How do I get my $500? Your Quebec budget questions answered

On Tuesday, Quebec Premier François Legault's CAQ government unveiled its fourth budget — the final one before the fall election.

The 470-page behemoth is stuffed with facts and figures. But as the cost of rent, groceries and gas continues to climb in the province, the big question for many is: what's in it for me?

Here's a breakdown of the budget highlights, starting with the big news: a $500 payout for roughly 6.4 million people.  

The government announced a one-time, lump-sum payment for every Quebecer who makes $100,000 or less.

If you qualify, you'll receive the $500 automatically, as long as you file your tax return for 2021. If your income is $100,000 or less, you'll get the full $500, no questions asked.

If you make less than $105,000, then you're in a buffer zone. You'll still get some money but not the entire $500. 

If you make more than $105,000, though, you're not eligible.

This is per person, not by household, so a couple that each makes under $100,000 would get $1,000 between them.

However, if you owe money to the government come tax season, the $500 may used to pay down what you owe. (Sorry, self-employed workers.)

Of course, if you don't file your taxes this year, you won't see any of it. That means Quebec's most vulnerable, such as those experiencing homelessness, might not get their share of the money.

Short answer: no.

Long answer: there is money to create affordable housing units and subsidize rent, but it falls far short of what housing groups say the province needs.

For example, the budget has set aside $100 million to build an additional 1,000 affordable housing units over five years across the province. 

But the Union of Quebec Municipalities (UMQ) said that the province needs 13,400 more affordable housing units — over 13 times what the government has announced. (The UMQ also asked for 4,500 more social housing units.)