Canada Child Benefit (CCB): A Complete Guide for Canadian Families (2024-2025)

The Canada Child Benefit (CCB) is a tax-free monthly payment made to eligible families in Canada to help with the cost of raising children under 18 years of age. The CCB was introduced in 2016 by the federal government to provide additional financial support to middle-class families and lift children out of poverty.

This guide will provide parents and guardians with everything they need to know about qualifying for and receiving the Canada Child Benefit. We’ll cover eligibility requirements, payment amounts, how to apply, payment schedules, reporting changes, filing taxes, maximizing benefits, and more. We aim to deliver clear, accurate, and authoritative advice to help families utilize this valuable government program.

Canada Child Benefit Eligibility Requirements

The Canada Child Benefit (previously the Canada Child Tax Benefit) is administered by the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) and has specific eligibility criteria that caregivers must meet to qualify. This section will outline the key requirements.

Who Can Receive the Canada Child Benefit?

According to the CRA documents, the CCB is available to the primary caregiver of children under 18 years old who meet the eligibility criteria.

Caregivers cannot receive the CCB for foster children in months when Children’s Special Allowances are being provided. However, you may get the CCB if you live with and care for a child under a kinship or close relationship program, as long as CSA is not payable for that child.

Canada Child Benefit Eligibility Criteria

To receive the CCB, you must meet all of the following conditions:

• Live with a child who is under 18 years of age
• Be primarily responsible for the care and upbringing of the child. This means being involved in supervising the child’s daily activities, ensuring their medical needs are met, and arranging child care when necessary.
• Be a resident of Canada for tax purposes
• You or your spouse/common-law partner must be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, protected person, or a temporary resident living in Canada for the previous 18 months with a valid 19th month permit.

If there is a female parent living in the household, she is presumed to be the primary caregiver unless otherwise stated. For same-sex couples, one parent should apply for all children in the home.

Shared Custody and Eligibility

When two caregivers share custody of a child, they may both get a percentage of the CCB based on how much time the child stays with each person. The amount will factor in each caregiver’s adjusted family net income.

Documents Necessary to Apply

Caregivers need to supply documentation to substantiate their CCB application, including:

• Proof of the child’s birth, such as a birth certificate
• Evidence of Canadian residency like a rental agreement or utility bill
• Legal custody paperwork if relevant
• Immigration documentation for new residents or protected individuals

How Much Canada Child Benefit Can You Get?

The amount of Canada Child Benefit you receive depends on a few factors, including your adjusted family net income, the number of children you have, and their ages.

CCB Payment Calculation

From July 2024 to June 2025, the CCB provides a maximum annual benefit of:

• $7,787 per year ($648.91 per month) for children under 6
• $6,570 per year ($547.50 per month) for children aged 6-17

This number was $7,437 and $6,275 respectively for the period from July 2023 to June 2024.

Your payments are reduced once your adjusted family net income (AFNI) exceeds the $36,502 or $79,087 threshold.

The reduction percentage rises based on the number of children you have. You can estimate your payment amount using the Child and Family Benefits Calculator on the CRA website.

The table below shows the maximum CCB payment amounts by age and income level based on the number of eligible children in your care.

Table 1: Maximum Canada Child Benefit by Income Level and Number of Children – Canada Child Benefit Calculator

To give you a better idea of how these CCB calculations work, let’s walk through some examples. The maximum CCB amounts shown in the table may be reduced based on your adjusted family net income and the number of eligible children. If your AFNI exceeds the $36,502 threshold, a percentage of the overage income gets deducted from the maximum CCB amount for your number of kids. This percentage reduction gets larger as you have more children.

For incomes above $79,087, there is both a set deduction amount and a percentage reduction based on the AFNI overage and number of children. The examples below illustrate how this calculation works for different family sizes and incomes.

Example 1:

Jennifer is a single mother with 1 child under 6 years old.

Scenario A: If Jennifer’s adjusted family net income for the previous tax year was $32,000, since her income is below $36,502, she qualifies for the maximum CCB amount of $7,787/year or $648.91/month.

Scenario B: If instead Jennifer’s adjusted family net income was $40,000, her income exceeds the $36,502 threshold. Her income over the threshold is $40,000 – $36,502 = $3,498. This $3,498 overage gets reduced by 7% (the rate for 1 child). 7% of $3,498 is $244.86. So the maximum CCB of $7,787 is reduced by $244.86, resulting in $7,542.14 annually, or $628.51 monthly.

Example 2:

Michael and Susan have 2 children, a 8-year-old and a 3-year-old. Their adjusted family net income is $55,000.

With 2 children, their income exceeds the $36,502 threshold. Their income over the threshold is $55,000 – $36,502 = $18,498. This $18,498 overage gets reduced by 13.5% (the rate for 2 children). 13.5% of $18,498 is $2,497. So their maximum CCB of $15,574 (for 2 children under 6) is reduced by $2,497. This comes out to $13,077/year or $1,089.75/month in child care benefit payments.

Example 3:

Carla is a single mom with 3 children aged 5, 10 and 15. Her AFNI is $90,000.

With 3 kids, her income exceeds the higher threshold of $79,087. Her income over this threshold is $90,000 – $79,087 = $10,913.

This $10,913 gets reduced by 8% (the rate for 3 children). 8% of $10,913 is $873.

The maximum CCB for 3 children ($19,751) is first reduced by $8,091 (the base reduction for incomes above $79,087 with 3 children). This amount is then further reduced by the $873 calculated above.

So her total annual CCB payment will be $19,751 – $8,091 – $873 = $10,787/year or $898.92/month.

Additional Benefits for Children with Disabilities

If you have a child under 18 years old with a severe and prolonged impairment in physical or mental functions, they may be eligible for the Disability Tax Credit (DTC).

Eligibility for the DTC is determined by the Canada Revenue Agency after approving Form T2201, Disability Tax Credit Certificate, completed by a medical practitioner.

If your child is approved for the DTC, you may also receive the Child Disability Benefit (CDB) as part of your Canada Child Benefit payments.

The CDB provides up to an additional $3,322 per year ($276.83 per month) for each DTC-eligible child under 18.

Your CDB payments start getting reduced once your adjusted family net income (AFNI) exceeds $79,087. The reduction percentage is based on the number of DTC-eligible children you have, as follows:

• For families with 1 DTC-eligible child, the reduction is 3.2% of the amount of AFNI greater than $79,087.
• 5.7% reduction for 2+ DTC-eligible children.

To receive the CDB, you must apply separately by requesting it in writing from your CRA tax centre, beyond the initial CCB application.

Applying for the Canada Child Benefit

Knowing when and how to apply for child benefits will ensure you receive your CCB payments in a timely manner. This section outlines the application process.

When Should You Apply?

You should apply for the CCB as soon as possible when:

• your child is born
• a child begins living with you
• you obtain custody of a child
• you change a shared custody arrangement

If it has been more than 11 months since the child began living with you, you’ll need to provide additional documents to support your application.

How to Apply Online

You can submit your CCB application online using My Account on the CRA website. Simply provide your contact information, marital status, citizenship, child’s details, and banking information for direct deposit.

How to Apply by Mail

Alternatively, you can apply by mail using RC66 Form, Canada Child Benefits Application. Print and complete the form, attach supporting documents, and mail it to your CRA tax centre.

Applying at Birth Registration

When registering your baby’s birth, you can consent to share your SIN so the hospital can send your details directly to the CRA and initiate your CCB application.

After Applying for the Canada Child Benefit

The CRA will process your application within 8 weeks if applying online, or 11 weeks by mail. You’ll receive a Notice of Entitlement once approved, outlining your benefit amount.

If additional documentation is needed, the CRA will contact you, and you can submit supporting documents through My Account.

CCB Payment Schedule and Delivery

The CRA issues CCB payments on the 20th of each month, except in December when the payment date is earlier. You can receive payments by check or direct deposit.

Canada Child Benefit Payment Dates for 2024

• January 19
• February 20
• March 20
• April 19
• May 17
• June 20
• July 19
• August 20
• September 20
• October 18
• November 20
• December 13

If the payment date falls on a weekend or holiday, your CCB will be deposited on the last business day prior.

Canada Child Benefit Payment 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

Direct Deposit vs. Check in the Mail

Direct deposit ensures you receive your payment quickly into your bank account. Checks may take up to 10 days by mail. Payments will be delivered by check if you have not set up direct deposit with the CRA.

Missed or Late CCB Payments

If you do not receive your CCB within 5 business days of the scheduled payment date, contact the CRA at 1-800-387-1193 to inquire about the status of your benefit.

Reporting Changes to the CRA

To keep receiving accurate Canada Child Benefit payments, you must inform the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) right away about any major changes in your family situation.

What Changes Need to Be Reported?

You should notify the CRA as soon as any of the following changes happen:

• Marital or relationship status – if you get married, separated, divorced, or start/end a common-law relationship
• Family income changes significantly
• Living arrangement changes – if a child starts/stops living with you
• Custody status changes – getting custody or giving up custody of a child
• New banking information for direct deposits
• Address changes
• Changes in the number of eligible children – having a baby, child turning 18
• If a 16/17 year-old child starts/stops attending school full-time
• A child leaves your care or passes away

How to Update Your Information

Reporting changes to your details with the CRA is easy through either:

• CRA My Account online
• Calling 1-800-387-1193

If you do not update your information on time, you risk receiving incorrect payments or having to repay amounts you were overpaid.

When to Report Changes

It is recommended you report any relevant changes to your situation within 30 days of the change happening to prevent any issues.

The only exception is an address update, which you should report as soon as possible to prevent missed payments.

Related provincial and territorial benefits

Some provinces and territories provide additional child and family benefits along with the federal Canada Child Benefit (CCB) program.

Child Benefit Alberta

Alberta provides the Alberta Child and Family Benefit (ACFB), a tax-free monthly payment to families with children under 18. For 2024-2025, the ACFB provides up to $1,469 per year for the first child and $735 per additional child. The ACFB is reduced when family income exceeds $27,024.

For more information, see Alberta Child and Family Benefit (ACFB).

Child Benefit BC

British Columbia offers the BC Family Benefit, a monthly tax-free payment to families with children under 18, combined with the CCB payment. For 2024-2025, the BC Family Benefit provides $182.33 per month for the first child, $114.58 for the second child, and $93.75 per additional child. Amounts begin reducing when the adjusted family net income exceeds $35,902.

For further details, see BC Family Benefit 2024/2025 Overview

Manitoba

The CRA does not administer any benefit program on behalf of the Province of Manitoba.

Manitoba provides the Manitoba Child Benefit (MCB), a monthly payment to lower-income families with dependent children under 18. Families may receive up to $35 per month or $420 per child annually. The Children’s Opti-Care Program also provides additional assistance for the child for prescription eyeglasses.

For more details, see out full review: The Manitoba Child Benefit

New Brunswick

New Brunswick provides the New Brunswick Child Tax Benefit (NBCTB), which gives $20.83 per month for each child under 18. There is also a New Brunswick Working Income Supplement (NBWIS) of up to $20.83 per month based on family earned income over $3,750. Benefits begin reducing when the adjusted family net income exceeds $20,921.

For further details, check out Understanding The New Brunswick Child Tax Benefit

Newfoundland and Labrador

Newfoundland and Labrador offers a Child Benefit of $152.16 for the first child, $161.33 for the second child, $173.25 for the third child, and $186.16 for each additional child under 18 as a supplement to the CCB for low-income families. Benefits begin reducing when your AFNI is more than $17,397.

For full details, see Newfoundland Child Benefit

Northwest Territories

The Northwest Territories Child Benefit provides a monthly non-taxable amount of up to $67.91 per child under 6 and $54.33 per child 6-17 in addition to the CCB amount. The benefit is reduced when your AFNI exceeds $30,000.

For more information, see Northwest Territories Child Benefit and Cost of Living Offset

Nova Scotia Child Benefit

Nova Scotia provides the Nova Scotia Child Benefit, giving an additional $127.08 per month for each child under 18 to low-and modest-income families. This supplement is paid together with the CCB amount. If your AFNI is between $26,000 and $34,000, you may get part of the benefit.

For more information, see Nova Scotia Child Benefit

Ontario Child Benefit

Ontario provides the Ontario Child Benefit, an additional tax-free amount of up to $140 per month for each child under 18 paid to low- to moderate-income families along with their CCB. The amount is reduced when family income exceeds $25,646.

For more details, see How To Receive The Ontario Child Benefit (OCB)

Prince Edward Island

Prince Edward Island provides the Prince Edward Island Sales Tax Credit, administered by the CRA, alongside the federal GST/HST credit. The PEI Sales Tax Credit is a tax-free amount paid to help offset the provincial sales tax for low- and modest-income residents.

For 2023, the PEI Sales Tax Credit provides:

• $110 per year for an individual
• plus $55 per year for a spouse or common-law partner
• supplement of 0.5% of adjusted family net income over $30,000, up to a maximum of $55

the total of the above is reduced by 2% of adjusted family net income over $50,000.

The PEI Sales Tax Credit amount is combined with the GST/HST credit and paid quarterly.

Prince Edward Island does not currently have a child benefit program. However, the Government has also announced that a new PEI Children’s Benefit will launch in January 2025. This upcoming benefit will provide additional support to low- and middle-income families to help offset the costs of raising children. It will be paid in addition to the federal Canada Child Benefit.

Family Allowance Quebec

Quebec has its own Family Allowance program separate from the federal CCB. The Family Allowance is a refundable tax credit paid by the provincial government to assist families with dependent children under 18. It consists of:

• The Family Allowance payment – financial assistance to all eligible families with one or more dependent children under 18.
• The supplement for school supplies – an annual payment for children aged 4-16 to assist with back to school costs.
• The supplement for handicapped children – additional financial assistance based on the child’s disability and impact on daily living.

Parents automatically register for Family Allowance when reporting their child’s birth.

For more information, see our full review for Family Allowance Quebec

Child Benefit Saskatchewan

Saskatchewan provides the Saskatchewan Low-Income Tax Credit (SLITC), administered by the CRA, alongside the federal GST/HST credit. The SLITC is a tax-free payment made to help Saskatchewan residents with low and modest incomes offset the sales taxes they pay.

For July 2024 to June 2025, the SLITC provides:

• $398 for an individual
• $398 for a spouse or common-law partner
• $157 per child, up to 2 children

The maximum annual credit per family is $1,110. The credit starts getting reduced when the adjusted family net income exceeds $37,584. Families with income between $37,584 and $77,947 may receive a partial SLITC amount. Payments are made quarterly with the GST/HST credit.

Yukon

The Yukon Child Benefit provides an additional $76.50 per month for each child for low-income families. This supplement is paid with the monthly CCB amount. You may get part of the benefit if your AFNI is above $35,000.

Nunavut

Nunavut offers the Nunavut Child Benefit, which provides a basic benefit of $29 per month for each child plus a territorial workers’ supplement of up to $24.16 per month (for one child) and $30.75 (for two or more children) when family earnings exceed $3,955. This supplementary benefit is combined with the monthly CCB payment. If your AFNI is above $22,065, you may get part of the benefit.

Read more: Average Household Income in Canada

Filing Taxes and CCB Renewals

To continue receiving your CCB each year, you and your spouse/partner must file your tax returns annually, even if you have no income to report.

Why File a Tax Return Every Year?

The CRA calculates your CCB amount based on tax information from the previous year. Filing your return ensures they have accurate income data to determine your payments.

When Payments Are Recalculated

The CRA recalculates your CCB every July based on your previous year’s tax return information. You’ll receive a CCB Notice outlining your updated entitlement.

If your income changed significantly, your July payment could differ greatly from your June payment. The CRA may contact you to confirm your circumstances.

Repaying CCB Overpayments

If a recalculation determines you received excess Canada Child Benefit payments beyond your eligible amount, the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) will send you a notice indicating the amount you owe.

The CRA may deduct amounts from future CCB payments, tax refunds, GST/HST credits, or other benefits to repay the overpayment debt.

If you receive an overpayment notice, you can visit the CRA website for guidance on repayment.

Disputing an Overpayment

If you believe your overpayment calculation is incorrect, contact the CRA within 30 days to formally dispute the amount and provide supporting documentation.

Maximizing Your Canada Child Benefits

Use these tips to get the most from the CCB program:

• Contribute to an RRSP to help lower your adjusted family net income.
• Open an RESP account to save some of your CCB payments for your child’s future education.
• Apply for provincial and territorial child benefit programs you may be eligible for.
• Report all changes in your situation as soon as possible.
• Review your bank information and payment dates in My Account before each payment month.
• Double-check that your tax return is accurate and filed on time.
• Consult with a tax expert if you have a complex family situation.

Following these best practices will ensure you receive the full CCB amount you’re entitled to.

The Canada Child Benefit (CCB) provides substantial financial assistance to families raising children under 18 years old. The tax-free monthly payments help cover the costs of feeding, clothing, housing, and caring for children. The CCB helps reduce child poverty through a simple application process providing regular, predictable support. Payments are determined based on family income and circumstances to target support to those who need it most.

Indexing the CCB to inflation ensures the benefit keeps pace with the rising cost of living. For many families, the additional CCB money they receive each month makes a real difference in making ends meet and improving their children’s quality of life. Studies have shown measurable reductions in child poverty rates since the CCB was introduced in 2016.

Key Takeaways

• The Canada Child Benefit (CCB) provides tax-free monthly payments to help eligible families care for children under 18.
• CCB eligibility requires living with a child, being primarily responsible for their care, filing taxes annually, and meeting residency requirements.
• Payment amounts are based on family income, number of children, and ages of children. The maximum annual CCB is $7,787 per child under 6, and $6,570 per child aged 6-17.
• Payments start getting reduced when family income exceeds $36,502, at rates depending on number of children.
• An extra Child Disability Benefit is available for families with children eligible for the Disability Tax Credit.
• The CCB can be applied for at birth registration, online, or by mail. Supporting documentation may be required.
• Payments are issued monthly, based on the schedule released by CRA. Amounts are recalculated every July.
• Families must file taxes annually and report changes to remain eligible and receive accurate payments.
• Strategies like RRSP contributions can help maximize CCB benefits. Additional child benefits are offered provincially.
• The CCB has helped significantly reduce child poverty rates since its introduction in 2016.

FAQs Related To The Canada Child Benefit

How do I apply for the Canada Child Benefit?

You can apply for the CCB online through MyAccount on the CRA website, by mail using Form RC66, at birth registration, or by contacting the CRA.

What documents do I need to apply for the CCB?

Documents needed include proof of birth, Canadian residency status, custody documents if applicable, and immigration/protected person documents for newcomers to Canada.

Where can I get help to complete my CCB application?

You can get help applying for the CCB through the CRA by phone at 1-800-387-1193 or at a Community Volunteer Income Tax clinic.

Why do I need to file taxes every year for the CCB?

You must file taxes annually for the CRA to determine your income and calculate your CCB entitlement based on the latest tax information.

When will I get my first Canada Child Benefit payment?

If applying online, first CCB payments are usually issued within 8 weeks. By mail takes 11 weeks. Retroactive payments can be issued based on the child's eligibility date.

Do I report changes to the CRA to keep getting the CCB?

Yes, you must report any changes in your family situation, income, marital status, address, custody, etc. within 30 days to avoid payment issues.

Can I receive the CCB for a grandchild or foster child?

You can get the CCB for a grandchild or other relative’s child in your care. Foster children don’t qualify if receiving other allowances.

Is the Canada Child Benefit taxable?

No, the CCB is not taxable and does not need to be reported on your tax return. You can receive CCB payments tax-free.

Can I receive additional child benefits from my province/territory?

Some provincial/territorial governments offer additional child benefit programs that supplement the federal CCB amount.

Do I repay the CCB if my income goes up?

You only need to repay if your CCB amount was overpaid due to a change you didn't report on time. Future payments may be reduced if income rises.