New applications for Ontario's $400 COVID-19 Child Benefit open in May

Applications for the next round of Ontario COVID-19 Child Benefit payments will open in May, the provincial government announced Wednesday.

Parents who already applied for the Support for Learners program don’t need to provide additional information. They will receive the latest payment for each child sometime after April 26.

Parents who missed the Support for Learners program can still apply for the benefit by submitting an application on the province’s website between May 3 and 17.

The benefit will provide parents with $400 for each child up to Grade 12. For parents of children with special needs, the benefit increases to $500 and is available for all kids age 21 and younger.

“Since day one of this pandemic, our government has invested in safe schools while also providing direct financial relief to hard-working moms and dads,” Stephen Lecce, Minister of Education, said in a news release.

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Only one parent or guardian per child should apply for the benefit, and high school students who are 18 or over can apply on their own behalf.

The government noted parents of multiple children might receive payments on different days.

The latest round of payments brings total government investment in the Ontario COVID‑19 Child Benefit to $1.8 billion.