The Manitoba government recently announced a new benefit to help eligible families, seniors, and individuals on income assistance offset rising costs in today’s high inflationary environment.
Dubbed the “Family Affordability Package,” the new tax-free benefit will cost the province about $87 million and will be paid out in Fall 2022.
Households with children under age 18 and net income less than $175,000 will receive $250 for the first child and $200 for each additional child.
Low-income seniors who claimed an Education Property Tax Credit on their 2021 tax return and Manitobans on Employment and Income Assistance (EIA) will also benefit.
Read on to learn about how the Manitoba Family Affordability Package works, benefit amounts, and more.
What is the Manitoba Family Affordability Package?
This Manitoba Family Benefit program is a refundable tax credit designed to help residents who are most affected by the increasing cost of living.
It is divided into four separate benefits:
Benefits for Manitoba Families with Children
Every Manitoba family with a household net income of less than $175,000 in the 2021 tax year and children under age 18 will receive a cheque as follows:
- First child: $250
- Each additional child: $200
About 145,000 households are expected to receive cheques, with an average payment of $438 and a total cost of $63.6 million.
Benefits for Manitoba Seniors
Senior households (age 65 or older) may be eligible for a $300 payment if:
- Their family net income for 2021 was less than $40,000
- They own or rent a principal residence
- They claimed the Seniors Education Property Tax Credit on their 2021 tax return
About 52,500 senior households are expected to qualify for a total cost of $16 million.
Benefits for Manitobans on EIA
Individuals receiving Employment and Income Assistance will receive increased benefits starting in October 2022 under these two categories:
- EIA for general assistance: $50 extra per adult for basic needs
- EIA for persons with disabilities: $25 extra per household per month
Assistance for Community Food Banks
The Manitoba government will launch a temporary grant program called the “Food Security Fund.” This program will fund food banks in the province.
How To Apply For The Manitoba Family Affordability Package
There is no need to apply for the Family Affordability Package benefits.
If you are eligible and have filed your 2021 tax return, cheques will be mailed to your address in the fall of 2022.
If your address has changed since filing your last tax return, you can update it online using this form.
To avoid payment delays, complete the form before September 19, 2022.
If you are eligible but do not receive a cheque, you can contact the MB government by email at [email protected] or call 204-945-3744 or 1-866-626-4862 (toll-free).
Other Manitoba Family Benefits
Manitobans may qualify for other provincial and federal benefits and rebates, including:
- Manitoba Child Benefit
- Education Property Tax Rebate
- Child Care Subsidy
- Canada-Manitoba Housing Benefit
- 55 PLUS Program
- Rent Assist
- Children’s Opti-Care Program
FAQs
This benefit will pay $250 for the first child and $200 for each additional child.
No, the new family affordability benefit is not taxable income and will not impact your eligibility for other income-tested benefits.
The Manitoba government had indicated that Family Affordability benefit payment cheques will be sent out in the fall of 2022. No specific dates were provided.
To qualify for the Manitoba family affordability benefit in 2022, you must have filed a 2021 tax return.
Related: Alberta Affordability Payments.
