Check your bank account for child benefit, urges Island MP

Cardigan MP and P.E.I.'s representative in the federal cabinetLawrence MacAulay is urging P.E.I. families to check their bank accounts to ensure they have received the child benefit.

• New Canada Child Benefit program payments start today

The Liberal government's new national child benefit program came into effect Wednesday.

It gives the average Canadian family about $2,000 a year. Low-income families will be able to collect more than $6,000 per yearper child.

Families must file tax returns to receive benefit

MacAulayis worriedsome people don't realize that they must file income tax returns in order to receive the money.

He notedthat's why it's so important that people check their accounts to make sure they have received the money and are part of the program.

"It is so important for families under $30,000," said MacAulay."They will get $6,400 per child, non-taxable. So that is a big boost for families who I know can certainly use it."

If you haven't received it, contact your MP

MacAulay urged thatanyone whohas not received the money take the steps to get it.

"This is a big help for them and it's important that they receive the funds," he said.

Anyone who has not gotten the money andneeds help tapping into the program should contact their MP's office right away, said MacAulay.

"I just want to be sure that the ones that really need it, get it."

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