An annual school start-up supplement may be provided to:
- A family unit eligible for income assistance, disability assistance or hardship assistance if the family unit includes a person under 19 years of age who is attending school full-time.
- A child in home of a relative (CIHR) who is attending school full-time.
Eligible recipients may also include persons under 19 years of age who:
- Are enrolled full time in kindergarten, even though attendance may be for less than a full day.
- Because of individual circumstances, may be taking less than a full course load.
- Are participating in a home-schooling program recognized by the Ministry of Education.
- Are attending an alternative school program recognized by the Ministry of Education.
Documents listed in this section are examples of what can be included with your application. Please review the application instructions (How to Apply tab) to confirm the supplemental and required documents for this benefit.
Proof of birth
A document with first name, last name, and date of birth. For example:
- Birth certificate or birth registration
- Hospital record of birth or record of the physician/nurse/midwife who attended the birth
- Passport
- Record of landing or confirmation of permanent residence issued by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada
- Citizenship certificate
- Note of decision or temporary resident’s permit issued under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act
- Certificate of Indian status card
- Provincial identity card
Proof of primary responsibility for the care and upbringing of the child
For example:
- a letter from the day care or school authorities indicating the child’s home address and contact information on file
- a letter from a social worker, physician, a band council, or a resettlement officer stating that they have personal knowledge that the child lived with you for the period you indicated
- a registration form or a receipt from an activity or club the child was enrolled in for the period you indicated
- a court order, decree, or separation agreement that explains the type of custody arrangement you have (for example, shared custody) and clearly shows the living arrangements for the child
- any other document showing that the child lived with you for the period you indicated
Proof of residency in Canada
A document that displays your name and current home address and confirms that your primary place of residence is in the province or territory that is providing the benefit. For example:
- Driver's license
- Mortgage, rental or lease agreement
- Child Tax Benefit Statement
- Employer record (pay stub or letter from employer on company letterhead)
- Income tax assessment (most recent)
- Insurance policy (home, tenant, auto or life)
- Monthly mailed bank account statements for savings or chequing accounts (does not include receipts, bank books, letters or automated teller receipts)
- Mortgage, rental or lease agreement
- Motor Vehicle Permit (plate or vehicle portions)
- Property tax bill
- School, college or university report card or transcript
- Statement of Direct Deposit for social assistance or income assistance in your province or territory (for example, Disability Assistance, Hardship Assistance, Income Support, Assured Incoome, Social Solidarity, etc.)
- Statement of Employment Insurance Benefits Paid T4E
- Statement of Old Age Security T4A (OAS) or Statement of Canada Pension Plan Benefits T4A (P)
- Statement of Registered Retirement Savings Plan (RRSP), Registered Retirement Income Fund (RRIF), or Registered Home Ownership Savings Plan (RHOSP) from a financial institution (bank, trust company, credit union)
- Utility bill received by mail (home telephone, cable TV, public utilities commission, hydro, gas, water)
- Valid Provincial or Territorial Driver's Licence
- Temporary Driver's Licence (you must also show a photo license card with the same address)
- Workplace Safety and Insurance Board Statement of Benefits T5007
- Canada Pension Plan Statement of Contribution
- Valid Photo Identification
Proof of residency in Province/ Territory
For example:
- lease agreement
- rent receipt
- household bill
- gas
- electricity
- cable television
- telephone
- driver's license
- vehicle registration or car insurance
- membership in social or professional organization
- Other:
- bank information
- employment information
Social Insurance Number
For example:
- confirmation of SIN letter
- plastic SIN card (non-expired)
In most cases the supplement will be included in a family’s July payment for the August benefit month to help cover expenses for a person under 19 years of age who is entering or returning to school in September.
However, in cases where a person under 19 years of age is entering or returning to school later in the school year, the supplement may be issued at that time. If the person received a school start-up supplement in September, he or she would not be eligible for another supplement.