As was done last year, the City of Hamilton, through its National Child Benefit Entitlement Program, will once again give extra money to local families who need it.

The Hamilton National Child Benefit Entitlement Program provides funds to eligible families who are in receipt of assistance from Ontario Works or the Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP) and is part of the City's efforts to return part of the National Child Benefit claw back to those citizens who qualify for it.

Those who qualify will receive a cheque for approximately $150 per child, and the money will not affect any money already received from Ontario Works or ODSP.

To qualify, an applicant’s child/children must have been on their Ontario Works or ODSP budget and must have been 0-17 years of age between July 1, 2006 and June 30, 2007. Applicants must also have had NCB deducted from their social assistance cheque. It’s important to note that applicants must currently reside in the City of Hamilton.

Letters and application forms will automatically be mailed to all applicable Ontario Works and ODSP participants in early September. If you think you may qualify, and do not receive a letter and application form by October 1, please call (905) 521-9779 between 8:30 a.m. and 6:00 p.m.

The City of Hamilton is partnering with Wesley Urban Ministries to administer the program.