The Government of Nova Scotia, in partnership with the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA), offers the Nova Scotia Child Benefit (NSCB) to help cover the costs of raising children under 18, making life more affordable for low- and modest-income families. This non-taxable monthly payment is combined with the federal Canada Child Benefit (CCB) into a single payment issued by the Canada Revenue Agency on behalf of the Province of Nova Scotia. The other key program is the Nova Scotia Affordable Living Tax Credit (NSALTC), which helps offset the HTS increase.
Quick Facts: Nova Scotia Family Benefits
| What they are | Tax-free payments to help low- and modest-income families. |
| Key Programs | Nova Scotia Child Benefit (NSCB) & Nova Scotia Affordable Living Tax Credit (NSALTC). |
| Administered by | Canada Revenue Agency (CRA). |
| How to Apply | No separate application. Eligibility is automatically determined when you file your annual income tax return. |
| Payment Method | The NSCB is combined with the CCB. The NSALTC is combined with the federal GST/HST credit. |
What is the Nova Scotia Child Benefit (NSCB)?
The Nova Scotia Child Benefit is a tax-free monthly payment designed to help eligible families cover the costs of raising children under age 18. Once you receive the payment, you can use the funds towards any expenses related to your children, including:
- Childcare fees (daycare, babysitting, etc.)
- Education costs (school trips, supplies, tutoring etc.)
- Medical expenses (prescription drugs, dental, healthcare)
- Recreation (sports registration, music lessons, family activities)
- Transportation (bus tickets, driving kids to activities)
- Food, clothing, and household costs
Who is Eligible for the Nova Scotia Child Benefit?
To receive the NSCB for the July 2025 to June 2026 benefit year, you must meet all of the following criteria:
- Residency: You must be a resident of Nova Scotia. The benefit is only for families living in the province.
- Parental responsibility: You must be the primary caregiver for a child under 18 years of age as of the start of the payment month. Once a child turns 18, they are no longer eligible.
- Income threshold: Your Adjusted Family Net Income (AFNI) must be below $34,000 per year to receive full or partial Nova Scotia Child Benefit payments.
- Tax Filing: You (and your spouse or common-law partner, if applicable) must have filed your 2024 income tax return.
- CCB Eligibility: You must be eligible for the federal CCB.
If you meet these eligibility criteria, you do not need to apply for the NSCB separately. Your eligibility will be automatically determined when you file your annual income tax return.
What is Adjusted Family Net Income (AFNI)? AFNI is a figure the CRA calculates to determine eligibility for benefits. It is your family’s net income (Line 23600 of your tax return) with some adjustments. The CRA calculates this automatically when you file your taxes.
How Much is the NSCB?
The amount you receive for the benefit year from July 2025 to June 2026 depends on your 2024 AFNI and the number of eligible children in your care.
NSCB Annual and Monthly Payment Amounts (July 2025 – June 2026)
| Number of Children | Family Income Below $26,000 | Family Income $26,000 – $33,999 |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Child | $1,525/year, or $127.08/month, | $1,525/year, or $127.08/month, |
| 2 Children | $3,050/year, or $254.17/month, | $2,287.50/year, or $190.63/month. (meaning plus 762.50/year , or $63.54/month)* |
| 3 Children | $4,575/year, or $381.25/month, | $3,050/year, or $254.17/month,* |
| Each additional child | +$1,525/child/year +$127.08/child/month, | +$762.50/child/year +$63.54/child/month* |
For example, a family with 2 children and an income of $26,000 would receive $190.63 per month, equaling $2,287.50 annually. If the family income were $25,999, they would receive the maximum benefit of $254.17/month, equaling $3,050/year.
Nova Scotia Child Benefit Increase
In an effort to further reduce child poverty rates, the Government of Nova Scotia announced an increase to the NSCB, effective July 2023. This increase raised the monthly Nova Scotia Child Benefit payment per child from $106.25 to the current amount – $127.08. That being said:
- Families earning under $26,000 will receive an extra $250 per year for each eligible child.
- Families earning $26,000 to $33,999 will get an extra $250 per year for their first child and $125 per year for each additional child.
- An additional $8 million is being invested in the boosted NSCB program.
This increase builds on other recent initiatives like the child dental care program, childcare fee reductions, and investments in community organizations. Together, these measures aim to improve economic security and health outcomes for Nova Scotian children living in low-income households.
NSCB Payments Dates
The Nova Scotia Child Benefit is paid on the 20th of each month from July to June. This aligns with the CCB payment schedule.
- 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
If you become eligible for the first time or file your taxes after the deadline, your NSCB payment may be delayed or need to be corrected retroactively. Filing your taxes on time ensures timely benefit payments.
What is the Nova Scotia Affordable Living Tax Credit (NSALTC)?
The NSALTC is a tax-free credit paid to low- and modest-income individuals and families to help offset the cost of the Harmonized Sales Tax (HST).
Who is Eligible for the NSALTC?
Eligibility is based on your 2024 Adjusted Family Net Income. You are automatically considered for this credit when you file your annual income tax return.
How Much is the NSALTC for 2025-2026?
For the July 2025 to June 2026 benefit year, the NSALTC provides:
- A maximum annual credit of $255.00 for an individual or a couple.
- An additional $60.00 for each child.
The credit is reduced by 5% of your Adjusted Family Net Income over $30,000.
Example:
- A couple with two children and an AFNI of $29,000 would receive the maximum amount.
- Calculation: $255 (couple) + $60 (Child 1) + $60 (Child 2) = $375 for the year.
- This amount is paid in quarterly installments along with the federal GST/HST credit.
The NSALTC is paid quarterly, with GST/HST credit, in July 2025, October 2025, January 2026, and April 2026, typically on the 5th day of each month.
Source: Province of Nova Scotia – canada.ca
How to Apply for the NSCB and the NSALTC
The great thing about the NSCB and the NSALTC is that families do not need to apply separately. The Canada Revenue Agency automatically determines your eligibility and calculates your payment amounts based on your annual income tax return.
To receive the Nova Scotia Child Benefit, simply make sure to file your income taxes annually before the deadline. The CRA will assess your eligibility and send your NSCB payment along with your CCB. If you do not normally need to file taxes, it is still recommended to submit a return to access benefits for which you may qualify.
If you have never received the CCB payment before, you must apply for it. Once your CCB application is approved, the CRA will automatically assess your NSCB eligibility.
Other Nova Scotia Benefits for Families
In addition to the Nova Scotia Child Benefit, the province also offers other programs to support lower-income families with children, such as:
Prescription Drug Coverage: The Pharmacare for Children program provides prescription drug coverage for children in families receiving income assistance or the NSCB. It caps prescription costs at $5 per medication.
Child Care Subsidy: Helps cover child care costs for families with children under 12 who meet income and other eligibility criteria. Subsidy rates are highest for infants.
Basic Child Dental Care: Provides free routine dental care for children under 14 from low-income families. Covers services like cleanings, fillings, and extractions.
Be sure to explore whether your family qualifies for other provincial child benefits and subsidies. The NSCB application process also screens for other programs you may be eligible for as well.
Child Benefit Programs Across Other Provinces
In addition to the Nova Scotia Child Benefit, many other provinces offer their own child benefit programs to provide additional financial support to families. Below is a quick look at some of these provincial programs:
- Family Allowance Quebec
- Alberta Child and Family Benefit (ACFB)
- Manitoba Child Benefit
- BC Family Benefit
- The Ontario Child Benefit (OCB)
Summary
The Nova Scotia Child Benefit provides a helpful extra source of financial assistance for families meeting the eligibility criteria. Filing income taxes annually is the only application requirement to access the benefit. Recent increases in the NSCB boost support for lower-income families in Nova Scotia. Check if your household qualifies and leverage this tax-free monthly benefit to help cover the costs of caring for your children.
FAQs About Nova Scotia Child Benefit NSCBFAQs About Nova Scotia Child Benefit NSCB
How do I apply for the Nova Scotia Child Benefit?
You do not need to apply separately for the NSCB. Eligibility is determined when you file your annual income tax return. Make sure to file taxes each year before the deadline to be assessed for the benefit.
What are the income thresholds for the Nova Scotia Child Benefit?
To receive full NSCB payments, your adjusted family net income must be under $25,999. For partial payments, your income must be between $26,000 and $33,999.
Where does the money for the NSCB come from?
The NSCB is fully funded by the provincial government of Nova Scotia. It is administered by the Canada Revenue Agency on the province's behalf.
When are Nova Scotia Child Benefit payments issued?
The NSCB is paid on the 20th of each month, aligning with the Canada Child Benefit payment schedule.
Do you still get the NSCB if one parent is not a resident of Nova Scotia?
As long as the child lives in Nova Scotia with a parent or guardian who is a provincial resident, they are eligible for the NSCB.
Can the NSCB be garnished for overdue child support payments?
No, the NSCB cannot be garnished as it is considered a tax-free benefit payment.
Is there an age limit for receiving the Nova Scotia Child Benefit?
Yes, the NSCB is only paid until the child turns 18 years old. Payments stop the month after their 18th birthday.
Do foster parents qualify for the Nova Scotia Child Benefit?
No, foster children do not qualify a family to receive the NSCB. You must be a legal guardian or have custody of the child.
Can I receive the NSCB for my grandchildren?
You cannot receive the NSCB for grandchildren unless you are their legal guardian or have official custody.
