How benefits from 2015 budget affect Alberta families making less than $41K

CALGARY – Alberta is bringing in two benefits to give more money to low-income families.

They are the new Alberta Child Benefit and enhanced Alberta Family Employment Tax Credit.

READ MORE: Alberta budget 2015 – Winners and losers

All families earning less than $41,220 per year, including those receiving Assured Income for the Severely Handicapped and social assistance, are eligible to receive the new child benefit.

The maximum annual benefit is $1,100 for families with one child, and up to $2,750 for families with four or more children.

The maximum annual tax credit is $754 for families with one child, and up to $1,987 for families with four children or more.

Both benefits will be sent out to parents starting in July 2016 and the child benefit will be sent out in four payments, while the tax credit will be sent out twice a year.

To be eligible, families must be residents of Alberta, file a tax return and have one or more children under 18.

Human Services Minister Irfan Sabir says it will help lower-income families make ends meet and support the well-being of their children.