Families to receive increase in Newfoundland and Labrador Child Benefit

Human Resources and Employment Minister Gerald Smith says some low-income families in receipt of the Newfoundland and Labrador Child Benefit (NLCB) will receive an increase in their benefit effective July 1.

This adjustment is the result of a change in the income thresholds that determine eligibility for the NLCB. On July 1, the income thresholds will increase thus providing more benefits for approximately 5,000 families currently in receipt of the benefit. 

"This is good news for families since this adjustment in the NLCB coincides with a benefit increase and a similar adjustment to the income thresholds for the Canada Child Tax Benefit (CCTB)," said Minister Smith. "The NLCB and the CCTB are combined into a single monthly payment for families.

"The adjustment also ensures that families are supported in their efforts to obtain and maintain employment. It means that families leaving social assistance will continue to receive their child benefit, therefore easing the transition to work," explained Minister Smith. 

Newfoundland and Labrador is one of six provinces that has created a child benefit for low-income families.

Since its inception in 1999, families have been entitled to the full NLCB if their annual family net income was less than $15,921. Families were entitled to partial benefits if their family income was between $15,921 and $20,921. Families will now be entitled to the full NLCB if their net income in 2001 was $16,744 or less. Families will be entitled to partial benefits if their income is between $16,744 and $21,744.

Media contact: Gary Callahan, Communications, (709) 729-4062.

2001 06 29                                                   11:45 a.m.