In response to the financial pressures working families have faced through the pandemic, the Alberta government is providing the Working Parents Benefit, a one-time payment of $561 per child for low and middle income families.
Families can apply until March 31, 2021.
Eligibility
You may be eligible to apply if:
- You had a household income of $100,000 or less in the 2020 tax year
- You are a Canadian citizen or a permanent resident living in Alberta
- You are the parent or legal guardian of a child who was born on or after February 29, 2008
- You paid $561 per child or more for three months of child care between April 1, 2020 and December 31, 2020 (receipts required)
- The child care you paid for was provided by (receipts, bills, or invoices required) someone other than the child’s father or mother, your spouse or common law partner, or someone who is dependent on you or dependent on your spouse or common law partner, including:
- a licensed daycare
- a licensed out-of-school care
- a licensed group family child care
- an approved family day home
- a private day home
- a nanny
- any other child care provider, licensed or unlicensed
- You required the child care above because you were working or attending school
Shared custody
Where parents have shared custody of their children, only one parent or legal guardian may apply for each child. In cases where both parents or guardians apply and meet the eligibility criteria, the payment will be made to the first applicant. The Government of Alberta will not become involved in disputes between the parents or guardians regarding distribution of the funds.
The parent or guardian receiving the benefit is responsible for determining how it is to be distributed in accordance with any court order or agreement between the parents or guardians.
How to apply
You can apply for the Working Parents Benefit through the Government of Alberta’s website.
Apply for the Alberta Working Parents Benefit
After you apply
When you submit your application, you will receive a confirmation email within 24 hours indicating your application has been received. It may take up to 30 business days for your application to be processed. As soon as your application has been processed, you will receive an email letting you know if you have been approved for the benefit or whether more information is needed to determine your eligibility.
If your application is approved, the benefit payment will be made by Interac e-Transfer.
For more information on how to receive the benefit and alternative payment methods visit the Government of Alberta's website.
Tax considerations
The benefit is not taxable. However, if you or your partner claim child care expense deduction on your tax return, you are required to deduct the Working Parents Benefit you received from the child care expenses you are claiming in your 2020 income tax return.
Audit and compliance
You must meet all eligibility criteria and be ready to provide the documented evidence to receive the benefit. The Government of Alberta will be completing an audit to verify eligibility of the applicants who receive payments.
Documents that applicants may be asked to provide include, but are not limited to:
- receipts for child care
- child care provider information
- proof of employment or self-employment, or enrollment in educational program
- proof of income claimed
- additional identification proof (for applicants with a basic MyAlberta Digital ID account)
- children’s identity documentation
- Applicants who are not able to provide sufficient evidence of meeting the eligibility requirements will be required to repay the amount they received, and may face criminal investigation.
