More families in Windsor-Essex are now receiving a higher child benefit.
The Canadian government made the announcement in Windsor Wednesday, saying that over 37,000 local families will get an increased benefit two years ahead of schedule to keep up with the cost of living, and lower poverty.
Jean-Yves Duclos, Minister of Families, Children and Social Development says the maximum annual benefit is now $6,496 per child under six. Duclos says it means an extra $2,400 a year on average compared to 2015-2016.
"Since 2016, the average family in Canada, and I would believe the same thing in Windsor, is receiving $200 more non-taxable per month than the earlier system," says Duclos.
Children between six and 17 years of age will get a maximum annual benefit of $5,481 a year.
Duclos says the child benefit has helped lift more than 500,000 people, including nearly 300,000 children, out of poverty in Canada.
Minister Duclos says the cut-off to receive a child benefit is usually around $200,000 a year per family depending on circumstances.
Duclos says nine out of ten Windsor area families will have more money in their pocket.
"Windsor is an area which is receiving on average more because it's a lower-income, middle-income class community," the minister says. "The Windsor area is a very good example of a middle-income community, which is particularly benefiting from policies like the Canada Child Benefit."
