We suspend Family Allowance payments if a person's income tax return has not been filed by 1 July. That person and his or her spouse must file income tax returns as soon as possible. Once Revenu Québec sends us information about the family income, we will determine the amount of the Family Allowance and reinstate payments. If appropriate, a retroactive payment will be made.
However, if we do not know the family income because the beneficiary's income tax return (or the spouse's return) is still being processed by Revenu Québec, a temporary payment will be made for 3 months. The temporary payment is based on the family income for the prior year. We will adjust the amount, if necessary, when all the pertinent information has been received from Revenu Québec. If appropriate, a retroactive payment will be made. However, if the Family Allowance payment for the current year is less than the temporary payment granted, the beneficiary will have to repay the difference.
We can pay any amounts owing for a maximum retroactive period of 3 years.