In this article, we will discuss hardship grants for single mothers Canada.
Single mothers have to face many challenges while living with their children because of basic needs like food, shelter, and clothing.
However, these challenges can be overcome by applying for government grants and scholarships that are available in the country.
Hardship Grants for Single Mothers Canada
These hardship grants for single mothers Canada are helpful not only because they provide financial aid but also improve the quality of life by providing better opportunities for education and skills development.
Several programs and scholarships aim to assist single mothers.
This range of grants not only helps with money matters but also takes care of education and skills development. Below is a list of some such programs:
Canada Recovery Caregiving Benefit (CRCB)
With the help of the Canada Recovery Caregiving Benefit (CRCB), employed and self-employed people who are unable to work because they are caring for a child under the age of 12 or a family member who needs supervised care can receive financial support.
This applies if they are unable to attend their school, regular program, or facility because of COVID-19, or if COVID-19 has caused them to become ill, isolate themselves, or be at risk for serious health problems.
The CRCB is under the control of the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA).
Your household can receive $500 (or 450 after taxes) each week if you are eligible for the CRCB.
For more information, visit this page
Child Benefit in Canada (CCB)
According to the Canadian Revenue Agency (CRA), the Canada Child Benefit (CCB) is a tax-free monthly payment given to eligible families to help them cover the expenses of raising children under the age of 18.
Although not proportionally, the maximum annual Canada Child Benefit increases in lockstep with the cost of living.
For the tax year 2021, the following rates were in effect: up to $6,833 for children under the age of six and up to $5,765 for children between the ages of six and seventeen.
For more information, visit this page
Pension Plan Splitting in Canada
You can apply to divide your Canadian Pension Plan (CPP) savings during a separation or divorce.
This includes splitting any CPP gains made while you and your ex-spouse cohabited.
You are entitled to an equal portion even if you didn’t contribute when you shared a home.
Importantly, you must submit your application within 36 months of the end of your marriage (including the separation period).
For more information, visit this page
Increased Employment Insurance Benefits
You must have lost your job for no fault of your own to qualify for Employment Insurance (EI) benefits (for example, due to a shortage of work, seasonal or mass lay-offs.)
Additionally, you must be able to hunt for work physically and be actively seeking employment.
Make an application for EI benefits as soon as you quit working. Considering that there is a one-week waiting period, you don’t want to waste any time.
If you are a single mother, you can be qualified for an additional Family Supplement to your EI.
Your benefit rate could increase by up to 80% with this supplement. To qualify, your yearly net income must not be more than $25,921.
For more information, visit this page
Tax Credit for People with Disabilities (DTC)
People with disabilities can reduce their income tax liability with the help of the disability tax credit (DTC), a non-refundable tax benefit.
If you suffer from several physical and mental conditions, you might be qualified for this credit.
For more information, visit this page
Canada Education Savings Grant
If you want the government to help pay for your child’s future education, this prize can help.
The government will match 20 cents of every dollar you contribute, up to a maximum of $500 on a $2,500 annual commitment, if you enroll your child in a Registered Education Savings Plan (RESP).
Your child may use the cash to help pay for full- or part-time courses after high school.
For more information, visit this page
Provincial Grants & Benefits
Even though most awards differ widely from province to province, there are some standard advantages you can rely on.
COVID-Related Provincial Grants
Provincial governments in Canada provide a variety of supplementary payments due to lockdowns, school closures, and increased costs.
It is recommended for you visit the main website of your provincial government to find out what financial assistance is available as each province has its programs.
Legal Aid
You must apply for legal aid in your province of residence if you have been a stay-at-home parent or earned a very low salary.
A provincial program called Legal Aid will pay for all necessary legal services, including divorce and custody cases.
Just search for legal aid in ___________ online (insert your province in the search window).
Although some provinces offer Legal Aid that is more generous than others, they can nevertheless direct you to some excellent free resources.
To qualify as an applicant under this program, some basic guidelines must be met:
You must be at least 19 years old but younger than 65 years old;
Your child can be any age between 6 months through 13 years old (but has not graduated from high school);
If your monthly net income falls within certain limits ($24 500-$37 500).
Food Assistance
Each province offers a wide range of food aid programs for single mothers.
Even though receiving food aid might not be something you are comfortable with, it is a terrific resource that you and your kids can use.
Typically, a single mother can access provincial food assistance through several local groups.
Childcare Subsidy
Canada’s majority of provinces provide childcare subsidies. This benefit is priceless for all single mothers, even though the quantities of financial support you will receive vary based on your province.
Apply as soon as you can because there is typically a wait to get the childcare subsidy.
Even if you are expecting, you can still contact the childcare subsidy early because you will eventually need to return to work.
Personal Counseling and Therapy
Every province provides unique services to help people with counseling and psychotherapy.
Look up the website of your provincial health authority online to learn about the services that are accessible to you.
Resources for group and individual therapy are frequently provided to single moms through the YWCA in various provinces.
YWCA
The YWCA is an organization that offers single mothers a plethora of knowledge, tools, and support.
With the most recent information on legal matters, shelters, child care, employment aid, and more, they aim to be a turning point for women.
They may also give you a free fitness pass to use their facilities as part of various programs.
Housing and Rental Assistance
You might be qualified for a housing benefit that is provided for single mothers in most provinces.
Yes, the wait may be prolonged, but this home is very reasonably priced and will allow you to live in a larger place with your children for a small portion of the market price.
There are some really good rental assistance schemes in some provinces. You might be eligible for financial aid to cover your rent if your income is sufficient.
Conclusion:
It is not just the single mothers who can take advantage of these programs but also their families and children.
Grants are available to help with finances, education, and skills development, so if you are looking for some financial support it is worth looking into.
