The special benefit for the purchase of infant formula can be granted to a parent who is receiving benefits under the Social Assistance Program or the Social Solidarity Program and who is the mother of a baby or the person caring for the baby.
A claim slip is issued to the baby’s mother or caregiver for obtaining 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 who 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 du Travail, de l'Emploi et de la Solidarité sociale:
- 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.
