Applications for N.B. Workers Benefit to be accepted beginning Feb. 27

FREDERICTON (GNB) – Working New Brunswickers can begin applying on Feb. 27 for a one-time benefit of $300.

“Affordability continues to be a critical issue for New Brunswickers,” said Finance and Treasury Board Minister Ernie Steeves. “We know how important it is to make ends meet, and the N.B. Workers Benefit, along with the other measures we have introduced, should help to ease some of the financial pressures so many are facing.”

An estimated 250,000 individuals or families may be eligible for the benefit, with a total program expenditure of $75 million.

To qualify, applicants must:

• apply by June 30
• be a New Brunswick resident at the time of their application
• have been aged 19 or older as of Dec. 31, 2023
• for 2022 or 2023:
• filed a New Brunswick tax return
•  had family net income of $70,000 or less for that taxation year
• had family working income of $3,000 or more for that taxation year

Only one benefit will be distributed to each family, with single people considered their own family unit.

“We want to get the funds into the pockets of working New Brunswickers as soon as possible, so it is important to apply early, so we can process your application swiftly,” said Steeves. “In order to expedite this process and be able to issue payments beginning in the current fiscal year, the application process is necessary.”

As this is a provincially administered program, an application is required. Steeves said, in order for the federal government to share data or administer the program on behalf of the provincial government, legislated amendments would be required. That process could take months, causing a significant delay in getting the benefit to New Brunswickers as quickly as possible.

Applicants must submit a copy of their Canada Revenue Agency proof of income statement and that of their spouse or common-law partner, if applicable, for 2022 or 2023. First Nations members who choose to include tax-exempt working income under the Indian Act can opt to submit a copy of their T90 form.

Steeves said the fastest way to receive the benefit is by using the online application form, which will be available Feb. 27, however applications will also be available to download and submit by mail. Additionally, people may drop off their completed application, along with the required proof of income statement, at a Service New Brunswick service centre.

Applicants should receive their benefit in the mail six to eight weeks after submitting their application, however those who submit right away should receive their benefit sooner, as capacity allows.

More details about the program, including a link to help applicants obtain their proof of income statement, are available online.

The N.B. Workers Benefit is the latest in a series of steps intended to improve affordability for New Brunswickers, including:

•           reducing personal income tax

•           cutting child-care fees by 50 per cent, on average, since 2022

•           eliminating the interest on provincial student loans

•           increasing the minimum wage

•           investing in two rounds of the Emergency Food and Fuel Benefit

•           increasing the Low-Income Seniors’ Benefit by 50 per cent

•           reducing spousal contributions for facility-based care to ensure at least 60 per cent of the household income stays with the spouse who remains at home