Quebec Family & Children Tax Credits (2025 Guide)

Quebec families can access a robust suite of provincial tax credits and benefits designed to support parents, children, and caregivers. These credits are stackable with Canada-wide supports, putting more money back into your pocket whether you’re raising a family, welcoming a new child, or supporting a child with special needs. This guide covers the major Quebec family/children’s programs, how they interact with federal credits, eligibility rules, and practical tips to maximize your refund.

Family Allowance (Allocation familiale): Monthly payment for families with children under 18, adjusted for income and family situation.
Supplement for Handicapped Children: Extra support for families raising a child with a disability.
Work Premium (Prime au travail): Refundable credit for low/moderate-income workers with families.
Child Care Expense Deduction: Provincial and federal deductions for eligible child care costs, including daycare, summer camp, and more.
Adoption Expense Credit: Helps offset eligible adoption-related costs.

Quebec family tax forms with children, representing family and child tax credits in Quebec

Key Quebec Family & Children Credits

Family Allowance (Allocation familiale)

Quebec’s Family Allowance is a monthly, income-tested benefit paid to families with children under 18 years old. Payments are made by Retraite Québec, not the CRA, and amounts are adjusted annually based on your family income, number of children, and family situation (e.g. single parent or shared custody).

Eligibility: You must reside in Quebec and live with a child under 18. Both biological and adopted children are eligible; shared custody results in split payments.
How to Apply: New parents are automatically registered after registering the birth with the Directeur de l’état civil. For newcomers or adoptions, you must apply directly via Retraite Québec.
Tip: Keep your family situation and address up to date with Retraite Québec to avoid missed payments or overpayments.

Supplement for Handicapped Children

This supplement provides additional non-taxable monthly payments for families raising a child with a recognized disability. There is also an Additional Supplement for Exceptional Care for severely disabled children with extraordinary care needs.

Eligibility: Determined by the child’s health professional and approved by Retraite Québec.
How to Apply: Complete the "Application for a Supplement for Handicapped Children" form and submit medical documentation.
Stacking: This supplement is in addition to the base Family Allowance and can be combined with federal credits like the Child Disability Benefit.

Work Premium (Prime au travail)

The refundable Work Premium (and the Adapted Work Premium for those with disabilities) boosts after-tax income for low/moderate-income Quebec workers and their families. Amounts depend on family income, number of children, and work situation.

Claim Process: Claimed annually on your Quebec (TP-1) tax return. Use Schedules P and P-1.
Tip: If your work income is low, you may qualify for both the Quebec Work Premium and the federal Canada Workers Benefit.

Child Care Expense Deduction

Quebec parents may deduct eligible child care expenses (e.g. daycare, summer camp, babysitting) on both their Quebec and federal returns. This deduction reduces taxable income, while Quebec’s generous subsidized daycare program can further reduce out-of-pocket costs.

Claim Process: Deduct on line 455 of the Quebec return (TP-1.D-V) and line 21400 of the federal return (T778).
Tip: Always keep receipts, and note that only the lower-income spouse can claim this deduction (unless special circumstances apply).

Adoption Expense Credit

Quebec offers a non-refundable provincial tax credit for eligible adoption-related expenses, stackable with the federal adoption expense credit. The credit is claimed in the year the adoption process is finalized (child placed with family).

Eligible Expenses: Legal, agency, and travel costs associated with adoption (limits apply).
Tip: Coordinate claims with the federal adoption credit for maximum benefit.

Claiming Tips & Strategies

Always file both your Quebec (TP-1) and federal (T1) returns, even if your income is low, to access all credits.
Keep all child care, adoption, and medical receipts for at least 6 years in case of audit.
If you have shared custody, ensure both parents coordinate Family Allowance and related claims.
New parents and newcomers should update their status with Retraite Québec and the CRA promptly.

Frequently Asked Questions: Quebec Family & Children Credits

Can I receive both Quebec Family Allowance and Canada Child Benefit?

Yes. Quebec families receive both the provincial Family Allowance (from Retraite Québec) and the Canada Child Benefit (from the CRA). Eligibility and payment schedules differ.

How do I update my family situation for Family Allowance?

Log in to your Retraite Québec account or call their service line to report changes such as a new child, adoption, separation, or address update.

Are child care expenses still deductible if my child attends subsidized daycare?

Only the portion of costs not covered by the government subsidy is deductible. Ensure receipts reflect the actual out-of-pocket amount paid.

Can I claim both the Supplement for Handicapped Children and the federal Child Disability Benefit?

Yes. These are separate programs and can be stacked if you meet eligibility for both.

Where can I learn more or apply?

Visit Retraite Québec or speak with a tax professional.