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By David Opinko/Lethbridge News Now

Parents to receive cost of living boost through Canada Child Benefit

Jul 20, 2020 | 1:40 PM

OTTAWA, ONT – The Government of Canada is increasing the maximum amounts of money parents can qualify for in the Canada Child Benefit program.

Starting today, payments will rise to “keep pace with the cost of living”, meaning recipients in the 2020-2021 year could receive:

• Up to $6,765 per child under age six
• Up to $5,708 per child aged six to 17

“This additional tax-free support ensures that the benefit continues to play a vital role in supporting Canadian families by helping to pay for things their children need such as healthy food, clothes and activities they can do together at home,” reads a statement from the federal government.

Some examples of payments for this year provided by Ottawa are as follows:

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• A single-parent family with one child under the age of six and earning $25,000 will receive an additional $126 for the 2020–21 benefit year, bringing their new yearly total benefit to $6,765.
• A two-parent family with two children aged four and nine and earning $55,000 will receive an additional $174 for the 2020–21 benefit year, bringing their new yearly total benefit to $9,329.
• A two-parent family with two children under the age of six and earning $90,000 will receive an additional $136 for the 2020–21 benefit year, bringing their new yearly total benefit to $7,322.

“Parents know how expensive raising a child can be. That is why I am pleased to announce on the 4th anniversary of the Canada Child Benefit, that it is again going to be raised,” says Ahmed Hussen, Minister of Families, Children, and Social Development.

More details on the Canada Child Benefit can be found here.