There may be a $200 rebate from the provincial government in your bank account by early next year
The soon-to-come rebate cheque, which is expected to be sent to about 15 million Ontarians, was announced by Premier Doug Ford at a news conference in Scarborough on Tuesday.
Alongside Finance Minister Peter Bethlenfalvy, Ford said the funds are to help eligible Ontario taxpayers combat the high cost of living.
The premier said families will receive an additional rebate of $200 per child.
Ford announced the rebate ahead of what could be an early election in 2025. At the press conference on Tuesday, he repeatedly denied claims the rebate is connected to the potential election.
“We’re doing everything we can to keep costs down for Ontario families, but the federal carbon tax and high interest rates are still hurting taxpayers across the province,” Ford said. “This $200 taxpayer rebate will give Ontario taxpayers, especially families with children, some much-deserved help so they can make ends meet.”
Bethlenfalvy said the $200 rebate will provide recipients with “much-needed relief to their household budgets” at a time when the cost of living “remains stubbornly high.”
The provincial government announced the refund for Ontarians one day before the government tables its fall economic statement.
Rebate recipients can expect their cheques in early 2025, according to the provincial government.
The repayment is expected to provide about $3 billion to 12.5 million adults and 2.5 million children in Ontario.
To be eligible, one must be at least 18 years old at the end of 2023, be an Ontario resident on Dec. 31, 2023 and must have filed their 2023 Income Tax and Benefit Return by Dec. 31, 2024. Ontarians who have been bankrupt or were incarcerated in 2024 will not be eligible.
