The Ontario Child Benefit (OCB) is a monthly tax-free benefit paid to low- and moderate-income families with children under age 18.
Eligible families receive this benefit alongside the Canada Child Benefit and don’t need to be working or employed to qualify.
The OCB is one of many other social programs in Canada that help parents cope with the costs of raising children.
In this article, I cover the Ontario Child Benefit payment dates for 2023, current OCB amounts, eligibility requirements, how child benefits are calculated, expected increases, and how to apply.
Ontario Child Benefit Payment Dates in 2024
Ontario Child Benefit payments are sent monthly on the same day you receive the Canada Child Benefit (CCB).
OCB payment dates in 2024 are:
- January 19, 2024
- February 20, 2024
- March 20, 2024
- April 19, 2024
- May 17, 2024
- June 20, 2024
- July 19, 2024
- August 20, 2024
- September 20, 2024
- October 18, 2024
- November 20, 2024
- December 13, 2024
The CRA sends these payments to your bank account via direct deposits.
If you are not yet set up for direct deposit payments, you will receive a cheque in the mail.
The Ontario Child Benefit Amount In 2024
The Ontario Child Benefit your family receives is based on your family’s net income and the number of eligible children.
For July 2023 to June 2024 payment periods, OCB pays up to $1,607 per child per year. This is equivalent to a maximum of $133.91 per month for each child.
You qualify for maximum OCB benefits if your family’s net income is $24,542 or less.
Above this income threshold, your benefits are clawed back until it becomes $0.
You can estimate your benefits using the Ontario Child Benefit calculator here.
Ontario Child Benefit (OCB) Explained
The Ontario Child Benefit is often lumped together with the more popular Canada Child Benefit (child tax benefit).
This is not surprising, as both benefits are paid together in a lump sum if you qualify.
That said, while the CRA administers the OCB, the program is funded by the Province of Ontario.
The Ontario child benefit is a monthly payment sent to eligible families with at least one child under the age of 18.
In addition to the OCB, eligible low-moderate income Ontarians may also qualify for the monthly Ontario Trillium Benefit, which includes:
- Ontario energy and property tax credit
- Northern Ontario energy credit
- Ontario sales tax credit
Recipients of Ontario Works may also be eligible for additional child benefits.
You can find other benefits and programs specific to your situation by completing the form here.
Eligibility For The Ontario Child Benefit
To be eligible for the OCB, you must be the primary caregiver for one or more children under 18 years of age, and:
- Be a resident of Ontario
- Have registered your children for the Canada Child Benefit
- Have a low or moderate income
- Have filed your income tax and benefit return, e.g. 2021 tax return for the 2022-2023 payment period
How To Apply For The Ontario Child Benefit
When you apply for the Ontario Child Benefit, the CRA automatically assesses your eligibility for the Ontario Child Benefit as well.
Applying for the CCB can be done through birth registration, online through CRA My Account, and by mail, using Form RC66 (and Form RC66SCH if you are a newcomer to Canada).
Ontario Child Benefit Increases In 2024
In July 2023, the OCB increased slightly as it was indexed to the inflation rate. This increase applies to the July 2023 to June 2024 period.
The next OCB increase is slated for July 2024.
Is Ontario Child Benefit Taxable?
The Ontario Child Benefit is a tax-free payment, and it is not included in your taxable income for the year.
That said, like the CCB, you should always file your tax return even if you don’t have the income to report.
This is important to remain eligible for both the OCB and CCB.
Child Tax Benefit Payment Dates
The Canada Child Benefit, also known as a child tax benefit, is paid on the same date as the OCB in 2023:
- January 19, 2024
- February 20, 2024
- March 20, 2024
- April 19, 2024
- May 17, 2024
- June 20, 2024
- July 19, 2024
- August 20, 2024
- September 20, 2024
- October 18, 2024
- November 20, 2024
- December 13, 2024
Ontario Child Benefit Dates FAQs
How much is the Ontario Child Benefit?
The maximum OCB amount in 2024 is $133.91 per month or $1,607 per year for each eligible child.
Who is eligible for the Ontario Child Benefit?
Ontario families with a low income ($24,542 or less) and children under age 18 may be eligible for the full Ontario Child Benefit.
How much is the Canada Child Benefit in 2024?
The maximum CCB in 2024 is $619.75 per month for a child under 6, and $522.91 per month for a child between ages 6 and 17.
How often is the Ontario Child Benefit paid?
OCB payments occur once every month around the third week.
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