New Universal Child Care Benefit means big cheques for big families

“It’s going to help a lot because every time you do something extra-curricular, well that costs money. For me being on a low income that money helps pays the bills and make sure they get what they need,” she said.

A sum of $160 will be sent in either cheque form or direct-deposit payments every month for children under six years old. Since its genesis in 2006, payments have been $100 a month.

The new payments are retroactive to January 1, 2015 making this first cheque for Braaten a big one.

“It’s going to make a big difference,” she said. “Extra-curricular, school stuff, it costs a lot of money. Gas is so high, it costs so much to take your kids to everything. $60 is a tank of gas, you know?”

Heather Hayes Josephson, mother of a two-year-old and an eight-month-old, says the money will continue going to her children’s education.

“That will be great. It all adds up,” she said. “We’ll put it into their savings and school down the road. Hopefully it will just build over time and help them out with their future.”

“Kids are our future,” Josephson added. “Money should always go to the kids. They are the future, we have to invest in the future.”

Parents who have already been receiving UCCB cheques will receive the boosts automatically, however parents who have not will have the option to register.

Amanda Bissky, mother to a nine, 10, and 12 year old, remembers her youngest receiving the UCCB for a couple months before turning six.

“I ended up having to pay more on my income tax,” she said. “At the time, I remembered I was kind of annoyed about it … thinking about it in the long run, it wasn’t as great as it sounded.”

With the new changes to the UCCB, children aged six to 17 will receive $60 monthly. Bissky says she will have to do more research on the new plan before applying her boys.

Those applying for the UCCB can expect to receive confirmation on their application within 80 days. Payments will begin on the 20th of the month also retroactive to January 1.

Although Bissky may be hesitant to apply for the UCCB, she says the program has its benefits, especially for lower income families.

“Childcare is really expensive, I do know that. If you have to put out more for child care, than this is a good helping hand for those who can’t afford it.”

news@jpbg.ca

by Khang Nguyen

New Universal Child Care Benefit means big cheques for big families

What's Trending