N.S. announces increase to child benefit payment for low-income families
The Nova Scotia government has announced an increase to the province's child benefit payments that will see families with lower incomes receive up to $350 more a year.
The benefit is a tax-free payment to eligible families to help with the cost of raising children under 18.
Effective Friday, families can now receive up to $1,275 per child annually, depending on their household income and the number of children they have.
“Safe and healthy children, youth and families are vital to building a stronger Nova Scotia,” said Community Services Minister Karla MacFarlane in a news release. “This is one more way we are helping families who need it most.”
The Nova Scotia Child Benefit is combined with the federally-funded Canada Child Benefit. It’s received by mail or direct deposit once a month.
As of February 2021, 26,000 families were receiving the benefit, representing 47,068 children.
To be eligible, families with children must have an annual adjusted family net income less than $34,000.
CHANGES MADE TO BENEFIT TWO YEARS AGO
The change comes two years after the program was amended to include more families.
In 2020, the province announced $18 million for the benefit in its 2020-21 budget -- the largest single increase since it was created in1998.
The eligibility family net income amount was also increased from $26,000 to $34,000 at that time.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
How quietly promised law changes in the 2024 federal budget could impact your day-to-day life
The 2024 federal budget released last week includes numerous big spending promises that have garnered headlines. But, tucked into the 416-page document are also series of smaller items, such as promising to amend the law regarding infant formula and to force banks to label government rebates, that you may have missed.
Which foods have the most plastics? You may be surprised
'How much plastic will you have for dinner, sir? And you, ma'am?' While that may seem like a line from a satirical skit on Saturday Night Live, research is showing it's much too close to reality.
opinion I've been a criminal attorney for decades. Here's what I think about the case against Trump
Joey Jackson, a criminal defence attorney and a legal analyst for CNN, outlines what he thinks about the criminal case against Donald Trump in the 'hush money trial.'
$3.8M home in B.C.'s Okanagan has steel shell for extra wildfire protection
A home in B.C.'s Okanagan that features a weathering steel shell designed to provide some protection against wildfires has been listed for sale at $3.8 million.
Diver pinned under water by an alligator figured he had choice. Lose his arm or lose his life
An alligator attacked a diver on April 15 as he surfaced from his dive, nearly out of air. His tank emptied with the gator's jaws crushing the arm he put up in defence.
Psychologist becomes first person in Peru to die by euthanasia after fighting in court for years
A Peruvian psychologist who suffered from an incurable disease that weakened her muscles and had her confined to her bed for several years, died by euthanasia, her lawyer said Monday, becoming the first person in the country to obtain the right to die with medical assistance.
Mystery surrounds giant custom Canucks jerseys worn by Lions Gate Bridge statues
The giant stone statues guarding the Lions Gate Bridge have been dressed in custom Vancouver Canucks jerseys as the NHL playoffs get underway.
Celebrity designer sentenced to 18 months in prison for smuggling crocodile handbags
A leading fashion designer whose accessories were used by celebrities from Britney Spears to the cast of the 'Sex and the City' TV series was sentenced Monday to 18 months in prison after pleading guilty in Miami federal court on charges of smuggling crocodile handbags from her native Colombia.
Wildfire leads to evacuation order issued for northeast Alberta community
An evacuation order was issued on Monday afternoon for homes in the area of Cold Lake First Nation.