The Ontario government has announced an increase in the Ontario Child Benefit (OCB), raising the monthly payment to 150 dollars per child starting April 2025. This increase represents a 25 percent boost from the previous 120 dollars per month, aimed at helping families manage the rising cost of living.
With the new changes set to take effect, it is essential for Ontario families to understand the eligibility criteria and application process to ensure they receive this financial support.
Key Enhancements in the Ontario Child Benefit Program
The updated Ontario Child Benefit introduces several important improvements:
- Increased Monthly Payment: Maximum benefit raised from 120 dollars to 150 dollars per child
- Higher Income Limits: Family income eligibility thresholds expanded by approximately 15 percent
- Extended Age Range: Coverage now includes children from birth up to 18 years (previously capped at 17 years)
- Simplified Application Process: Easier registration for newborns and new residents
- Better Coordination with Other Benefits: Improved integration with federal and provincial support programs
These changes represent the most significant expansion of the Ontario Child Benefit since its introduction, with an estimated 80,000 additional children now qualifying under the revised guidelines.
Ontario Child Benefit Eligibility Requirements
To receive the full 150-dollar monthly benefit, families must meet specific criteria:
Residency Requirements
- The primary caregiver must be a resident of Ontario
- Must have lived in Ontario for at least three months (previously six months)
- The child must reside with the applicant at least 50 percent of the time
- Must have a valid immigration status in Canada (citizen, permanent resident, refugee, or temporary resident permit holder)
Income Thresholds
The Ontario Child Benefit is income-based, with payments decreasing as family income increases:
- Full Benefit: Families earning below 22,500 dollars receive 150 dollars per month per child
- Partial Benefit: Families earning between 22,500 and 50,000 dollars receive a reduced amount
- Minimum Benefit: Families near the 50,000-dollar threshold may receive at least 20 dollars per month per child
- Phase-Out Point: Benefits end once family income exceeds approximately 50,000 dollars (varies based on the number of children)
These adjustments increase support for middle-income families who previously did not qualify.
Child Eligibility
Children must:
- Be under 18 years of age
- Live with the applicant (primary caregiver)
- Be registered for the Canada Child Benefit (CCB)
- Meet Ontario residency requirements
Checking Eligibility and Benefit Amount
Families can verify eligibility and estimate their payment using several tools:
Online Benefits Calculator
The Ontario Benefits Calculator allows families to:
- Enter household income details
- Receive an instant eligibility assessment
- View estimated benefit amounts
- Explore other provincial financial assistance options
MyBenefits Online Portal
The MyBenefits portal provides users with:
- Personalized eligibility results
- Payment schedules
- Document submission for verification
- Notifications on payment updates
Ontario Child Benefit Helpline
Families can call 1-866-668-2363 to:
- Verify eligibility
- Get assistance with applications
- Check the status of existing benefits
- Access information in multiple languages
Application Process and Required Documents
For most families, enrollment is automatic if they are already receiving the Canada Child Benefit (CCB). However, some cases require a direct application:
Automatic Enrollment
Families will be enrolled automatically if:
- They have filed their most recent tax return
- Their address is updated with the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA)
- Their child is registered for the Canada Child Benefit
Direct Application Required
Families need to apply directly if:
- They recently moved to Ontario (within the last 12 months)
- Their child has recently come into their care (foster, kinship, or adoption)
- They have recently obtained immigration status in Canada
- They did not file taxes last year
- Their family situation has changed significantly (custody changes, separation, divorce)
Required Documentation
Applicants submitting a direct application must provide:
- Proof of birth for each child (birth certificate or equivalent)
- Proof of Ontario residency (driver’s license, utility bills, lease agreement)
- Immigration documentation (if applicable)
- Income verification
- Custody or guardianship documents (if applicable)
Ontario Child Benefit Payment Schedule
The increased Ontario Child Benefit will follow the usual payment schedule:
- Monthly Payments: Deposited on the 20th of each month
- Quarterly Payments: Issued in July, October, January, and April for those preferring fewer deposits
Payment Methods
- Direct deposit (fastest method)
- Prepaid payment card (for families without a bank account)
- Paper cheque (longest processing time)
Families can update their payment preferences through MyBenefits or by calling the helpline.
How the Ontario Child Benefit Works with Other Programs
The Ontario Child Benefit is integrated with multiple federal and provincial programs, including:
Federal Programs
- Canada Child Benefit (CCB): Eligibility is linked to CCB registration
- GST/HST Credit: Uses the same income data
- Canada Workers Benefit: Coordinated payment schedules
Provincial Programs
- Ontario Trillium Benefit: Consolidated application process
- Childcare Fee Subsidy: Simplified eligibility verification
- Ontario Works & Ontario Disability Support Program: Integrated benefit calculation
This enhanced coordination ensures families only need to update their information once.
Special Situations Affecting Eligibility
Shared Custody
- Parents with equal custody may each receive 50 percent of the benefit
- Both parents must register with CRA as shared-custody parents
Foster Children
- Foster parents do not receive OCB as support is already provided through foster care payments
- Kinship care arrangements may qualify
Children with Disabilities
- OCB does not affect eligibility for the Child Disability Benefit
- Additional support is available through the Assistance for Children with Severe Disabilities program
Important Dates for Ontario Child Benefit Enrollment
To ensure timely payments, families should note these deadlines:
- February 28, 2025: File outstanding tax returns for automatic enrollment
- March 15, 2025: Last day to update address with CRA for April payments
- March 20, 2025: Deadline to register direct deposit information
- April 20, 2025: First payment of the enhanced Ontario Child Benefit
Final Thoughts
The increase to 150 dollars per child per month provides much-needed financial relief for Ontario families. With expanded eligibility criteria and higher income thresholds, more households than ever will benefit from this program.
Families should verify their eligibility and ensure their information is updated to receive the increased payments starting April 2025. For further details, visit ontario.ca/childbenefits or call 1-866-668-2363.
Also Read:
New Monthly Stimulus Benefit of 735 Dollars Begins in April 2025 – Check Your Eligibility
Kashif Khan is a tech enthusiast and the founder of MLACW.com. With a passion for exploring the latest in mobile technology, gadgets, and digital trends, he brings insightful reviews and expert analysis to tech lovers worldwide.
