Jean-Yves Duclos
(QC, Quebec)
Update – September 26, 2022
Garnett Genuis proposed a Motion that would dismiss C-31 instead of putting it to a vote.
C-31 does three things.
First, it establishes the Dental Benefit Act which will provide financial support for parents for dental services received by their children under the age of 12, between October 2022 and June 2024.
Second, it creates the Rental Housing Benefit Act which will provide a one-time payment to eligible people who paid rent in 2022.
Third, it makes changes to the Income Tax Act, Excise Tax Act, and Excise Act related to the previous two points.
Dental Benefit Act
First things first, it should be noted that this Act is called out right at the start as being a temporary step while working towards a long-term national dental care program.
There are a few limitations to qualify for this benefit. First, it is something you have to submit an application for. You’re allowed to apply for the benefit in advance of any dental services, but you still need to apply.
The other big limitation is that the combined income of the parent(s) must be less than $90k for the tax year applied, and the child must not be covered by other dental insurance.
Applications need to be submitted twice, the first for the period between October 1, 2022 and June 30, 2023. The second period is July 1, 2023 and June 30, 2024.
The amount of the benefit you get is as follows:
- $650 if your adjusted income is less than $70k
- $390 if it’s between $70k and $80k
- $260 if it’s between $80k and $90k
These amounts are halved in cases of a shared-custody child.
Each child can only get the benefit twice (once per period), or four times in the case of shared-custody.
Rental Housing Benefit Act
This one’s pretty straightforward. You can apply for a one-time benefit of $500 if you rent your home, and have an adjusted income of $35k while living with a partner/spouse or $20k while living alone.
Income Tax Act / Excise Tax Act / Excise Act
Not much here, just some small adjustments that are needed to account for the two new benefits.
Discover more from Commons Sense
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.