Why Is Ontario Mailing $200 Rebate Cheques Instead of Using Direct Deposit?

Ontario Taxpayer Rebate: Why Cheques Are Mailed Instead of Direct Deposit

Ontario taxpayer rebate cheques are being sent by mail across the province.

The province began mailing the cheques last Friday, with most expected to arrive in mailboxes by late January or early February. The mailing schedule depends on when recipients filed their taxes, according to the Ontario government.

But why, in an era of electronic banking, did the province choose to send these rebates via mail rather than direct deposit?

When asked, Scott Blodgett, Senior Media Relations Advisor at the Ministry of Finance, explained that “cheques are an effective way to deliver payments to eligible recipients.”

Blodgett did not disclose the total administrative costs, stating they are still being finalized based on the total number of recipients. “The government is committed to being transparent regarding costs, and an update will be reported as part of the 2024-25 public accounts,” he added.

Who Is Eligible for the Rebate, and How Much Will You Receive?

The rebate cheques are being sent to Ontario residents who meet the eligibility criteria. To qualify:

• You must have been 18 or older and a resident of Ontario on December 31, 2023.
• You cannot be bankrupt or incarcerated in 2024.
• You must have filed your 2023 income tax return by December 31, 2024.

Additionally, families eligible for the Canada Child Benefit (CCB) will receive an extra $200 per eligible child under 18. For example, a family with two adults and three children would receive $1,000.

For families with shared custody arrangements, payments will be split based on the most recent CCB information available.

How to Track the Status of Your Cheque

Ontarians can check the status of their rebate cheques online. To do so, you’ll need:

• An account login,
• The last four digits of your Social Insurance Number,
• Your date of birth, and
• The postal code from the mailing address used in your Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) tax return.

By understanding the process and eligibility, Ontario residents can better navigate the rebate system and ensure they receive the financial support owed to them.