The Provincial Government is advising that payments for the new Back-to-School Benefit program have been distributed to eligible families in receipt of income support.
The Back-to-School Benefit provides $100 per school-aged child for an eligible family receiving income support and is issued automatically once per year. This new initiative is part of the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador’s Poverty Reduction Plan and helps low-income families with the cost of school supplies.
No additional application is required to qualify for the benefit. More than 3,250 households and nearly 5,300 school-aged children and youth are benefiting from this affordability initiative.
Any eligible family that has not received the Back-to-School Benefit can contact their local Income Support office by calling 709-729-7888 or toll-free at 1-877-729-7888. Inquiries can also be directed to incomesupport@gov.nl.ca.
In June, the Department of Families and Affordability announced a number of changes to the Income Support program including the Back-to-School Benefit. The benefit builds on previously announced initiatives that support families living in low income.
Other Provincial Government initiatives that are supporting families with children living in low income include:
- Increasing the Newfoundland and Labrador Child Benefit by 300 per cent, which has benefited over 15,000 children.
- Extending the Prenatal Early Childhood Nutrition Program up to a child’s fifth birthday.
- Expanding school food programs to all children pre-kindergarten to Grade 9, providing 6,000 additional children access to school lunches starting in the 2024/25 school year.
Through the Poverty Reduction Plan, the Provincial Government continues taking action to reduce childhood poverty, encourage meaningful employment, and improve the Income Support program.
Quotes
“We recognize these are challenging times that are deeply impacting individuals and families, especially those living in low income. Our goal, through the Back-to-School Benefit, is to help relieve some financial pressure on parents and make the return to school a little easier for children and their families.”
Honourable Bernard Davis
Minister of Families and Affordability
Minister of Education and Early Childhood Development
“As we work directly with single-parent families across our province, the Single Parents Association of Newfoundland and Labrador is witnessing firsthand the impact of the rising cost of living – especially during the back-to-school season. We are encouraged by the recent rollout of the province’s Back-to-School payment for families receiving Income Support. This targeted assistance comes at a critical time and provides much-needed relief to those facing financial pressure. We applaud any and all efforts that help ensure every student starts September equipped not only with supplies but also with the confidence to thrive.”
Danielle Seward
Executive Director, Single Parent Association of Newfoundland and Labrador
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