You have full custody of two children, except every other weekend, and your new spouse has custody of three children two weekends a month... A blended family can be baffling on many levels, including finances. Moreover, in a blended family, who is entitled to Family Allowance?
It is important to know that, in order to receive or continue receiving Family Allowance, your children must be under 18 and live at least 40% of the time with you each month.
Who receives Family Allowance in a blended family?
Family Allowance is always paid to
only one person per family. Retraite Québec must therefore determine which parent will receive the financial assistance for all the children in the family. Here is how it is determined:
- If both parents are eligible for Family Allowance, the parent who has the most children receives it.
- If both parents have the same number of children, it is the one who has the youngest child who receives it.
- If the youngest child comes from the union of both parents, the mother receives the Family Allowance.
Change in your conjugal status? Let us know.
When family life changes, so may your payments.
The parent who was already receiving Family Allowance must declare any change (separation, shared custody, new de facto spouse, etc.). If the other parent, for example, the father, obtains shared custody, he must file an application to receive his portion of the payments.
Are you eligible for Family Allowance? You must file an application.
By informing Retraite Québec quickly, you can ensure that you are receiving the correct amounts... and you avoid having to repay overpayments.
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