More questions
What is adjusted family net income?
For the purposes of determining how much money you will receive for the Ontario Child Benefit, adjusted family net income is defined as:
The net income amount on line 236 of the Canada Revenue Agency personal income tax form for both you and your spouse/common-law partner if applicable minus any federal Universal Child Care Benefit payments.
Where can I get the forms I need to file a tax return?
Visit the Canada Revenue Agency website to download an Ontario General Income Tax and Benefit Package form. You can also request the forms by calling 1-800-959-2221, or you can pick them up at your local Tax Services Office.
I have not yet filed my tax return. How can I apply for the Ontario Child Benefit?
To receive the Ontario Child Benefit, you must file an income tax return for the previous year and register your child for the Canada Child Tax Benefit. The Canada Revenue Agency will automatically review your eligibility for the benefit once your return is assessed.
To find out more about the tax-filing process, visit the Canada Revenue Agency website.
My family has had no income over the past year. Do I still need to file a tax return?
Yes. A family must file their taxes every year to begin, or continue, receiving the Ontario Child Benefit. You and your spouse or common-law partner (if applicable) must file your income tax return(s) so that the Canada Revenue Agency can correctly calculate your Ontario Child Benefit payments.
I live in Ontario and am having a baby in mid-year. Will I be eligible?
Families who have babies mid-year should notify the Canada Revenue Agency immediately. You should also register the child for the Canada Child Tax Benefit and file your income tax return if you haven’t done so already.
Most eligible families will begin to receive their benefit within 80 days of submitting the Canada Child Tax Benefit application. Retroactive OCB payments for which the family is eligible are included in the first payment.
OCB eligibility for newborns begins in the first month after the baby is born. For example, if a baby is born in September, OCB eligibility begins in October.
Visit the Canada Revenue Agency website to download the Canada Child Tax Benefit application. You can also request a form by calling 1-800-959-2221.
I am an Aboriginal person living on reserve and I'm not required to file an income tax return. How do I become eligible for the Ontario Child Benefit?
The process to receive the Ontario Child Benefit is the same for all Ontario families. You and your spouse or common-law partner must file an income tax return and submit a Canada Child Tax Benefit Application to be eligible for the Ontario Child Benefit.
Even if you are not usually required to file an income tax return, you must do so to be eligible for the Ontario Child Benefit. To continue receiving the Ontario Child Benefit, you and your spouse or common-law partner must file an income tax return each year.
If you have questions about filing your taxes, contact the Canada Revenue Agency at 1-800-959-8281. Or for more information on the tax system for Status Indians, visit the Canada Revenue Agency website.
I have moved to Ontario from another province. Am I eligible?
You will need to inform the Canada Revenue Agency of your change in address. You and your partner will both need to file your income tax returns and register your child for the Canada Child Tax Benefit. If you are eligible, you will start to receive the Ontario Child Benefit. You won’t need to fill out any other forms.
I am a recent immigrant to Canada living in Ontario. Am I eligible?
You may be eligible for the Ontario Child Benefit if you, your spouse or common-law partner is:
- a Canadian citizen, a permanent resident, or a protected person; or
- a temporary resident who has lived in Canada for the past 18 months, and who has a valid permit in the 19th month.
You and your partner will both need to file your income tax returns and register your child for the Canada Child Tax Benefit. If you are eligible, you will start to receive the Ontario Child Benefit. You won't need to fill out any other forms.
When will my benefit increase?
The Ontario government has committed to increase the Ontario Child Benefit in 2013 to a maximum annual payment of $1,210 and to $1,310 in 2014. As a result, families receiving the Ontario Child Benefit will see an increase in their benefits and new families will become eligible.
