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The Ontario Child Benefit

The Ontario Child Benefit gives low income families the financial support that they need to provide essentials like food and shelter for their children. The OCB helps build a stronger economy by making it easier for parents to leave social assistance for work.

In 2007, the Ontario government fundamentally changed how benefits for children in low-income families are provided.

Expanding opportunities for children and families is an important investment in Ontario’s future. All families want their children to have the best possible start in life if they are to seize opportunities for success. Families want the support that they deserve to secure their most basic needs and be equipped to participate in Ontario’s economic prosperity.

The government recognizes the importance of investments in helping children and families. The goals of these investments are clear – to provide more assistance to more children and help families make the transition from social assistance to employment.

At maturity, the Ontario Child Benefit will help about 1.3 million children annually by providing benefits to all lowincome families with children, regardless of the source of their income. It also helps parents receiving social assistance make the transition to work because they continue to receive children’s benefits after beginning employment.

Chart 1

When the Ontario Child Benefit reaches maturity, the total income of a single parent with two children under age 13 working full-time at minimum wage would be 54 per cent higher than it was in 2003 (See Chart 2).

Chart 2

When the Ontario Child Benefit reaches maturity, the total income of a single parent receiving Ontario Works benefits with two children under age 13 would be over 35 per cent higher than it was in 2003 (See Chart 3).

Chart 3