Learn about funding that families can apply for if they have children who are not in school or child care because of coronavirus (COVID-19). Find out if you are eligible and how to apply.
About support for families
While schools and child care centres are closed, parents can apply for direct funding to offset the cost of buying materials to support their children’s learning, while they practice self-isolation and physical distancing.
Eligible parents will receive a one-time per child payment of:
$200 for children aged 0 to 12
$250 for children or youth aged 0 to 21 with special needs
This funding can help parents with the costs of work books, educational apps, educational subscription services, movies and other tools to support learning at home.
Parents refers to parents, guardians, and caregivers.
Eligibility
There is no income cap on this program. All parents are eligible if you have a child who is:
aged 0 to 12
aged 0 to 21 with special needs
If you have more than one child, you must submit one application per child.
Before you apply, please note:
only one parent can apply for each child
the parent who applies should have custody of the child
You are still eligible if you are a health care or front-line worker who is using emergency, 24-hour child care centres.
Support for families versus support for parents
You may already qualify for Support for Families.
Note: If you are a parent who is already receiving Support for Parents payments through direct deposit, you will be automatically eligible for this financial support and do not need to submit a new application.
Support for Parents was financial support that was available to parents during education strikes. Learn more about support for parents.
If you did not apply or receive funding through support for parents, you must submit a new application to get the Support for Families funding.
Apply
Step 1: gather the required information
To complete the application, you will need:
the name of your child’s school and school board (if applicable)
your child’s date of birth
your banking information
a valid email address
Step 2: complete the application
Applications can only be submitted online.
Quick Access: Apply online now
Step 3: confirmation
After you submit your application, you will receive an:
email confirmation
application reference number
We may contact you to verify the information you provided through this application.
Get your payment
You will get the payment through direct deposit.
If you are unable to provide banking information and require a cheque, you may submit a special request for one. Simply indicate this on the application.
Please note that processing cheques may take up to several months from the date you apply.
Get help
We are here to help.
Call us at: Toll-free: 1-888-444-3770 Toll-free TTY: 1-800-268-7095
Email us at supportforfamilies@ontario.ca