Starting today, parents can apply for a second payment from the Ontario government of at least $200 to help with school expenses.
“Parents have been there for us, and our government will continue to be there for them. That’s why we’re providing additional payments to help families with some of the costs of learning and childcare as we battle the second wave of COVID-19,” said Ontario Premier Doug Ford.
Ontario parents with children under age 12 will get $200. Parents with children with special needs ages 21 or younger will get $250. The money, the government says, is to help with in-school and online learning expenses such as workbooks, school supplies, technology and developmental resources.
“It’s important to note that this is an inclusive support that extends to all children in the province,” said Sam Oosterhoff, Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Education and MPP for Niagara West.
This funding is available to parents if their child is attending a public, private, First Nation operated or federally operated school (either in-person or online), is homeschooled, is enrolled in child care, or is at home.
The application can be found on the Support for Learned webpage. Applications will remain open until January 15, 2021.
Parents: Apply for $200 payment
Click to access the Ontario government application site.
It takes about 30 seconds to fill out the online form and apply.
“Our priority remains keeping schools safe and open, and supporting families every step of the way through this incredible challenge,” said Ontario Minister of Education, Stephen Lecce.
The Support for Families program originally provided families that applied between Apr. 6 and Aug. 31 with a one-time payment, per child to help supplement the cost of school supplies, books, educational apps, and other related learning tools.
As part of the Support pillar of Ontario’s Action Plan: Protect, Support, Recover, a second payment was announced to further support families affected by COVID in schools and during home learning.
“We have all heard from parents about the new expenses that supporting their kid’s education during COVID-19 has brought on. The government cannot end the global pandemic, but it will provide a measure of support,” said Ontario Finance Minister, Rod Phillips during the 2020 budget press conference.
The second round of payments will cost the government approximately $380 million building on the $378 million given in March under Ontario’s Action Plan: Responding to COVID‑19.
More info:
Original news release
Press conference video
Support for Learners
Ontario’s Action Plan: Protect, Support, Recover.