Ontario

Catch Up Payments

Easy application

Tax filing not required

The Catch-Up Payments helps with $200 or $250 to pay for student learning supports and assist fill gaps that may have emerged because of COVID19. As a parent or guardian, you can use this one-time funding for things that best suit your child’s needs like tutoring services, supplies and equipment.

Deadline to apply is March 31, 2023.

Eligible applicants will receive a one-time payment of:

  • $200 for each student between kindergarten and Grade 12, up to age 18
  • $250 for each student with special education needs between kindergarten and Grade 12, up to age 21

You are eligible to apply for the Catch-Up Payment if you live in Ontario and are any of the following:

  • A parent or guardian to a student from kindergarten to Grade 12.
  • A parent or guardian to a student from kindergarten up to age 21 with special education needs.
  • A secondary school student who is 18 years of age.
  • Students are eligible if they go to any of the following school types:
    • publicly funded schools
    • Private schools
    • First Nation operated or federally operated schools
    • Homeschool
    • Students of Adult and Continuing Education programs for individuals over 18 years of age are not eligible.

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

You can access the application form through the secure website.

Step 1: Create your profile

By creating a profile, you can check the status of your application. You can also update your information prior to submission and check the status of your application throughout the process. Only one parent/guardian per student is eligible to apply and receive payment. Get instructions if you need help setting up your profile

Step 2: Provide information for each student for whom you are requesting Catch Up Payments

You must submit a separate application for each student. Only one application per student is accepted. You will need the following information for each student:

  • the name of their school and school board (if applicable)
  • their date of birth
  • a valid email address
  • depending on the method of payment selected, your banking information (bank name, branch or transit number and account number)

Step 3: Choose your method of payment

You will be asked to select your preferred method of payment. You can choose:

  • e-transfer
  • direct deposit
  • cheque

Step 4: Submit your application

You will need to complete an attestation form before you submit your application. As soon as you successfully complete your application, you’ll get a confirmation number. Record and keep the confirmation number for each application you submit. For more information about Catch Up Payments, call the program on Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Eastern time, excluding holidays.

Toll-free: 1-833-703-2331

Toll-free TTY: 1-800-268-7095

Toronto (GTA) TTY: 416-325-3408

Last updated: March 15, 2023