Canada Child Benefit (CCB): Eligibility, Application, and Coordination Guide

What is the Canada Child Benefit?

The Canada Child Benefit (CCB) is a federal government program administered by the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA). It provides tax-free monthly payments to eligible families to assist with the costs of raising children. The CCB is income-tested, meaning the amount you receive depends on your family net income and the number and ages of your children.

• Tax-free: You do not pay tax on CCB payments.
• Paid monthly: Usually on the 20th of each month.
• Automatic adjustments: Payment amounts are recalculated every July based on your previous year's tax return.

Eligibility for the CCB

• You must live with a child under age 18.
• You must be primarily responsible for the care and upbringing of the child (usually a parent or legal guardian).
• You must be a Canadian resident for tax purposes.
• You or your spouse/common-law partner must be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, protected person, temporary resident who has lived in Canada for the previous 18 months and has a valid permit, or an Indigenous person under the Indian Act.

Special cases: If you share custody (at least 40% of the time), each parent may receive 50% of the CCB for the child.

How to Apply for the Canada Child Benefit

1. File your taxes every year — even if you had no income. Both you and your spouse/partner must file to be assessed for CCB.
2. Apply at birth using the Automated Benefits Application at the hospital (most provinces/territories), via the CRA My Account, or by mailing Form RC66 (Canada Child Benefits Application) with supporting documents (e.g., proof of birth, immigration status if applicable).
3. For newcomers, provide immigration documents and proof of residency (see RC66SCH).
4. Keep the CRA updated on address, custody, or marital status changes.

Tip: You only need to apply once per child, but must file taxes annually to keep getting the CCB.

How Much Can You Get? (Calculation Examples)

CCB amounts are updated annually. For July 2024 to June 2025 (example):

• Up to $7,437 per year ($619.75/month) for each child under 6
• Up to $6,275 per year ($522.91/month) for each child aged 6-17

Payments are reduced as your family net income increases, using a sliding scale.

Example 1: Family with Two Young Children, Low Income

• Family net income: $32,000
• Children: 2, both under 6
• CCB: $619.75 x 2 = $1,239.50/month

Example 2: Single Parent, One Child, Moderate Income

• Family net income: $60,000
• Child: 1, age 8
• CCB is reduced by a percentage. Estimate: $6,275 minus reduction (approx. $3,000) = about $3,275/year ($272.92/month)

For a detailed estimate, use the CRA Child and Family Benefits Calculator.

Deadlines & Payment Schedule

• Apply as soon as your child is born or as soon as you become eligible.
• Payments are made monthly, usually around the 20th of each month.
• Annual recalculation: Each July, based on your prior year’s tax return.
• Missed a year? You can receive retroactive payments if you were eligible but did not apply or file taxes (up to 10 years back in some cases).

Documentation & Recordkeeping

• Keep copies of tax returns, birth certificates, custody agreements, proof of residency/citizenship, and correspondence with the CRA.
• Update the CRA promptly if your family situation changes (marital status, residency, custody, children living with someone else, etc.).

Audit Risk, Common Errors, and Best Practices

• Common errors: Not updating the CRA about custody or address changes, both parents not filing taxes, or missing application documents.
• The CRA may request proof of primary care (e.g., school, daycare, medical records).
• Review your eligibility each July; overpayments due to ineligibility must be repaid.
• Keep all relevant documentation for at least six years in case of audit.

Coordinating with Provincial/Territorial Family Benefits

Your CCB application also enrolls you for most provincial/territorial child and family benefits automatically, including:

• Ontario Child Benefit
• Alberta Child and Family Benefit
• Quebec Family Allowance (handled by Retraite Québec, separate application)
• Manitoba Child Benefit
• BC Family Benefit
• Other territorial and provincial supplements

Some provinces (like Quebec) require a separate application. See our Canada Individual Tax Credits Directory for details by province/territory.

Practical Scenarios

Scenario 1: Newcomer Family

A permanent resident family moves to Canada in May. They provide proof of status and residency, apply for the CCB, and start receiving payments within three months. The amount is prorated for the first year.

Scenario 2: Split Custody Arrangement

Parents with 50/50 custody each receive half of the CCB for their child. Both must file taxes and keep the CRA informed of the custody arrangement.

Scenario 3: Provincial Supplements

A family in Manitoba applies for the CCB and is automatically considered for the Manitoba Child Benefit, which is paid jointly with the CCB.

FAQ: Canada Child Benefit

Related Resources & Internal Links

• Canada Individual Tax Credits Directory
• Ontario Individual Tax Credits
• Quebec Individual Tax Credits (Quebec Family Allowance)
• BC Individual Tax Credits
• Alberta Individual Tax Credits
• Manitoba Individual Tax Credits
• Yukon Individual Tax Credits
• Nunavut Individual Tax Credits
• Canada Workers Benefit

• CRA Official Canada Child Benefit Guide
• CRA Child and Family Benefits Calculator