Eligible families may notice a little extra cash in their bank account.

Effective yesterday, federal child benefits increased up to $160 per child under the age of 6, and up to $135 per child ages 6 to 17.

Metro-area MP Tom Osborne says some 47-thousand people in this province saw an increase in their account and that Ottawa is looking at further affordability measures to tackle the rising cost of living.

“The past couple of years have been a strain on families and Canada’s government is delivering benefits and programs that help ease that burden for Canadians,” he told reporters.

“These initiatives, such as the Canada Child Benefit, putting thousands of dollars a year in the pockets of families, which is a tax-free benefit, allows them to provide whether it’s school supplies, clothing, food, to ensure that children have a good, solid start.”