Big benefit rebate cheques coming to Ontario residents soon

All Ontario residents should soon get a $200 rebate from the government.

The rebate is to help Ontario families struggling with the high costs of the federal carbon tax and interest rates, Premier Doug Ford announced on Tuesday in Scarborough.

Families will get an additional $200 for each eligible child.

“We’re doing everything we can to keep costs down for Ontario families, but the federal carbon tax and high interest rates are still hurting taxpayers across the province,” said Ford. “This $200 taxpayer rebate will give Ontario taxpayers, especially families with children, some much-deserved help so they can make ends meet.”

Cheques should be mailed in early 2025. A family of five with two adults and three children could get $1,000, if eligible. In total, this rebate is expected to pay out $3 billion for approximately 12.5 million adults and 2.5 million children.

“We encourage taxpayers to watch their mailboxes for this taxpayer rebate in early 2025 as we continue making life more affordable for Ontarians while retaining prudent, responsible fiscal management,” said Peter Bethlenfalvy, Minister of Finance.

The government is providing taxpayers with this relief because of higher-than-expected revenues as a result of the impact of inflation on provincial sales tax revenues and the impact of recent changes to the federal government’s capital gains tax, a press release from the province stated.

Those eligible for the tax-free taxpayer rebate must be 18 years or older at the end of 2023; be a resident in Ontario on Dec. 31, 2023; have filed their 2023 Income Tax and Benefit Return by Dec. 31, 2024; and not be bankrupt or incarcerated in 2024.

There is no mention of income levels in the release. So high-income earners would also qualify for the benefit.

Families who qualify for a Canada Child Benefit payment for 2024 should receive an additional $200 for each eligible child under age 18.

For families with children who did not receive the CCB for 2024, the government should provide an opportunity for a taxpayer rebate payment of $200 per child through an alternative process.

For general inquiries on the taxpayer rebate, call ServiceOntario at 1-833-351-0409.

For more information on filing a personal income tax and benefit return see more here.