The Ontario government has begun issuing $200 taxpayer rebates to provincial residents to address the financial strain caused by the federal carbon tax, high interest rates, and ongoing economic uncertainty. The rebates, which include additional payments for each eligible child, are expected to reach families in the coming weeks.
“Ontario families are struggling due to the federal carbon tax, high interest rates, and global economic uncertainty. Our government is stepping up as part of our ongoing work to keep costs down and help families make ends meet,” said Peter Bethlenfalvy, Minister of Finance. “Our prudent fiscal management means we can provide this critical support while improving Ontario’s finances and continuing to invest in public services.”
Eligibility for the rebate includes being 18 years or older and a resident of Ontario as of December 31, 2023. Applicants must not have been bankrupt or incarcerated in 2024 and must have filed a 2023 Income Tax and Benefits Return by December 31, 2024.
Families receiving the Canada Child Benefit (CCB) will receive an additional $200 for each eligible child under the age of 18. For example, a family of five with two adults and three children could receive $1,000 in total rebates. The taxpayer rebate for children will be issued to the parent or guardian receiving the CCB. In shared custody arrangements, payments will be divided based on the most recent CCB distribution.
For families not receiving the CCB in 2024, the government plans to introduce an alternative application process for the $200 rebate per child, with details forthcoming.
The initiative is part of a broader effort to ease financial pressures on Ontario households. In 2024-25, the province has committed $11.9 billion toward measures aimed at making life more affordable, including housing, education, and transportation initiatives.
The rebate rollout follows a series of positive financial developments for Ontario, including an upgrade to the province’s credit rating by S&P Global in December 2024, marking the second such improvement within six months.
Ontarians can track the status of their rebate payments online.
