There are a number of provincial and federal government programs designed to relieve the financial burden of raising children. Some of these are addressed to all families and others target families in particular income groups.
Canada Child Tax Benefit
This benefit is a monthly payment made to eligible families to help them with the cost of raising children under age 18. The National Child Benefit Supplement offsets the difference between the amount to which families may be entitled and the amount they actually receive.
Nursing
A special nursing benefit can be paid each month until your baby is one year old, if you breast-feed throughout this time.
Pregnancy
If you are a last-resort financial assistance recipient, a special benefit can be paid each month of your pregnancy until you give birth.
Pregnant Minors
The Department can provide monthly financial assistance during the pregnancy if a person is lacking financial resources.
Purchase of infant formula
If you are a last-resort financial assistance recipient and are the parent of an infant under 9 months old, you can purchase regular (cow’s milk), soy-based or lactose-free infant formula.
Québec Parental Insurance Plan
The Québec Parental Insurance Plan is an income replacement plan that pays benefits to eligible parents following the birth or adoption of a child and helps to better reconcile work and family responsibilities.
School expenses
A special benefit exists to help low-income families cover their children’s back-to-school expenses.
For other programs and services for families, consult the Québec portal.
