The Higgs government has announced long-awaited details about its new N.B. Workers Benefit.
First revealed in January, lower-income workers will receive a one-time benefit of $300 through the program.
Officials estimate around 250,000 individuals or families may be eligible for the benefit at a cost of $75 million.
“Affordability continues to be a critical issue for New Brunswickers,” Finance Minister Ernie Steeves said in a news release.
“We know how important it is to make ends meet, and the N.B. Workers Benefit … should help to ease some of the financial pressures so many are facing.”
Applications will open next Tuesday, Feb. 27, and remain open until June 30. You should receive the benefit by mail within six to eight weeks of applying for it.
To be eligible for the benefit, you must have filed a tax return for the 2022 or 2023 taxation years.
You will need to have a family income of $70,000 or less and a family working income of at least $3,000 for that year.
Only one benefit will be distributed to each family, with single people considered their own family unit.
The Higgs government has faced pushback from opposition parties after learning the benefits would not come automatically.
Steeves said for the federal government to share the required data or administer the program on behalf of the provincial government, legislated amendments would be required — a process that could take months.
“In order to expedite this process and be able to issue payments beginning in the current fiscal year, the application process is necessary,” he said.
You will be able to apply for the benefit online, by mail, or by dropping off your completed application at a Service New Brunswick service centre.
