RMWB School Zone, supplied image
Edmonton — Some Alberta parents say they are still waiting for provincial payments meant to offset child-care costs during last month’s teachers’ strike.
The province launched the Parent Payment Program to help families cover expenses while roughly 700,000 students were out of school from Oct. 6 to 28 during the Alberta Teachers’ Association strike. But while most payments have been issued, the government says delays remain because of the number of applications.
Garrett Koehler, press secretary for the Ministry of Education and Childcare, said more than 300,000 children have been added to applications and over 180,000 payments have been sent so far. He said payments are still being processed and applications remain open until Nov. 14. According to Koehler, e-transfers may be delayed because of volume.
Parents who haven’t received funds are encouraged to check their e-transfer information and the security code needed to accept payment. The password is listed in their application summary on alberta.ca. The application reference number must be entered exactly as shown, including dashes and correct capitalization, and should not be copied and pasted. Parents who are entitled to additional disability-related funding but have not received it will be included in a future payment run. Anyone experiencing issues can call 310-1000.
The program provides $30 per child per instructional day of the strike for children aged 12 and under enrolled in public, Catholic or francophone schools. Children with an active Family Support for Children with Disabilities agreement are eligible for an additional $30 per child per day, for a total of up to $60. Parents of children over 12 years of age can apply for $60 per child per day for children aged 13-17. Payments are non-taxable and non-repayable.
A five-day school week amounts to $150 per child, or $300 for children eligible for additional disability support. Payments are delivered through e-transfer and may be retroactive to the start of the strike.
The walkout ended when the province ordered teachers back to work, and students returned to class on Oct. 29. Applications for support close Nov. 14.
Comments