Ben Nguyen 
The Nova Scotia Child Benefit (NSCB) provides financial assistance to eligible low and modest-income families in Nova Scotia to help cover the costs of raising children under 18 years of age. 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.
Who is Eligible for the Nova Scotia Child Benefit?
To qualify for the NSCB, families must meet the following eligibility criteria:
- Income Threshold: Your adjusted family net income must be below $34,000 per year to receive full or partial Nova Scotia Child Benefit payments.
- Child Age Limit: You can receive the NSCB for any children under 18 years old as of the start of the payment month. Once a child turns 18, they are no longer eligible.
- Residency: You must be a resident of Nova Scotia. The benefit is only for families living in the province.
- Citizenship: Your children must be Canadian citizens, permanent residents, temporary residents, or protected persons.
- Child Status: The child must live with a parent or legal guardian. You cannot receive the NSCB for foster children or grandchildren.
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.
How Much is the Nova Scotia Child Benefit?
The amount of Nova Scotia Child Benefit you receive depends on your adjusted family net income and the number of eligible children in your care.
Here are the NSCB payment amounts for the 2024-2025 benefit year:
| 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.
A family with 3 children and an income of $31,000 would get $254.17 per month or $3,050 per year.
When are Nova Scotia Child Benefit Payments Made?
The Nova Scotia Child Benefit is paid on the 20th of each month from July to June. This coincides with the payment schedule for the Canada Child Benefit.
Here are the NSCB payment 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
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.
How to Apply for the Nova Scotia Child Benefit?
The great thing about the NSCB 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 Canada Child Benefit.
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. The NSCB is administered through the tax system specifically so families do not have to apply separately.
What Can the Nova Scotia Child Benefit be Used For?
The Nova Scotia Child Benefit is paid to eligible families as tax-free financial assistance to help with the costs of raising children under 18.
Once you receive the monthly 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
The NSCB provides extra support so you can cover your children’s needs. You have the flexibility to put the money towards any costs applicable to your family.
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 starting in July 2023. This increase raised the monthly Nova Scotia Child Benefit payment per child from $106.25 to $127.08 (current). 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.
- The annual payment for families at the lowest income level has increased by $600 per child per year since the $925/year in 2021/2022.
- 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.
Read more: Average Household Income in Canada
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:
Alberta Child and Family Benefit (ACFB)
BC Family Benefit 2024/2025 Overview
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. The monthly payments can be used towards any expenses related to raising children under 18 years old.
Filing income taxes annually is the only application requirement to access the benefit. Payments are determined based on your family income and number of children and combined with the federal Canada Child 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
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.
