On October 20, 2022, Stephen Lecce, Ontario Minister of Education, announced the launch of the Ontario Catch Up Payments offering parents $200 or $250 per child to help offset costs as they support their children as they catch up. This new initiative commits a total of $365 million in direct financial relief for parents.
How Much Can You Receive?
Eligible applicants will receive a one-time payment of:
- $200 for each student between kindergarten and Grade 12, up to age 18
- $250 for each student with special education needs between kindergarten and Grade 12, up to age 21
Payments will be made by e-transfer, direct deposit or cheque depending on the option applicants chose when applying.
Application
The deadline to apply is March 31, 2023. Eligible parents need to apply through a secured website portal. Only one parent or guardian may apply for each student. Applicants will receive an email confirming the application was received within five business days of submission.
Eligibility
Parents
You are eligible to apply if you live in Ontario and are a:
- parent or guardian to a student from kindergarten to Grade 12
- secondary school student who is 18 years of age
- parent or guardian to a student from kindergarten up to age 21 with special education needs
Students
Eligible students are:
- enrolled in kindergarten to Grade 12 and are up to 18 years old
- enrolled in kindergarten to Grade 12 are up to 21 years old and have special education needs
And
- go to a publicly funded school
- go to a private school
- go to a First Nation operated or federally operated school
- are homeschooled
Note that both in person and remote learning students are eligible. However, students of Adult and Continuing Education programs for individuals over 18 years of age are not eligible.
Resources
Catch Up Payments Information Page
