The special benefit for the purchase of infant formula may be granted to parents who are recipients under the Social Assistance Program or the Social Solidarity Program, to help them purchase infant formula for less than the regular price.
Parents are given a claim slip with an authorization number so that they can purchase authorized infant formula at a pharmacy.
Clientele
Any person who receives social assistance benefits or social solidarity benefits and who is the mother of a child under 1 year of age or who has a child under their care that is under 1 year of age.
Restriction
Mothers who receive the special benefit for the purchase of infant formula cannot receive the special nursing benefit, except during the month in which the baby’s feeding method is changed.
Conditions
The infant formula must be in the form of liquid concentrate.
If the child is less than 9 months old, the following types of formula are authorized:
- regular;
- soy-based;
- lactose-free.
If the child is from 9 months to less than 1 year old, a medical certificate from a doctor or midwife must justify the need for infant formula (e.g. lactose intolerance or cow milk allergy), and the following types of formula are authorized:
The following costs are covered by the Ministère:
- if the child is under 7 months, $32 per purchase of two cases of 12 cans of 385 mL, up to 48 cans per month;
- if the child is from 7 months to less than 1 year old, $16 per purchase of one case of 12 cans of 385 mL, up to 36 cans per month.
Purchases in excess of the authorized quantity are not covered.
The special benefit for the purchase of infant formula is granted as of the month in which the local employment centre (CLE) receives the application. It may be granted up to the last day of the month in which the child turns 1 year old.
