School stocks Support available for families with a low income

Families Receiving Income Aid to Receive Permanent Support for School Supplies

Families receiving income aid can now expect a little extra help every year when it comes to providing school supplies. Last year, the province provided families with a one-time bump in their August payments to assist with back-to-school costs. This initiative has now been made permanent.

“When children are better prepared for school, they have a stronger chance of academic success,” said Scott Armstrong, Minister of Opportunities and Social Development. “This permanent support helps alleviate some of the financial pressure that income assistance recipients face, giving children a better chance to thrive.”

The change means that every August, eligible families will receive an extra $100 for each child aged five to 12 and $200 for each child aged 13 to 18. Additionally, children attending pre-primary and dependent young people aged 19 to 20 who are still in high school may also be eligible for this support.

Alongside this back-to-school assistance, the government offers various other programs for families with individuals in these age categories. These programs include assistance with post-secondary education costs and opportunities for employment.

The cost of providing this back-to-school support is estimated to be $331,000 for the province.