The Ontario government has changed the way it provides financial assistance for children. The change happened on July 1, 2008.
 
Before July 1, 2008, assistance to children came through Social Assistance (Ontario Works and the Ontario Disability Support Program). That meant that, if you were on Social Assistance, you got extra money to help take care of your children. Your cheque was bigger than it would have been if you hadn’t had children.
 
In the new system, most support for children will not come through Social Assistance. It will come from Revenue Canada. You have probably already been getting a Child Benefit cheque which included money from the Canada Child Tax Benefit and the National Child Benefit Supplement. The new assistance, which is called the Ontario Child Benefit, will come from Revenue Canada as part of your Child Benefit cheque.
 
That means that your Social Assistance cheque will be smaller, but your Child Benefit cheque will be bigger.
 
Will I get more money?
 
If you are working, you will get more money under the new system. As long as you file your income tax returns, you will get extra money on your Child Benefit cheque.
 
If you are on Social Assistance, your yearly income won’t change very much. In total, you might get between $25 and $65 more per month. But your Social Assistance cheque will be smaller, because some of your assistance will be coming on your Child Benefit cheque instead.
 
Will my children still get allowances for winter clothing and back to school supplies?
 
No. These Social Assistance benefits don’t exist anymore. The money will be spread over the whole year as part of your regular cheques. You will need to save up money to buy winter clothing and back to school supplies for your kids.
 
How do I make sure that I get the Child Benefit?
 
You must file your income tax return in order to get Child Benefit cheques. Even if you don’t owe any taxes, and don’t expect any money from your tax return, you must still file the return.  Otherwise, you will not receive any Child Benefit money.
 
What if I don’t qualify for the Child Benefit?
 
Some people will not get Child Benefit cheques. For example, if you have just moved to Ontario, or you do not have immigration status in Canada, you may not qualify for this money. You should still apply when you file your tax return.
 
If you do not qualify for the Child Benefit and you are on Social Assistance, you should get extra money from Social Assistance to make up at least part of the difference. This money is called the Transition Child Benefit. It is provided by Social Assistance, not by Revenue Canada.
 
Social Assistance has said that they will review your file to decide whether you should be getting the Transition Child Benefit. If you aren’t getting the Child Benefit, you should tell you worker and ask them to give you the Transition Child Benefit. Your worker will want to know that you have tried to get the Child Benefit, and that you have been turned down.
 
What if I have joint custody of my kids?
 
If you share custody of your children with another person, assistance for your children is complicated. We do not yet know exactly how this will work. If you are on Social Assistance and have joint custody, you should contact your local Legal Aid clinic for advice.
 
What are the most important things for me to remember?

* If you haven’t already, you should file your income tax return as soon as possible.
* Your Social Assistance cheque will be smaller, but your Child Benefit cheque will be bigger.
* If you have been turned down for the Child Benefit, be sure to ask your worker for the Transition Child Benefit.
* You will no longer get allowances for winter clothing and back to school supplies for your kids.
* If you are on Social Assistance and have joint custody of your kids, contact your local Legal Aid clinic.
 
If you have any questions or need advice, please contact the Legal Clinic at Unison Health and Community Services or your local Legal Aid clinic.

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