Ontario Child Benefit (OCB) program

The Province of Ontario announced, in its budget of March 22, 2007, the Ontario Child Benefit program, to financially assist lower-income families with children. In July 2007, the Canada Revenue Agency will start administering this program.

In July 2007, the program will provide a non-taxable, one-time, OCB payment of up to $250 for each dependent child under the age of 18. This payment will be reduced by 3.4 cents for every dollar of family net income that is more than $20,000.

Starting in July 2008, the OCB will be paid monthly. For the 2008-09 payment year, the OCB will provide up to $600 for each dependent child under the age of 18. The payment will be reduced by 8 cents for each dollar of family net income that is more than $20,000. The maximum OCB payment will increase each payment year up to the 2011-12 year, when the payment will be $1,100 for each dependent child under the age of 18.

If you are eligible for an OCB payment, you should receive your one-time payment by the end of July 2007.

Enquiries service

Starting July 27, a toll-free enquiries service will be available at the following numbers:
1-866-458-2198 (for service in English)
1-866-458-2199 (for service in French)

Until July 27, you can hear messages that give general information about the OCB by calling the above-mentioned numbers.

More information

You can get more information on the OCB program at www.ontariochildbenefit.ca, or you can call the Ontario Ministry of Children and Youth Services toll free at 1-888-789-4199. If you use a teletypewriter (TTY), call 1-800-387-5559.

Questions and answers