Financial help available for students to support remote learning

BY PAUL JUNOR

The Ontario government realized that it has been challenging for many families during the pandemic and has expanded its Support for Learners Program. Previously, only children under 12 years of old were eligible. Now, children age 13 to grade 12, including those who are over 18 and in secondary schools are able to get it. This support is a one -time grant of $200 or $250 per child who are eligible. It is intended to help parents alleviate some of the financial costs that parents accrue during the pandemic. The announcement was made on Tuesday, December 22^nd, 2020.

It is “intended to provide parents and guardians with essential financial support for children and youth during these unprecedented times.” (ontario.ca/ page/ get-support-learners)

A parent or guardian can apply if they are a resident of Ontario and have a child:

• Up to age 22
• Up to age 21 if they have special needs

A child with special needs is:

• Any student reported to be receiving special education programs or services by their school board
• Any child enrolled in licensed child care reported to be receiving special needs funding or support
• Any child identified as having a special need

Children who have been identified as gifted are not eligible to receive this one-time funding. Children who are enrolled in school or childcare are eligible. Eligibility is based on the age of the children and includes the following if a child:

• Attends a publicly funded school
• Attends a private school
• Attends a First Nation operated or federally operated school
• Attends school in person or online
• Is home-schooled
• Is enrolled in child care
• Is at home

If a child qualifies for the grant, then the parent or guardian has to submit a separate application for each child. Only one application is accepted per child. The following information must be provided for each child:

• The name of your child’s school and school board (if applicable)
• Your child’s date of birth
• A valid email address
• Your banking information (bank name branch number and account number)

In a letter that Education Minister Stephen Leece sent to Ontario parents on Saturday, January 2^nd, 2021, he indicated that about $ 800 million has been given in direct financial relief to parents/guardians so far. Canindia News reported on Friday, January 8^th, 2020 that there were 1.3 million applications processed with $ 175 million being granted to over 850 000 Ontario students from the time period, November 30^th, 2020 to December 22^nd, 2020 during the first round of the Support for Learners Program.

In this expanded program, payments will be sent directly to the parent or guardian who is applying through either e-transfer or direct deposit. It will take about two weeks for the payment

to be received after applying. It is important that parents keep the child’s application confirmation number. Each application will be verified, processed and paid out separately.

Applications will open on Monday, January 11^th, 2021 and parents can apply until the deadline, February 8^th, 2021. The one-time payment could be either: $200 for each child up to age 12 or

$250 for each child or youth up to age 21 with special needs.

Parents or guardians should apply as soon as possible. If you need further information please visit the website Ontario.ca/SupportForLearners.