The provincial government has distributed some $26 million in benefits through its parental benefits program since it was established in 2008, Finance Minister Tom Marshall reported today (May 2) in the House of Assembly.
The program consists of the Progressive Family Growth Benefit and the Parental Support Benefit to help offset the high costs associated with the first year of parenting.
The program provides $1,000 for every child born or adopted in the province as well as an additional $100 each month for the first 12 months for the child.
As of April 30, almost 12,000 applicants have availed of the program, said Marshall.
The Parental Benefits Program is designed so that the benefits are not taxable and that any parent who gives birth or adopts a child can avail of the program, regardless of employment status or income.
"I would encourage anyone who has recently had or adopted a child and has not already applied for the program to do so. The deadline for filing an application is three years after the baby is born, or in the case of adoption, three years after the child has been placed," Marshall explained.
Complete details can be found on the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador’s website, under the Department of Finance.
Marshall said the parental benefits program is just one example of the government’s efforts to put more money back into the hands of the residents of the province to spend on what they deem is important.
"Residents are saving in areas such as personal income taxes, home energy and insurance premiums. All told, Newfoundlanders and Labradorians are currently spending approximately $500 million less in taxes and fees annually as compared to 2006," he said.
"For too long the population of this province was in steady decline as residents left for opportunities elsewhere, but we are finally beginning to see a reversal in that trend. A strong, healthy province is one in which families and children have an environment in which they can thrive."
