Ben Nguyen 
The B.C. Family Benefit is a provincial child benefit program related to the federal Canada Child Benefit. It provides monthly financial assistance to families in British Columbia raising children under 18 years old. This non-taxable payment administered by the B.C. government helps eligible families with the costs of raising children.
This article will cover all the key details about the BC Family Benefit, including:
- Who is eligible
- How much the payment amounts are
- When payments are issued
- How to apply
- Income thresholds and phase-out amounts
- The BC Family Benefit in 2024/2025
And much more. Read on for a comprehensive guide to everything you need to know about the BC Family Benefit.
What is the BC Family Benefit?
The BC Family Benefit is a monthly, non-taxable payment made to eligible families residing in British Columbia with children under the age of 18.
It provides financial assistance to help these families with the costs of raising children. This includes expenses like housing, food, clothing, childcare, education costs, recreation, and other necessities.
Some key facts about the BC Family Benefit:
- It is administered by the Canada Revenue Agency on behalf of the Province of British Columbia.
- Payments are calculated based on your adjusted family net income (AFNI) and number of children.
- It is combined with the federal Canada Child Benefit (CCB) into a single monthly payment.
- The BC Family Benefit replaced the BC Early Childhood Tax Benefit in 2020.
- It is fully funded by the Province of British Columbia.
The goal of the BC Family Benefit is to help improve child poverty rates and support BC families raising children under 18 years old.
Who Is Eligible for the BC Family Benefit?
To be eligible for the BC Child Benefit, you must:
- Live with a child under the age of 18 who resides primarily in B.C.
- Be primarily responsible for the care and upbringing of the child
- Be a resident of B.C. for tax purposes
In addition, you must be eligible for the Canada Child Benefit (CCB). The CCB is a federal program that provides monthly tax-free payments to help families with the cost of raising children.
Eligibility for the CCB is automatic when you file your tax return and register any newborns. To register for the CCB, you and your spouse or common-law partner must each file a tax return every year, even if you have no income to report for the year.
The Canada Revenue Agency uses tax return information to determine eligibility and calculate CCB and BC Family Benefit payment amounts.
Adjusted Family Net Income Threshold Amounts
The amount of BC Family Benefit you receive depends on your adjusted family net income for the year. There are income thresholds that determine whether you receive the full benefit amount or a reduced amount.
For the 2023/2024 BC Family Benefit year (July 2023 to June 2024), the income thresholds were:
- Families with net incomes below $27,354 receive the full benefit amount.
- Families with net incomes above $27,354 and under $87,533 receive a partial benefit amount.
- Families with net incomes above $87,533 may receive a reduced benefit, depending on their specific income.
For the 2024/2025 BC Family Benefit year (July 2024 to June 2025), the income thresholds are:
- Families with net incomes below $35,902 receive the full benefit amount.
- Families with net incomes above $35,902 and under $114,887 receive a partial benefit amount with a guaranteed minimum amount.
- Families with net incomes above $114,887 receive a partial benefit amount with no guaranteed minimum amount.
These threshold amounts are indexed to inflation each year.
How Much Is Child Benefit In BC for 2024/2025?
The amount of BC Family Benefit you receive each month depend on your adjusted family net income and the number of children you have. It is calculated based on your net income from your tax return for the base taxation year. For example, the July 2024 to June 2025 benefit year will be calculated based on your net income from your 2023 tax return.
To provide additional support for families during challenging economic times, BC has introduced a one-time B.C. Family Benefit bonus for the July 2024 to June 2025 benefit year. This bonus will increase the regular BC Family Benefit amounts by 25% for 12 months. The bonus will be incorporated into the existing monthly payments, increasing the amounts families receive.
This temporary bonus will provide much-needed additional assistance to British Columbia families during a financially difficult time. The regular BC Family Benefit amounts will resume in July 2025 after the bonus year ends.
For the July 2024 to June 2025 benefit period
If your adjusted family net income is $35,902 or less, the maximum payment amounts (bonus payment included) are:
| Number of Children | Maximum Annual Amount |
|---|---|
| 1 Child | $2,188 |
| 2 Children | $1,375 |
| Each Additional Child | $1,125 |
If your adjusted family net income is between $35,902 and $114,887, you’ll receive a reduced amount but no less than:
| Number of Children | Guaranteed Minimum Annual Amount |
|---|---|
| 1 Child | $969 |
| 2 Children | $937 |
| Each Additional Child | $906 |
If your adjusted family net income is above $114,887, you’ll receive a reduced payment amount up to:
| Number of Children | Maximum Annual Amount |
|---|---|
| 1 Child | $969 |
| 2 Children | $937 |
| Each Additional Child | $906 |
These amounts are reduced based on a phase-out rate of 4% of income over $114,887 until the benefit reaches zero.
For the previous July 2023 to June 2024 benefit period
Let’s also take a quick look at the previous 2023/2024 benefit year (based on adjusted family net income for 2022):
Families with incomes below $27,354 receive the maximum annual amounts of:
| Number of Children | Maximum Annual Amount |
|---|---|
| 1 Child | $1,750 |
| 2 Children | $1,100 |
| Each Additional Child | $900 |
Families with incomes between $27,354 and $87,533 receive a reduced amount but no less than:
| Number of Children | Guaranteed Minimum Annual Amount |
|---|---|
| 1 Child | $775 |
| 2 Children | $750 |
| Each Additional Child | $725 |
Families with incomes above $87,533 receive a reduced amount but no more than:
| Number of Children | Maximum Annual Amount |
|---|---|
| 1 Child | $775 |
| 2 Children | $750 |
| Each Additional Child | $725 |
BC Single Parent Supplement
The BC Family Benefit offers a Single Parent Supplement for eligible low-income single parents. To qualify, the parent must be receiving the regular BC child benefits payment that month and not be living with a spouse or common-law partner. The annual supplement amount is up to $500 per family. If the single parent’s adjusted family net income is over $35,902, the supplement amount will be reduced as part of calculating their total BC Family Benefit.
If you are a single parent receiving the BC Family Benefit, this extra supplement can provide helpful additional assistance. The supplement amount is included automatically in your monthly payments if you qualify. You do not have to apply separately.
When Are BC Family Benefit Payments Issued?
The BC Family Benefit is paid monthly to eligible families. Payments are issued on the 20th of each month, except when the 20th lands on a weekend or holiday.
Here are the child benefit BC dates for 2024:
- January 19, 2024
- February 20, 2024
- March 20, 2024
- April 19, 2024
- May 17, 2024
- June 20, 2024
- July 19, 2024
- August 20, 2024
- September 20, 2024
- October 18, 2024
- November 20, 2024
- December 13, 2024
and the child benefit BC dates for 2025:
- January 20, 2025
- February 20, 2025
- March 20, 2025
- April 17, 2025
- May 20, 2025
- June 20, 2025
- July 18, 2025
- August 20, 2025
- September 19, 2025
- October 20, 2025
- November 20, 2025
- December 12, 2025
Payments are combined with your CCB deposit or cheque, so your bank statement will show a deposit from “Canada Pro Deposit” on these dates.
If you do not have direct deposit set up with CRA, a cheque will be mailed to you on the payment date. It may take 5-10 additional business days to receive a mailed cheque.
How To Apply For Child Benefit in BC
Applying for the BC Family Benefit is easy since eligibility is determined through the Canada Child Benefit system.
Here are the steps to take:
Apply for the Canada Child Benefit
If you haven’t already, apply for the Canada Child Benefit through your CRA account or when filing your tax return.
You must be eligible for the CCB in order to receive the B.C. Family Benefit.
File your tax return annually
Ensure you file a tax return every year, even if you have no income to report. This allows CRA to determine your eligibility.
Check eligibility after moving
If you move to BC from another province, your eligibility will be reassessed when you update your information with CRA after filing your next tax return. If you move outside BC, notify CRA right away to avoid any overpayments you’ll have to repay.
Provide updated dependent information
Inform CRA if there are any changes in your dependents, marital status, or custody arrangements, as this may affect your eligibility and payment amounts.
Enroll children when they are born or adopted
Register any newborn children as dependents through CRA as soon as possible. CRA will calculate your benefits based on your updated dependent information.
That’s it! As long as you are registered for the CCB, have filed your tax return, and remain eligible, you will automatically receive the BC Family Benefit. There is no separate BC Family Benefit application form. The CRA handles everything based on your tax information.
In addition to the BC Family Benefit, many other provinces offer their own child tax benefits and family allowance programs. Some examples include the Alberta Child and Family Benefit, the New Brunswick Child Tax Benefit, the Newfoundland and Labrador Child Benefit, and the Ontario Child Benefit, the Nova Scotia Child Benefit, the Family Allowance Quebec. While provincial child benefits have similarities, the programs differ in their payment amounts, eligibility rules, and administration. Some are administered through the federal Canada Revenue Agency, while others are administered directly by the province. The BC Family Benefit fits into the overall landscape of provincial child tax credits and allowances across Canada, which are implemented through both federal and provincial delivery.
Summary
The B.C. Family Benefit provides important financial assistance each month to eligible families raising children under 18 in B.C.
This non-taxable payment can be used to help with the many costs of caring for children including food, housing, clothing, education, child care, medical expenses and more.
Payment amounts are based on your annual family income and number of children. To receive it, you must be eligible for the Canada Child Benefit.
A temporary bonus in 2024/2025 will increase benefits by 25% for that year to provide additional support during challenging economic times.
Hopefully this guide provides a comprehensive overview of everything you need to know about the B.C. Family Benefit program. Please contact the Canada Revenue Agency if you have any other questions.
FAQs for the BC Family Benefit in Canada
How do I apply for the BC Family Benefit in Canada?
You apply by filing your income tax return and registering for the Canada Child Benefit. The CRA uses that information to determine your eligibility for the BC Family Benefit.
What are the payment amounts for the BC Family Benefit in 2024?
In 2023, the maximum BC Family Benefit amounts are $2,188 for the first child, $1,375 for the second child, and $1,125 for each additional child.
Where in Canada is the BC Family Benefit available?
The BC Family Benefit is only available to residents of British Columbia. It is administered by the CRA but provincial-specific.
Why are some families not eligible for the full BC Family Benefit amount?
Families with higher incomes have their benefit reduced based on an income threshold. Above $35,902 in adjusted family net income, the amount starts decreasing.
When do BC Family Benefit payments get issued each month in Canada?
The BC Family Benefit is paid as part of the Canada Child Benefit on the 20th of each month, or nearest business day.
Can I receive the BC Family Benefit in Canada if I share custody of my child?
Yes, if you share custody, you can still receive the BC Family Benefit but the amount will be reduced to 50% of the full payment.
Is there a supplement for single parents who get the BC Family Benefit?
Yes, low income single parents can qualify for a supplemental annual payment of up to $500 through the Single Parent Supplement.
What happens if I move from BC to another province in Canada?
If you move out of British Columbia, you will no longer be eligible for the BC Family Benefit. Make sure to update your information with the CRA.
How does the BC Family Benefit compare to similar programs in other provinces?
The BC Family Benefit payment amounts, income thresholds, and eligibility rules are generally comparable to benefits in other provinces when adjusted for differences in tax rules and cost of living.
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