Benefit cheques that are coming August and September to Ontario residents

The cost of living in Ontario continues to rise with prices increasing for groceries, housing, and home improvements.

Government assistance programs may offer some help and relief for those struggling with these expenses.

Here are the benefit cheques rolling out in August and September.

Ontario Works or emergency assistance

For those facing financial difficulties, like buying essentials such as food and paying for shelter, the Ontario government offers assistance known as Ontario Works or social assistance.

Additionally, emergency assistance provides short-term financial support during crises or emergencies.

Eligibility is based on household income, ownership, and family size, and only one application is needed per family.

Videos

Read More

Applicants must be at least 16 years old, Ontario residents with Canadian status, and willing to participate in employment-related activities.

Emergency assistance is available for those in crisis, such as those affected by COVID-19, facing eviction, leaving an abusive situation, or experiencing a natural disaster. Here are the next payment dates:

• August 30
• September 27

Tax assistance for residents

If they meet specific criteria, low-income seniors (65+ years) or individuals with disabilities who have owned and resided in their homes for at least one year can apply for an annual property tax rebate.

To be eligible, every property owner must receive benefits under the Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS) Program or the Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP).

Alternatively, the spouse of an owner receiving GIS or ODSP benefits also qualifies.

Some instances include:

• If a married couple owns the property, either one must receive GIS or ODSP.
• If a married couple, along with a sibling, owns the property, the sibling and either spouse must receive GIS or ODSP.
• If two siblings own the property, both must receive GIS or ODSP.

Qualifying for the tax rebate automatically makes you eligible for a Stormwater Charge Subsidy.

Single-family homes receive subsidies on their Region of Peel water bill, while condominiums receive a mailed cheque from the City of Mississauga.

Applications must be submitted by December 31 of the current tax year, but submission is possible at any point in the year if all required documentation is available.

Canadian Pension Plan and Old Age Security

The maximum monthly payment for the Canadian Pension Plan (CPP) for residents over 65 is $1,306.57.

For the Old Age Security (OAS) pension, individuals between the ages of 65 and 74 with an annual income of less than $142,609 are eligible for a monthly payment of up to $707.68. Those between the ages of 75 and over with an annual income of less than $148,179 may receive up to $778.45 monthly.

The Canadian Pension Plan and Old Age Security payments are sent out monthly. The next couple dates for these payments are:

• August 28
• September 25

Child Tax Credit

The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) oversees the tax-free monthly Child Tax Credit benefit, designed for eligible families supporting children under 18. The CCB may incorporate child disability benefits and relevant provincial and territorial programs. The upcoming dates for the Child Tax Credit are:

• August 20
• September 20

The Ontario Child Benefit offers up to $1,607 annually per child, depending on an individual’s family net income and the number of children under 18 years in their care.

Ontario Trillium Benefit

The Ontario Trillium Benefit, disbursed on a monthly basis, includes the Ontario Energy and Property Tax Credit, the Northern Ontario Energy Credit, and the Ontario Sales Tax Credit. The next payment dates are as follows:

• August 9
• September 10

Individuals between the ages of 18 and 64 could receive up to $1,194 annually, and those 65 and over may receive up to $1,360 per year.