Newfoundland and Labrador Child Benefit (NLCB) 2025-2026

The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador offers several tax-free benefits to help individuals and families with low to modest incomes. One of them are the Newfoundland and Labrador Child Benefit (NLCB), which is a provincial child benefit program that complements the federal Canada Child Benefit.

This article will provide a detailed overview of this benefit for the July 2025 to June 2026 period, and other complementary provincial programs for families in NL.

What is the Newfoundland and Labrador Child Benefit (NLCB)?

The Newfoundland and Labrador Child Benefit (NLCB) is a non-taxable monthly payment made to eligible low-income families in the province to help cover expenses related to raising children under 18 years old. It is fully funded by the provincial government of Newfoundland and Labrador.

Five key facts about the NLCB:

• Helps offset the costs of feeding, clothing, housing, and generally providing for children in low-income families.
• Aims to reduce child poverty and support healthy child development.
• Payments are typically made around the 20th of each month by direct bank deposit.
• Administered and paid by the Canada Revenue Agency on behalf of the provincial government.
• Fully integrated with the federal Canada Child Benefit, both are combined into a single monthly payment.

The NLCB provides a vital source of income support for families struggling financially across Newfoundland and Labrador. It helps ensure children have access to essential needs and opportunities during their critical developmental years.

How Much is the Newfoundland Child Benefit? (July 2025 – June 2026)

The amount of the NLCB payment depends on the number of eligible children in the family and the adjusted family net income.

Here are the basic NLCB monthly payment amounts for the 2024-2025 benefit year:

• $155.66 per month for the first eligible child
• $165.00 per month for the second eligible child
• $177.25 per month for the third eligible child
• $190.41 per month for the fourth and each additional eligible child

For example, a family with 2 eligible children would receive $320.66 per month.

The full basic amounts are paid out to families with annual net incomes below $17,397. For incomes above that threshold, the amount of the benefit is reduced on a sliding scale up to a maximum net family income of $28,500.

The Newfoundland and Labrador Child Benefit is part of a broader system of child benefits available across Canada. All provinces and territories offer their own child benefit programs that work in conjunction with the Canada Child Benefit (CCB) to support low- and moderate-income families. Like the NLCB, these programs are administered by the CRA, meaning families only need to file a single tax return to access both federal and provincial benefits. The Canada Child Benefit is a larger program with higher income thresholds, while the NLCB provides additional support specifically for Newfoundland and Labrador families.

Early Childhood Nutrition Supplement (ECNS)

In addition to the regular monthly NLCB amounts, qualifying low-income families may also receive the Early Childhood Nutrition Supplement (ECNS).

The ECNS provides an extra $150 per month for each:

• Child under 5 years of age
• Pregnant mother

This supplementary benefit aims to help cover the increased nutritional costs associated with healthy development in early childhood and pregnancy.

Eligibility for the ECNS is based on family net income thresholds similar to the regular NLCB. Families earning under $17,397 qualify for the full $150 per child/pregnancy. Higher-income families may receive partial supplemental amounts on a sliding scale up to $28,500.

Source: Newfoundland and Labrador child benefit – canada.ca

Who Qualifies for the Newfoundland Child Benefit?

To receive the NLCB, families must meet the following eligibility criteria:

• Have a child under 18 years old living with them.
• Be considered residents of Newfoundland and Labrador, as evidenced by an existing health card.
• Have AFNI below $28,500 per year.
• File an annual income tax return to allow benefit entitlement and payment amount to be calculated.

Some additional eligibility factors:

• Payments are based on family net income from the previous tax year.
• Families who were not residents of NL for the full previous tax year may have eligibility prorated.
• Children must live with the parent or guardian claiming the benefit.
• Children under shared custody arrangements can be claimed by only one parent/guardian.

Meeting the income threshold does not automatically guarantee eligibility. Applications are assessed to verify resident status and custody arrangements before benefits are paid out.

Case Study: Single Mom with Two Children

Sarah is a single mother living in St. John’s, Newfoundland, with her two children, aged 4 and 7. With a part-time job and an annual income of $16,500, Sarah qualifies for the full Newfoundland and Labrador Child Benefit and the Early Childhood Nutrition Supplement for her youngest child. Each month, she receives $320.66 in NLCB payments, plus an additional $150 from the ECNS. This extra income has helped Sarah cover the costs of healthy food, childcare, and school supplies for her children, ensuring they have what they need to thrive.

How to Apply for the Newfoundland Child Benefit

Applying for the NLCB and ECNS is straightforward and integrated directly into the annual tax filing process.

Here are the five steps to receive your benefit:

1. File your income tax return each year before the end of April, even if you have low or no income. This allows your family’s net income to be assessed.
2. Ensure you enter the names and dates of birth for any eligible children on your tax return.
3. Check the box to apply for the NLCB and provide your direct deposit banking information.
4. The Canada Revenue Agency will calculate your benefit amount based on your family income and issue monthly payments from July to June.
5. You must reapply each year by filing your updated tax return. Prior-year benefit entitlements are not automatically renewed.

If you do not normally need to file taxes, you can submit a simplified minimum return to apply for the NLCB/ECNS. Late filers can submit returns for the two most recent tax years.

Benefits are paid monthly, usually on the 20th, by direct deposit to your bank account. You can contact the CRA at 1-800-387-1193 if you have any questions about the application process or payment details.

Read more: Average Household Income in Canada

Other Programs for Families with Children in Newfoundland and Labrador

In addition to the NLCB and ECNS, the government of Newfoundland and Labrador offers several other programs to support families caring for children:

Education Incentive Program

This program is specifically for leaseholders of the Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation (NLHC).

• Provides $50 per child/student in grades K-12 or post-secondary education.
• For low-income families renting from Newfoundland and Labrador Housing.
• Helps cover education costs like fees, transportation, and supplies.

Newfoundland and Labrador Income Supplement (NLIS)

NLIS is a tax-free payment for low-income individuals, families, and persons with disabilities. For the 2025-2026 year, the maximum annual amounts are:

• $520 for a single individual.
• $589 for a couple.
• Plus $231 per child under 19.

Newfoundland and Labrador Seniors’ Benefit

A tax-free annual amount of $1,551 for eligible seniors. You may qualify if you are a single senior (age 64+ on Dec 31, 2024) or a couple with at least one senior, and your AFNI is $30,078 or less. A partial benefit is paid for incomes up to $43,380.

Newfoundland and Labrador Disability Benefit

This benefit provides up to $400 per month for low-income persons with disabilities aged 18-64 who are eligible for the DTC.

• Full Benefit: Paid to those with an AFNI below $29,402.
• Partial Benefit: Paid on a sliding scale for those with an AFNI:
  • Between $29,402 and $42,404 (individuals or couples with one DTC-eligible person).
  • Between $29,402 and $55,404 (couples where both are DTC-eligible).

Families should explore all of these provincial programs to receive the full range of benefits available for raising healthy children and supporting their development. The application processes are straightforward and facilitated through the tax filing system.

Single-parent families, who often face unique financial challenges, can greatly benefit from the Newfoundland and Labrador Child Benefit. The NLCB, combined with the Canada Child Benefit and Early Childhood Nutrition Supplement, ensures that single parents have access to the resources they need to provide for their children. For a single parent earning below the $17,397 threshold, the full NLCB benefit can provide significant monthly support, helping to cover essentials like housing, food, and clothing. Additionally, access to programs like the Newfoundland and Labrador Prescription Drug Program and Special Child Welfare Allowance can further alleviate financial burdens.

Other Provincial Child Benefits Programs

In addition to the Newfoundland Child Benefit, other provinces also offer child benefit programs:

• Alberta Child and Family Benefit (ACFB)
• BC Family Benefit Overview
• Northwest Territories Child Benefit
• Family Allowance Quebec
• Ontario Child Benefit (OCB)

Summary

The Newfoundland and Labrador Child Benefit provides crucial financial assistance to low and modest-income families struggling with the day-to-day costs of feeding, clothing and caring for children. The monthly payments support healthy childhood growth and development during the formative early years.

Complementary provincial programs like the Early Childhood Nutrition Supplement, Education Incentive Program, Income Supplement and others offer additional targeted help for families investing in the well-being of their kids.

Any family residing in Newfoundland and Labrador raising children under 18 on a limited income should explore their potential eligibility and apply through their annual tax return. The application process is easy and fast. The benefits can provide hundreds of extra dollars each month to help give your children the bright future they deserve.

For more information on the NL Child Benefit, Early Childhood Supplement and other family-focused provincial programs, visit the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador website or contact the Canada Revenue Agency at 1-800-387-1193. Every child matters – make sure yours gets the resources they need to thrive.

FAQs about the Newfoundland and Labrador child benefit

Sources:

1. The Newfoundland and Labrador Child Benefit (NLCB) – gov.nl.ca