Q: My neighbour recently received a cheque from the Ontario government for $750. She has no idea what this is for. Do I qualify for this, as well? I am a single mother with an annual income of $26,000 with three kids, ages nine, 12 and 19.
A:
The cheques were sent out to low-income families with dependents under 18. Low-income families with adjusted family net income of less than $20,000 will receive this $250 one-time payment, per dependent child under 18, for 2007.
For family income in excess of $20,000, the amount will be reduced by 3.4 per cent for every dollar in excess of $20,000. Therefore, for your two dependent children, you would receive $296.
To qualify for the OCB:
- You must be the primary caregiver of the dependent(s) under 18, on or before June 30.
- You must have filed and been assessed for your 2006 income tax return;
- You are registered for the federal Child Tax Benefit;
- You are a resident of Ontario as of July 1, 2007.
