Working Parents Benefit
Alberta’s government is focused on protecting lives and livelihoods and that means being there for hard-working parents. Between now and March 31, eligible families can apply for the Working Parents Benefit, which will return $108 million back into the pockets of Alberta families who use childcare or preschool.
The pandemic and the economic downturn have created significant stress for working parents, many of whom have continued to fuel Alberta’s economy and provide essential services through extremely challenging circumstances. As a result, fewer families have used childcare this year. As a result, Children’s Services is returning unused funds directly into the pockets of families who need it most through this new program.
The Working Parents Benefit is a one-time benefit of $561 per child. Families who have a household income of up to $100,000 and who have paid for three months of childcare between April 1, 2020 and Dec 31, 2020, including licensed or unlicensed daycares, day homes, out of school care or preschool, are eligible to apply.
This new benefit adds to supports that Alberta’s government is providing to protect the lives and livelihoods of Albertans. It builds upon the recently announced Critical Worker Benefit, which is a $1,200 payment for eligible front-line and essential workers, and the Enhanced COVID Business Benefit, which provides support for businesses that have been negatively impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.
To apply for the Working Parents Benefit, you must have a MyAlberta Digital ID. If you do not already have one, you can easily sign up for an account at account.alberta.ca. After you submit your application for the benefit, you will receive a confirmation e-mail within 24 hours. After your application is processed, you will also receive an e-mail informing you if you have been approved, or if more information is required to determine your eligibility.
Alberta’s government is working to directly support parents and families who are facing additional stresses due to the pandemic and economic uncertainty. The Working Parents Benefit returns money directly into the pockets of Albertans to help assist them with financial pressures they may have faced throughout the past year.
Alberta’s government is responding to the COVID-19 pandemic by protecting lives and livelihoods with precise measures to stop the spread of COVID-19, sustain small businesses and protect Alberta’s healthcare system.
— Mark Smith, MLA for Drayton Valley – Devon