It was announced on Wednesday, March 24 that Ontario's COVID-19 child benefit will be increased, putting more money into the pockets of Ontario families.

A release issued by the Ontario Government states that the benefit will be increased to $400 per child and will apply to all ages up to grade 12. The new benefit will grant $500 per child for those aged 21 and younger with special needs.*

Editor's Choice: Ontario Mayor Says She Fears Another Provincial Stay-At-Home Order Could Be On The Way

The last round of the benefit supplied families with $200 per child and $250 per child with special needs.

The benefit is per child, "which means a family with three young children, one of whom has special needs, will receive $2,600 in total after the third round of payments," states the release.

The government acknowledged that families "have faced new pressures and expenses due to the pandemic" and expressed their hope that this would help alleviate the hardship.

Who is eligible for the COVID-19 child benefit? 

While the Ontario government has not announced if rules have changed, in previous rounds all students were eligible for this benefit.

Originally, only those under 12 were eligible, but Ford's government announced last year that high school students are now also able to apply for the money. 

If you are over 18, the payment can go directly to you and not a parent. 

Is the government doing anything else to help schools? 

On Wednesday, the government also announced that they would be investing $14 billion into schools over the next 10 years.*

This money will be used to build new schools and repair and upgrade existing ones. 

On top of this, it will also help fund education-related projects. 

*Editor’s Note: An earlier version of this article misstated some information regarding the qualifications for the children's benefit. It has since been updated.