OTTAWA - The Canada Revenue Agency says it fielded more than a million phone calls on the day that increased child benefits took effect.
An agency spokesman says many callers had to be directed to check their mailboxes when they called to ask about their money, which in some cases amounted to more than $500.
Philippe Brideau says the majority of callers wanted to know how they were going to be paid -- especially if they received other benefits through direct deposit.
The July 20 payouts for the expanded universal child care benefit increased the monthly payments to $160 from $100 for every child under age six.
They also added a new $60 monthly payment for children six to 17.
The July payout included benefits retroactive to Jan. 1.
