The federal government is offering three temporary benefits for families and people living on low incomes.
Canada Dental Benefit (temporary, one-time benefit, two eligibility periods)
The Canada Dental Benefit is intended to support families whose incomes are less than $90,000 a year access dental care for their children. Depending on income and a few other factors, families can access up to $650 per eligible child, twice. This is a temporary benefit program intended to support low income families before a more permanent dental benefit is set up.
This temporary benefit can be applied for on behalf of children aged 12 and under as of December 1, 2022 who received dental care between October 1, 2022 and June 30, 2023. Applicants must have filed their 2021 taxes in order to be eligible. To read more about whether or not your child is eligible, check out CLEO’s post here.
Applications for the first payment period are open now through to June 30, 2023.
To find out more information about the Canada Dental Benefit including how to apply, check out the Government of Canada’s website here.
Canada Housing Benefit top-up (temporary, one-time benefit)
The Canada Housing Benefit top-up is intended to support low income renters with high rent costs. This is a temporary one-time amount of $500. Eligibility is based on your income and your rental costs, and a few other factors.
Applicants do not need to already be receiving the Canada Housing Benefit, but applicants must have filed their 2021 taxes in order to qualify. This benefit is non-taxable, and should not be considered income for ODSP and OW clients. If you run into an issue with this, contact your local community legal clinic.
Applications are open now through to March 31, 2023.
To find out more information about the Canada Housing Benefit top up including how to apply, check out the Government of Canada’s website here.
On-Reserve Income Assistance Program (temporary, ongoing)
The On-Reserve Income Assistance Program is a federal program which is intended to be “a last resort” for eligible individuals and their families who ordinarily live on reserve, or who are Status Indians who live in Yukon.
Eligibility is based on: on-reserve residency (or if in Yukon, being a Status Indian), ongoing eligibility for basic or special financial assistance, evidence of no other source of funding to meet basic needs, and an additional assessment based on criteria determined by the individual’s province/territory.
These funds should not be treated as income and assets for OW clients.
To find out more information about the On-Reserve Income Assistance Program and how to apply, check out the Government of Canada’s website here or contact your community band office.