THUNDER BAY - As Ontario families continue to struggle with surges in COVID-19 cases and additional financial burdens, the provincial government is again offering financial support in the form of a one-time payment.
Premier Doug Ford, Minister of Finance Rod Phillips, and Minister of Education Stephen Lecce announced on Monday that parents across the province can apply for financial support to offset the added expenses that have arisen as a result of changes to education during the pandemic.
“We’ve heard from parents that new expenses to support their children’s education is straining their pocketbooks,” Philips said.
Starting Monday, parents can apply for funding through the Support for Learners website. Families will be entitled to $200 per child between the ages of 0 to 12-years-old and $250 for a child or youth with special needs between the ages of 0 and 21-years-old.
“Ahead of this holiday, this financial support will help families afford the cost of unexpected school supplies,” Lecce said. “I encourage eligible parents to visit right now. Sign up right now for this financial support.”
The funding is available whether a child is attending school in person or participating in at-home learning. The funding is meant to assist with costs associated with school supplies and childcare.
"During this very difficult period, our parents have been the unsung heroes in the fight against COVID-19, whether it's screening their child before school or assisting them with remote learning," Ford said.
"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."
Last spring the provincial government offered a similar one-time payment to families during the start of the pandemic as part of its COVID-19 action plan.
“This $380 million investment in families builds on the $378 million provided to parents during the first wave of COVID-19. So, for example, an Ontario family with three children, including one with special needs, would receive $1,300 this year to help cover the costs of an accessible workspace and technology to enable learning online,” Phillips said. “This is money well spent."
The province has said it will continue to make it a priority to keep schools open during the pandemic.
“COVID-19 has made life difficult for Ontario families,” Lecce said. “Our priority remains to keep schools safe and open.”
“We are all doing everything we can to ensure children can come back to school safely after the holiday break,” Ford said. “Kids need the mentorship and peer support that only the classroom can provide. It is critical for their mental and physical health.”
Parents can sign up for the one time payment on the Support for Learners webpage.
