2022 are as follows:
Parents can receive the Ontario Child Benefit along with their Canada Child Benefit (CCB), a federal government-backed plan that also helps families with the cost of raising children. Eligible families can receive up to $6,833 per year per child under the age of 6 years, and up to $5,765 per year per child between the ages of 6 and 17.
Once approved, you’ll receive your benefits as monthly payments deposited directly into your bank account around the 20th of each month. The first payment will arrive within 8 weeks of completing and submitting an online application, or up to 11 weeks after applying by mail.
In order to be eligible for the Ontario Child Benefit, you need to qualify for the federal Canada Child Benefit and meet the following requirements:
You can apply for the Ontario Child Benefit as soon as your child is born, starts to live with you after a period of time spent living with someone else, or when you get custody of your child.
Apply for the benefit in one of the following ways:
You can apply for the OCB and CCB when you register the birth of your baby by paper at the place of birth. If you live in Ontario, Quebec, or British Columbia, you may also register online.
You’ll need to provide your Social Insurance Number (SIN) to ensure that the birth registration information is shared securely with the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) and to provide your consent.
You can also apply online using the My Account (your personal CRA account) on the CRA website if you did not register when your baby was born. If you don’t already have an account, you’ll need to register for one before applying for the benefit.
The CRA will automatically review your qualifications for this benefit once your income tax return has been assessed and you’ve registered for the Canada Child Benefit.
The cost of raising children can be astronomical, and while many Canadian families may be able to comfortably afford the expenses that come with parenthood, others may find it very difficult. In the case of the latter, there are programs available that can help out financially, and the Ontario Child Benefit is one of them. Find out if you qualify to receive some much-needed funds to care for your child.
Rating of 5/5 based on 2 votes.
Lisa has been working as a personal finance writer for more than a decade, creating unique content that helps to educate Canadian consumers in the realms of real estate, mortgages, investing and financial health. For years, she held her real estate license in Toronto, Ontario before giving it up to pursue writing within this realm and related niches. Lisa is very serious about smart money management and helping others do the same.
Save time and money with Loans Canada. Research and compare lenders before you apply. Share your experiences with Canada's top lenders.
Loans Canada is pleased to announce it placed No. 131 on the 2022 Report on Business ranking of Canada’s Top Growing Companies.
Earn up to 12,000 bonus Scene+™ points in your first year (that’s up to $120 towards travel).
New Offer! Get up to $2,000 cashback + a $50 bonus on signing up. Conditions apply.
Earn an average 5%¹ cash back at thousands of partners and at least 0.5%² cashback guaranteed.
All consultations and conversations with Loans Canada and its partners are confidential and risk-free. Speak with a trusted specialist today and see how we can help you achieve your financial goals faster. Loans Canada and its partners will never ask you for an upfront fee, deposit or insurance payments on a loan. Loans Canada is not a mortgage broker and does not arrange mortgage loans or any other type of financial service.
When you apply for a Loans Canada service, our website simply refers your request to qualified third party providers who can assist you with your search. Loans Canada may receive compensation from the offers shown on its website.
Only provide your information to trusted sources and be aware of online phishing scams and the risks associated with them, including identity theft and financial loss. Nothing on this website constitutes professional and/or financial advice.
