Ontario Child Benefit : The Ontario government has announced significant enhancements to the Ontario Child Benefit (OCB) program, with payments increasing to $150 per month per eligible child beginning in April 2025.

This substantial boost represents a 25% increase from the previous maximum payment of $120 per month and aims to provide additional support to families facing rising living costs.

With the implementation date approaching, it’s crucial for Ontario families to understand the expanded eligibility criteria and verification process to ensure they receive this important financial support.

Ontario Child Benefit Program Enhancements and Payment Increases

The enhanced Ontario Child Benefit reflects several important changes to the long-running program:

Increased Maximum Benefit: The maximum monthly payment rises from $120 to $150 per eligible child
Higher Income Thresholds: Family income eligibility limits have been raised by approximately 15%
Expanded Age Range: Coverage now extends to children from birth until age 18 (previously ended at age 17)
Simplified Application Process: Streamlined enrollment procedures, particularly for newborns and new residents
Enhanced Integration: Better coordination with federal benefits and provincial support programs

These changes represent the most substantial expansion of the program since its introduction, with the Ontario Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services estimating that an additional 80,000 children will become eligible under the new guidelines.

Ontario Child Benefit Eligibility Requirements

To qualify for the full $150 monthly benefit, families must meet several criteria:

Residency Requirements

Primary caregiver must be an Ontario resident
Must have lived in Ontario for at least 3 months (reduced from previous 6-month requirement)
Child must reside with the applicant at least 50% of the time
Valid immigration status in Canada (Canadian citizens, permanent residents, refugees, or those with temporary resident permits)

Ontario Child Benefit Income Thresholds

The OCB is income-tested, with benefit amounts gradually reducing as family income increases:

Full Benefit: Families with adjusted net income below $22,500 receive the full $150 monthly per child
Partial Benefit: Families with incomes between $22,500 and $50,000 receive gradually reduced payments
Minimum Benefit: Families near the upper threshold may qualify for at least $20 monthly per child
Benefit Phase-out: Benefits completely phase out at approximately $50,000 (varies based on number of children)

These thresholds represent a significant increase from previous limits, extending support to more middle-income families.

Child Eligibility

To qualify, children must:

Be under 18 years of age
Live with the applicant who is their primary caregiver
Be registered for the Canada Child Benefit (CCB)
Meet residency requirements for Ontario

Ontario Child Benefit How to Check Eligibility and Benefit Amount

Several tools are available for families to verify eligibility and estimate their benefit amount:

Online Benefits Calculator

The Ontario Benefits Calculator (ontario.ca/benefitscalculator) allows families to:

Enter household information and income
Receive instant eligibility assessment
View estimated monthly payment amounts
Explore other provincial benefits they may qualify for

MyBenefits Service

The MyBenefits online portal provides registered users with:

Personalized eligibility assessment
Benefit payment schedules
Document upload capabilities for verification
Notification preferences for payment updates

Telephone Information Line

The dedicated OCB information line (1-866-ONT-BENF or 1-866-668-2363) offers:

Eligibility verification with service representatives
Application assistance
Status updates on pending applications
Information in multiple languages

Ontario Child Benefit Application Process and Required Documentation

For most families, the application process is automatic through integration with the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA). However, some situations require direct application:

Automatic Enrollment

If you currently receive the Canada Child Benefit and reside in Ontario, enrollment is generally automatic if:

You filed your most recent tax return
Your address information is current with the CRA
You’ve registered your child for the Canada Child Benefit

Direct Application Required

You’ll need to apply directly if:

You’re a new resident to Ontario (arrived within the past 12 months)
Your child recently came into your care (foster, kinship, or adoption)
You’ve recently obtained status in Canada
You haven’t filed taxes in the previous year
Your family situation has changed significantly (separation, divorce, custody changes)

Documentation Requirements

When direct application is necessary, you’ll need to provide:

Proof of birth for each child (birth certificate or equivalent)
Proof of Ontario residency (driver’s license, utility bills, lease agreement)
Immigration documentation (if applicable)
Income verification
Custody or guardianship documentation (if applicable)

Ontario Child Benefit Payment Distribution and Schedule

The enhanced OCB payments will be distributed according to the established schedule:

Monthly Payment Option: Benefits deposited on the 20th of each month
Quarterly Payment Option: Larger payments issued in July, October, January, and April (for those preferring less frequent deposits)

Payment methods include:

Direct deposit to bank account (fastest method)
Reloadable payment card (for those without traditional banking)
Paper cheque (longest processing time)

Recipients can update their payment preferences through the MyBenefits portal or by contacting the OCB information line.

Ontario Child Benefit Integration with Other Benefits

The Ontario Child Benefit works in conjunction with several other support programs:

Federal Programs

Canada Child Benefit: OCB eligibility is linked to CCB registration
GST/HST Credit: Income information used for both programs
Canada Workers Benefit: Coordinated payment schedules

Provincial Programs

Ontario Trillium Benefit: Consolidated application process
Childcare Fee Subsidy: Streamlined eligibility verification
Ontario Works: Coordinated benefit calculation
Ontario Disability Support Program: Integrated payment systems

The enhanced integration means families generally need to update information only once to maintain eligibility across multiple programs.

Ontario Child Benefit Special Circumstances

Several situations may affect OCB eligibility or payment amounts:

Shared Custody Arrangements

When parents share custody approximately equally:

Each eligible parent may receive 50% of the benefit
Both parents must register with the CRA as shared-custody parents
Documentation of the custody arrangement may be required

Foster Children

Foster parents generally do not receive the OCB for foster children as:

Foster care payments already provide support
The child welfare agency is considered the primary guardian
Exceptions exist for kinship care arrangements

Children with Disabilities

Families caring for children with disabilities should note:

OCB payments do not affect eligibility for the Child Disability Benefit
Ontario’s Assistance for Children with Severe Disabilities program provides additional support
Combined benefits can be received simultaneously

Newcomers to Ontario

New residents should:

Apply as soon as the 3-month residency requirement is met
Provide documentation of arrival date
Register for the Canada Child Benefit simultaneously
Update address information with both provincial and federal authorities

Ontario Child Benefit Next Steps and Important Dates

For families to ensure they receive the enhanced benefit starting in April 2025, several key dates and actions are important:

February 28, 2025: Deadline to file any outstanding tax returns to ensure automatic enrollment
March 15, 2025: Last day to update address information with the CRA for April payments
March 20, 2025: Deadline to register new direct deposit information
April 20, 2025: First enhanced OCB payments distributed
April 30, 2025: Deadline to file 2024 tax returns to maintain uninterrupted benefits

Ontario Child Benefit Conclusion

The increased Ontario Child Benefit of $150 monthly per child represents significant additional support for families across the province.

With expanded eligibility criteria and higher income thresholds, more families than ever will qualify for this important benefit.

By checking eligibility now and ensuring all information is current with both provincial and federal systems, families can avoid delays in receiving the enhanced payments beginning in April 2025.

For additional information or assistance with the Ontario Child Benefit, visit ontario.ca/child benefits or contact the dedicated information line at 1-866-ONT-BENF (1-866-668-2363).

Ontario Child Benefit Program Enhancements and Payment Increases

Increased Maximum Benefit: The maximum monthly payment rises from $120 to $150 per eligible child

Higher Income Thresholds: Family income eligibility limits have been raised by approximately 15%

Expanded Age Range: Coverage now extends to children from birth until age 18 (previously ended at age 17)

Simplified Application Process: Streamlined enrollment procedures, particularly for newborns and new residents

Enhanced Integration: Better coordination with federal benefits and provincial support programs

Ontario Child Benefit Eligibility Requirements

Residency Requirements

Primary caregiver must be an Ontario resident

Must have lived in Ontario for at least 3 months (reduced from previous 6-month requirement)

Child must reside with the applicant at least 50% of the time

Valid immigration status in Canada (Canadian citizens, permanent residents, refugees, or those with temporary resident permits)

Ontario Child Benefit Income Thresholds

Full Benefit: Families with adjusted net income below $22,500 receive the full $150 monthly per child

Partial Benefit: Families with incomes between $22,500 and $50,000 receive gradually reduced payments

Minimum Benefit: Families near the upper threshold may qualify for at least $20 monthly per child

Benefit Phase-out: Benefits completely phase out at approximately $50,000 (varies based on number of children)

Child Eligibility

Be under 18 years of age

Live with the applicant who is their primary caregiver

Be registered for the Canada Child Benefit (CCB)

Meet residency requirements for Ontario

Ontario Child Benefit How to Check Eligibility and Benefit Amount

Online Benefits Calculator

Enter household information and income

Receive instant eligibility assessment

View estimated monthly payment amounts

Explore other provincial benefits they may qualify for

MyBenefits Service

Personalized eligibility assessment

Benefit payment schedules

Document upload capabilities for verification

Notification preferences for payment updates

Telephone Information Line

Eligibility verification with service representatives

Application assistance

Status updates on pending applications

Information in multiple languages

Ontario Child Benefit Application Process and Required Documentation

Automatic Enrollment

You filed your most recent tax return

Your address information is current with the CRA

You’ve registered your child for the Canada Child Benefit

Direct Application Required

You’re a new resident to Ontario (arrived within the past 12 months)

Your child recently came into your care (foster, kinship, or adoption)

You’ve recently obtained status in Canada

You haven’t filed taxes in the previous year

Your family situation has changed significantly (separation, divorce, custody changes)

Documentation Requirements

Proof of birth for each child (birth certificate or equivalent)

Proof of Ontario residency (driver’s license, utility bills, lease agreement)

Immigration documentation (if applicable)

Income verification

Custody or guardianship documentation (if applicable)

Ontario Child Benefit Payment Distribution and Schedule

Monthly Payment Option: Benefits deposited on the 20th of each month

Quarterly Payment Option: Larger payments issued in July, October, January, and April (for those preferring less frequent deposits)

Payment methods include:

Direct deposit to bank account (fastest method)

Reloadable payment card (for those without traditional banking)

Paper cheque (longest processing time)

Ontario Child Benefit Integration with Other Benefits

Federal Programs

Canada Child Benefit: OCB eligibility is linked to CCB registration

GST/HST Credit: Income information used for both programs

Canada Workers Benefit: Coordinated payment schedules

Provincial Programs

Ontario Trillium Benefit: Consolidated application process

Childcare Fee Subsidy: Streamlined eligibility verification

Ontario Works: Coordinated benefit calculation

Ontario Disability Support Program: Integrated payment systems

Ontario Child Benefit Special Circumstances

Shared Custody Arrangements

Each eligible parent may receive 50% of the benefit

Both parents must register with the CRA as shared-custody parents

Documentation of the custody arrangement may be required

Foster Children

Foster care payments already provide support

The child welfare agency is considered the primary guardian