Today, Bill C-31, the Cost of Living Relief Act, No. 2 (Targeted Support for Households), received Royal Assent. This legislation delivers two targeted affordability measures for the Canadians who need it most: the Canada Dental Benefit and a one-time top-up to the Canada Housing Benefit.
The Canada Dental Benefit will provide eligible parents or guardians with up to $650 tax-free per year for two years to cover dental expenses for children under 12. This benefit, which will support an estimated 500,000 children, is available to families without access to private dental insurance and with an adjusted family net income under $90,000. The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) will begin receiving applications and processing payments for the benefit starting December 1, 2022.
The one-time top-up to the Canada Housing Benefit will provide a tax-free payment of $500 to an estimated 1.8 million low-income renters who are struggling with the cost of housing. This top-up is available to applicants with an adjusted net income below $35,000 for families, or below $20,000 for single Canadians, who pay at least 30 per cent of their adjusted net income towards rent. The CRA will begin receiving applications and processing payments for this top-up starting December 12, 2022.
In addition to Bill C-31, the government is already delivering targeted and fiscally responsible measures to support Canadians, with particular emphasis on addressing the needs of low-income Canadians who are most exposed to inflation.
