Child Benefits in Canada

The Canada Child Benefit (CCB) is a monthly, tax-free payment designed to help families cover the costs of raising children under 18. This system was introduced in Canada in 2016. The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) recalculates payment amounts annually based on adjusted family net income and inflation.

From July 1, 2024, eligible families can receive up to $7,787 CAD (≈$5,745 USD) per child under 6 and up to $6,570 CAD (≈$4,850 USD) per child aged 6 to 17. This 4.7% increase is due to inflation adjustment based on the Consumer Price Index.

The Canada Child Benefit may also include additional payments, such as the Child Disability Benefit. Some provinces and territories also offer their own support programs.

Who is eligible for CCB?

To be eligible for CCB, you must live with the child and be primarily responsible for their care and upbringing. The child must be under 18. You must also be a tax resident of Canada. Additionally, you or your spouse/partner must have one of the following statuses:

• Canadian citizen;
• permanent resident;
• protected person;
• temporary resident who has lived in Canada for the past 18 months, with a valid permit for the 19th month (provided the permit doesn't state "does not confer status");
• Indian status under the Indian Act.

You may be eligible even in special cases, such as shared custody. In such cases, you'll receive 50% of the total benefit.

How are CCB payments calculated?

Payment amounts depend on the number of children, their age, adjusted family net income (AFNI), and eligibility for the Disability Tax Credit (DTC).

Maximum benefit amounts are:

• $7,787 CAD per year (≈$5,745 USD), or $648.91 CAD per month (≈$480 USD) for each child under 6.
• $6,570 CAD per year (≈$4,850 USD), or $547.50 CAD per month (≈$405 USD) for each child aged 6 to 17.

If your adjusted family net income (AFNI) exceeds $36,502 CAD (≈$27,000 USD), the benefit amounts start to decrease. Here's how the reductions are calculated:

The higher your family income, the greater the reduction in benefits. However, payments continue even for incomes above these thresholds, albeit at a much lower level.

Online Benefits Calculator

The CRA provides an online calculator to help parents estimate their child benefit payments based on income, number of children, and other factors. This useful tool is available on the official CRA website and can help with family budget planning.

Child Disability Benefit

The Child Disability Benefit (CDB) is an additional payment for families caring for children with severe and prolonged physical or mental impairments. In 2024-2025, the maximum CDB amount is $3,322 CAD per year (≈$2,500 USD), or $276.83 CAD per month (≈$205 USD) for each child eligible for the disability tax credit.

CDB reduction begins when family income exceeds $79,087 CAD (≈$58,350 USD), with a reduction rate of 3.2% for one child and 5.7% for two or more children with disabilities.

Required Documents

When applying for CCB, you may need to provide:

• Proof of citizenship or status: birth certificate, passport, permanent resident or protected person documents.
• Proof of residency in Canada: utility bills, bank statements, or lease you live in Canada.
• Proof of primary responsibility for the child: letter from school or daycare, child's address on school or medical records, social services documents.

You and your spouse/partner need a Social Insurance Number (SIN) to apply for CCB. If you're denied a SIN, you can include an explanation letter with your application and provide one of the following documents:

• passport;
• driver's license;
• birth certificate;
• documents issued by Canadian immigration services.

Ways to Apply for CCB

There are several ways to apply for CCB:

• through My Account;
• by mail, using form RC66, Canada Child Benefits Application;
• automatic application for newborns through a service available in most provinces and territories when registering a child's birth.

If you're a new resident or citizen of Canada, you'll need to complete additional forms, such as RC66SCH, Status in Canada and Income Information. Immigrants living in Canada for less than 18 months can only apply for CCB after this period.

It's important to apply as soon as possible to start receiving payments promptly.

When to Notify of Changes

You need to notify the CRA in the following cases:

• Change in the number of children in the family: if a child is born or starts living with you.
• Change in marital status: marriage, divorce, separation (more than 90 days).
• Change of address: it's important to report a change in residence promptly, otherwise payments may be suspended.

You can report changes through My Account, by phone, or by filling out the RC65, Marital Status Change form.

When the benefit payment period begins

The CCB payment period starts on July 1 and runs until June 30 of the following year. Payments are calculated based on income from the previous calendar year. For example, payments for the period from July 2024 to June 2025 will be based on 2023 income.

When benefit recalculations can be made

CRA recalculates CCB payments in the following cases:

• At the start of a new payment period (July 1), based on the previous year's tax return.
• After a review of your tax return or your spouse's/partner's return.
• After a change in marital status.
• When there's a change in the number of children in the family.

Regional support programs

In addition to federal CCB payments, many provinces and territories offer additional family assistance programs. For example:

• Child benefit in Alberta: payments depend on the number of children and family income, and can reach up to $5,656 CAD per year (about $4,200 USD).
• Child benefit in British Columbia: maximum payments are $2,188 CAD (about $1,600 USD) for the first child and decrease based on family income.
• Child benefit in Ontario: up to $140 CAD per month (about $105 USD) for each child under 18.
• Child benefit in New Brunswick: basic benefit is $20.83 CAD per month (about $15 USD) per child, adjusted based on family income.
• Child benefit in Newfoundland and Labrador: payments up to $186.16 CAD (about $140 USD) per month for the fourth and subsequent children.
• Child benefit in Northwest Territories: maximum payments up to $203.75 CAD per month (about $150 USD) for the fourth child.
• Child benefit in Nova Scotia: payments of $127.08 CAD per month (about $95 USD) for each child in low or middle-income families.
• Child benefit in Nunavut: basic payment of $29 CAD per month (about $22 USD) per child, with additional support for working families.
• Child benefit in Yukon: up to $76.50 CAD per month (about $57 USD) for each child.

You don't need to apply separately for regional benefits. These payments are integrated with the federal program. When you apply for benefits through CRA, your application is automatically considered for relevant provincial and territorial programs.

Addresses for sending CCB applications

If you're applying by mail, send your completed RC66 form and supporting documents to the appropriate tax center based on your province or territory: