Raising a family in Ontario comes with its own set of financial challenges, from the escalating costs of housing to the burden of childcare expenses. Fortunately, the Ontario Child Benefit (OCB) provides monthly payments to low and moderate-income families in Ontario to assist with the cost of raising their children.
As a non-taxable payment administered by the CRA on behalf of the Ontario government, the OCB extends assistance to over half a million families, benefiting approximately a million children.
If you live in Ontario and have recently become a parent, you may be wondering whether you qualify for a government child support program and when you can expect to receive your payments. In this article, we will cover everything you need to know about the Ontario Child Benefit, including its eligibility requirements, the application process, potential benefit amounts, and payment dates for 2024.
Let’s embark on this journey of financial empowerment, ensuring you have the knowledge and tools to secure the best possible future for your family.
What is Ontario Child Benefit?
The Ontario Child Benefit (OCB) is a tax-free payment provided by the Ontario government to assist low- to moderate-income families in caring for their children. It extends payments to parents with newborns or adopted children under 18 years old.
OCB payments are disbursed to eligible families alongside the Canada Child Benefit (CCB) in a single monthly payment. This financial support aids in covering living expenses before and after the child’s birth.
The objective of the Ontario government is to facilitate parenting within the province. When you become a parent in Ontario, the government strives to alleviate the additional costs of raising a child. This parental assistance arrives in the form of a non-taxable baby bonus cheque.
This Ontario baby bonus is provided on a monthly basis, and the amount you can receive depends on the number of qualifying children within your household and your net income.
Ontario Child Benefit Payment Dates 2024
The OCB and Canada Child Benefit (CCB) are combined into a single credit, so your OCB payments will coincide with the CCB payment schedule.
The CRA makes Ontario Child Benefit (OCB) payments on the following dates:
- January 19, 2024
- February 20, 2024
- March 20, 2024
- April 19, 2024
- May 17, 2024
- June 20, 2024
- July 19, 2024
- August 20, 2024
- September 20, 2024
- October 18, 2024
- November 20, 2024
- December 13, 2024
How Much is Child Benefit in Ontario?
The Ontario Child Benefit (OCB) provides a maximum of $1,607 per child annually. The Ontario Child Benefit amount you can receive depends on your family’s net income and the number of children under 18 who are under your care.
The monthly payment of the Ontario Child Benefit is set at $133.91. If you did not file your taxes in the previous year and were responsible for children under 18 years old, your OCB payments will be withheld until your taxes are filed.
Ontario Child Benefit Eligibility
To qualify for this benefit, you must be a resident of Ontario and meet all of the following criteria:
- You are a low-income parent with a kid under the age of 18
- There has been a tax return filed on your behalf by your partner or common-law partner
- You have completed the registration for the federal Canada child benefit
The OCB is not a welfare payment, so it is available to all families regardless of their employment or how much money they make.
How to Apply for Child Benefits in Ontario
The Ontario Child Benefit does not require a separate application. If you currently receive Canada Child Benefit, OCB enrollment will be automatic for you. However, you must apply for a baby bonus in Ontario if you do not receive CCB.
Whether you just had a new baby or have taken over the responsibility of a child, the procedure is the same. You can apply for Ontario Child Benefit through CRA if you are a new immigrant.
Upon registering for the Canada Child Benefit, the CRA will automatically assess whether you qualify for the OCB.
If you are moving from another province to Ontario, update your record with the CRA as soon as possible to begin receiving the Ontario Child Benefit.
To apply for CCB, you can use any of these methods:
- When you register the birth of your baby
- Through your “My Account” on the CRA website
- By mail, when you fill out and send Form RC66 to your tax centre
- Besides completing the form RC66, newcomers should also complete the Schedule RC66SCH and mail it to the CRA office in their area.
Payments should begin within 8 to 11 weeks after you submit your application.
What is the Ontario Child Tax Benefit?
The Ontario Child Care Tax Credit offers a refundable tax credit to assist families with childcare costs. It is also known as the Ontario Childcare Access and Expense Relief Tax Credit.
The Ontario Child Care Tax Credit is for children under the age of 7 at the end of the taxation year. The amount is based on your family income and the number of children under seven.
You must meet the following requirements to qualify for the child tax credit:
- You must reside in Ontario
- Having the ability to deduct childcare expenses
- Families making less than $150,000
- Eligible families can also claim up to 75% of their eligible childcare expenses for fees at a daycare centre, a boarding school, or a camp,
Ontario Works Child Benefits
The Ontario government assists low-income families with children through Ontario Works. You must meet all of the program’s eligibility requirements to qualify for the benefit.
Ontario Works requires that you be a province resident, need food and shelter assistance, and demonstrate that you are working hard to find a job.
The amount of financial support you receive also depends on various factors, including the size of your family and your shelter costs.
The amount of money paid out in child benefits depends on several factors, including the number of dependents in the household and their ages.
Child-related benefits through Ontario Works include:
1. Money for Newborns
You may be eligible to receive financial assistance towards purchasing baby gear and clothing for a new child. The benefit includes up to $260 for buying a new crib and up to $100 for clothing and bedding.
You can apply through a caseworker starting four months before delivery or up to one year after the child’s birth.
2. Child Care Start-Up Benefit
To help you begin working, you can receive an advance payment of one month’s child care.
For unlicensed child care, the maximum benefit amount is $600, and there are no maximums for licensed care. In 12 months, you only can apply once for this benefit.
3. Transition Child Benefit
When a family on Ontario Works does not receive the Ontario Child Benefit yet but has a child under 18, they may qualify for the Transition Child Benefit. It can help with the costs of caring for children.
Ontario Works will automatically add the Transition Child Benefit to your monthly payment, so you don’t need to apply separately if all of these conditions are met:
- A child under 18 is living in the home, and
- The child is not receiving any other provincial or federal benefit for low-income families, and
- The individual applying for the Transition Child Benefit is responsible for caring for the child.
Each child is eligible for $230 per month under the Transition Child Benefit program.
Final Thoughts on Ontario Child Benefit
Whether you’re a parent or not, you must agree that the cost of raising a baby has overgrown. That’s why the Canadian government offers financial support for new parents who are actively raising their babies in Ontario.
These financial benefits can significantly decrease stress and ensure your baby grows up healthy, happy and well cared for.
Hopefully, this article has given you a clearer idea of the various options for help if you are a parent or considering being one soon.
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FAQs on Ontario Child Benefit
Does everyone receive child benefit?
Child benefit is available to all eligible individuals, regardless of their income and savings.
What is the max baby bonus in Ontario?
The maximum you will receive per child under 18 each year is $1,509 or $12 per month. You may receive a partial benefit if your gross family income exceeds $23,044.
Do you get money for having a baby in Ontario?
The Ontario Child Benefit helps low and medium-income parents pay for the costs of raising children by providing an annual payment of up to $1,509 per child. This benefit is available to both earning and jobless individuals.
