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King government's 'modest' child benefit will provide up to $360 a year for each P.E.I. child

Starting next month, Prince Edward Island families who make less than $80,000 a year will receive up to $360 per child annually — or $30 per month — through the new P.E.I. Child Benefit. 

Families with a net income of over $80,000 won't qualify for the assistance

Wayne Thibodeau · CBC News ·
Photo of a adult and child holding hands
Families with a net income of less than $45,000 will receive $30 per month per child. Families with a net income between $45,000 and $80,000 will receive $20 per month per child. (Rafal Olechowski/Shutterstock)

Next month, Island families who make less than $80,000 a year will receive up to $360 per child annually — or $30 per month — through the new P.E.I. Child Benefit. 

Shaun MacNeill, the director of strategy, policy, and seniors for the Department of Social Development and Seniors, says the new benefit will help more than 16,000 Island children. 

"In addition to some of the other things that we're doing, it's just an effort to provide a bit more support," said MacNeill, making reference to the school food and summer food programs as two other programs offered to help parents. 

"We took the amount we had available within the budget — it's an estimated annual cost of about $5 million — and we looked at how we could provide the most benefit to those most in need." 

Families with a net income of less than $45,000 will receive $30 per month per child. Families with a net income between $45,000 and $80,000 will receive $20 per month per child. 

'Provide families with financial support'

This benefit is in addition to the Canada Child Benefit, a federal program. The first payment date is scheduled for Jan. 20.

Man with glasses and a blue shirt stands outside near a red brick building.
Shaun MacNeill, the director of strategy, policy, and seniors for the Department of Social Development and Seniors, says the new benefit will help more than 16,000 Island children. (Submitted )

"This benefit represents an annual investment of nearly $5 million into P.E.I. children," said Social Development and Seniors Minister Barb Ramsay. "It will provide families with financial support to assist with the costs of everyday essentials, like groceries and clothes."

To be eligible, you must:

  • be a resident of P.E.I.;
  • be a parent or primary caregiver of one or more children under the age of 18 who live with you;
  • have a net family income of $80,000 or less per year; and
  • file an income tax return every year; if you have a spouse or common-law partner, they must also file an income tax return every year.

People don't need to apply for the new benefit. They will automatically receive it if they are already enrolled in the Canada Child Benefit program.

MacNeill said provincial officials are prepared to look at the amount being given to parents and guardians next year.

"We'd acknowledge it's a modest amount, but I think it will be a help," he said.

"There's an ongoing commitment to look at the benefit amount. We'll be looking at it again for future years. I think we consider this a starting point." 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Wayne Thibodeau

Reporter

Wayne Thibodeau is a reporter with CBC Prince Edward Island. He has worked in digital, radio, TV and newspapers for more than two decades. In addition to his role as a multi-platform journalist for CBC News, Wayne can be heard reading the news on The World This Hour, hosting Island Morning and Mainstreet and reporting for CBC News: Compass. You can reach Wayne at Wayne.Thibodeau@cbc.ca

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