Energy Cost Benefit (ECB)

The Energy Cost Benefit for low-income seniors is administered by Service Canada.

The Energy Cost Benefit for low-income families with children is administered by Canada Revenue Agency.

What is the Energy Cost Benefit (ECB)? Who will receive the Energy Cost Benefit? When are the Energy Cost Benefit payments being sent? How much will the Energy Cost Benefit be? Can I access my ECB payment information through My Account? More questions about the Energy Cost Benefit

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1. What is the Energy Cost Benefit (ECB)?
The Energy Cost Benefit is a one time tax exempt payment intended to help low income families with children and low-income seniors with the effects of high energy costs.

2. Who will receive the Energy Cost Benefit?
Families eligible for the National Child Benefit Supplement in January 2006 (based on 2004 income) will qualify for the Energy Cost Benefit payment.

The Canada Revenue Agency will be administering the payments to low-income families with children and Service Canada will be administering the payments to low-income seniors.

3. When are the Energy Cost Benefit payments being sent?
Since the legislation received Royal Assent on November 25, 2005, the cheques will be delivered in mid-January.

4. How much will the Energy Cost Benefit be?
Payments under the Energy Cost Benefit (ECB) will be:

• $250 per family receiving the National Child Benefit Supplement (NCBS);
• $250 to senior couples receiving the Guaranteed Income Supplement; and
• $125 to single seniors receiving the Guaranteed Income Supplement.

5. Can I access my ECB payment information through My Account?
Yes, you will be able to view your ECB payment details through CRA's secure online service My Account on the day that the payment is issued. You need to register for an epass to access My Account.

Note: Payment details will be displayed for National Child Benefit Supplement recipients only, not Guaranteed Income Supplement recipients.