The Manitoba government has announced that it is extending the application deadline for affordability payments to Sept. 30 to ensure all eligible Manitobans receive tax relief credits.

“Providing historic help to make life more affordable for Manitobans was the focus of Budget 2023 and remains of critical importance to our government,” said Finance Minister Cliff Cullen. “To ensure that all Manitobans eligible for the Affordability Payments to Seniors, Affordability Payments for Families and Carbon Tax Relief Fund benefits receive the assistance they’re entitled to, we are extending the deadline for applications until Sept. 30.”

In 2022-23, the Manitoba government introduced several key measures to ease the burden of inflation and help Manitobans make ends meet including:

  • approximately $200 million for the Carbon Tax Relief Fund, which provides eligible Manitobans with a $225 payment for individuals and a $375 payment for couples;
  • approximately $63 million for the Family Affordability Package, which provides eligible Manitoba families with children under 18 with a payment of $250 for the first child and $200 for each additional child; and
  • approximately $15.75 million in the Affordability Payment for Seniors, which provides eligible Manitoba seniors who rent or own homes with a $300 payment.

Additionally, the incremental savings from all tax breaks, school tax rebates and affordability payments from 2022 to 2024 will total more than $1.8 billion, said Cullen, noting that works out to over $5,500 for an average two-income family.

“Manitobans have faced unprecedented challenges over the last few years – from pandemic-related financial pressures to soaring prices due to inflation, to the federal carbon tax – and our government has responded with historic help,” said Cullen. “We remain committed to making life more affordable for Manitobans and competitive for Manitoba businesses.”

An additional tax measure introduced in Budget 2023, which increased the Basic Personal Amount to $15,000, came into effect on July 1. The change provides the average two-income family with up to an extra $150 a month to help make ends meet, the minister noted.

Eligible Manitobans who did not receive an affordability payment cheque can submit an application at gov.mb.ca.