Canada Child Benefit (CCB): How to Apply and Maximize Your Payments
Everything newcomers need to know about the Canada Child Benefit, including eligibility, how to apply, payment amounts, and tips to ensure you receive the full amount your family is entitled to.
What Is the Canada Child Benefit?
The Canada Child Benefit (CCB) is a tax-free monthly payment made by the Government of Canada to eligible families to help with the cost of raising children under 18 years of age. It is one of the most significant financial supports available to families in Canada, and newcomer families are fully eligible.
The CCB is administered by the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) and is based on your family's net income, the number of children you have, and the ages of your children. Lower-income families receive larger payments, and the benefit is reduced as income increases.
For many newcomer families, the CCB provides essential financial support during the settlement period. A family with two young children and modest income can receive several hundred dollars per month, making a real difference in covering the costs of food, clothing, and childcare.
Official information about the CCB is available at https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/services/child-family-benefits/canada-child-benefit-overview.html.
Who Is Eligible for the CCB?
To receive the CCB, you must meet all of the following conditions.
You must live with a child under 18. The child must live with you and you must be primarily responsible for their care and upbringing. This includes feeding, clothing, providing a home, and arranging medical care.
You must be a Canadian resident for tax purposes. As a newcomer, you become a Canadian resident for tax purposes when you establish significant residential ties to Canada (such as having a home, a spouse/partner in Canada, or dependants in Canada). Most newcomers become tax residents on the day they arrive.
You or your spouse/common-law partner must be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, protected person (refugee), or temporary resident who has lived in Canada for the previous 18 consecutive months and has a valid permit in the 19th month. This means that most permanent residents are eligible immediately, while temporary residents (work permit or study permit holders) must wait 18 months.
You must file a tax return. The CCB is calculated based on your family's income as reported on your tax return. Both you and your spouse or common-law partner must file tax returns each year to continue receiving the CCB. You must file even if you had no income.
For full eligibility requirements, visit https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/services/child-family-benefits/canada-child-benefit-overview/canada-child-benefit-before-you-apply.html.
How Much Will You Receive?
The CCB payment amounts are adjusted each year in July based on inflation. For the benefit year starting July 2025 (based on 2024 tax returns), the maximum annual amounts are approximately:
Children under 6 years of age: Up to $7,787 per child per year (approximately $648.92 per month per child).
Children aged 6 to 17: Up to $6,570 per child per year (approximately $547.50 per month per child).
These are the maximum amounts for families with the lowest incomes. The CCB begins to be reduced when your adjusted family net income exceeds $36,502. The reduction rate depends on the number of children and your income level.
You can use the CRA's online child and family benefits calculator to estimate your payments at https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/services/child-family-benefits/child-family-benefits-calculator.html.
How the Reduction Works
For families with adjusted net income above $36,502 but below $79,087, the reduction rate is 7% of the income above $36,502 for one child, 13.5% for two children, 19% for three children, and 23% for four or more children.
For families with income above $79,087, an additional reduction applies at rates of 3.2% to 9.5% depending on the number of children.
This means that even families with moderate incomes still receive significant CCB payments. The benefit does not disappear entirely until family income reaches a relatively high level.
How to Apply for the CCB
When to Apply
Apply as soon as possible after arriving in Canada with your children, or as soon as your child is born in Canada. Payments can be made retroactive for up to 11 months from the date of your application, so applying promptly ensures you do not miss payments.
Application Methods
Online through CRA My Account: If you have already filed a tax return and have access to CRA My Account, you can apply online. This is the fastest method. Access CRA My Account at https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/services/e-services/digital-services-individuals/account-individuals.html.
By mail using Form RC66: Download and complete Form RC66 (Canada Child Benefits Application) and mail it to your local tax centre. You can download the form at https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/services/forms-publications/forms/rc66.html.
At the hospital when your baby is born: If your child is born in Canada, the hospital will provide you with the Automated Benefits Application form as part of the birth registration process. This automatically registers your child for the CCB.
Through your tax return: When you file your first Canadian tax return, you can indicate that you have children. However, it is better to apply separately using Form RC66 rather than waiting for your tax return, as this can speed up the process.
Documents You Will Need
When applying, you will need the following information.
For yourself: Social Insurance Number (SIN), date of entry to Canada, immigration status (permanent resident, refugee, etc.), marital status, and your spouse's SIN and date of birth if applicable.
For each child: Full legal name, date of birth, and proof that the child lives with you. For newcomer families, you may also need to provide the child's immigration documents.
Newcomer-specific requirement: If you are a newcomer, you will also need to complete Form RC66SCH (Status in Canada and Income Information), which asks about your date of entry and income from outside Canada. Download it at https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/services/forms-publications/forms/rc66sch.html.
Processing Time
After submitting your application, the CRA typically takes 8 to 11 weeks to process it. If the CRA needs additional information or documentation, the process can take longer. You will receive a letter from the CRA confirming whether your application has been approved and the amount you will receive.
Once approved, payments are issued monthly, typically on the 20th of each month. If the 20th falls on a weekend or holiday, payment is issued on the last business day before the 20th.
For CCB payment dates, visit https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/services/child-family-benefits/canada-child-benefit-overview/canada-child-benefit-payment-dates.html.
Keeping Your CCB Payments Coming
Several actions can interrupt or stop your CCB payments. Here is what you need to do to keep them flowing.
File your tax return every year. Both you and your spouse or common-law partner must file tax returns each year, even if you had no income. The CCB is recalculated every July based on your family income from the previous tax year. If you do not file, your payments will stop.
Report changes in your situation. You must notify the CRA if any of the following change: your marital status (marriage, separation, divorce, new common-law partner), the number of children in your care, your address, or your immigration status. You can update this information through CRA My Account or by calling 1-800-387-1193.
Respond to CRA requests promptly. The CRA occasionally reviews CCB files and may ask you to provide documents proving your eligibility. Respond to these requests by the deadline to avoid having your payments suspended.
Set up direct deposit. Setting up direct deposit ensures you receive your payments on time and avoids delays associated with mailed cheques. You can set this up through CRA My Account or at your bank.
Provincial and Territorial Child Benefits
In addition to the federal CCB, most provinces and territories offer their own child benefit programs. These are usually administered by the CRA and paid together with the federal CCB payment. You generally do not need to apply separately.
Ontario Child Benefit (OCB): Provides up to $1,607 per child per year for eligible families. Details at https://www.ontario.ca/page/ontario-child-benefit.
BC Family Benefit: Provides up to $2,188 per child per year for families with income below certain thresholds.
Alberta Child and Family Benefit: Provides up to $1,469 per child per year for lower-income families.
Quebec Family Allowance: Administered by Retraite Quebec, not the CRA. You must apply separately. Details at https://www.rrq.gouv.qc.ca/en/programmes/soutien_enfants/Pages/soutien_enfants.aspx.
For a complete list of provincial and territorial programs, visit https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/services/child-family-benefits/provincial-territorial-programs.html.
Related Benefits for Families
GST/HST Credit
This is a separate quarterly payment that helps low- and moderate-income individuals and families offset the GST/HST they pay. It includes an additional amount for each child. You are automatically considered for this credit when you file your tax return. Details at https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/services/child-family-benefits/goods-services-tax-harmonized-sales-tax-gst-hst-credit.html.
Child Disability Benefit (CDB)
If your child has a severe and prolonged impairment in physical or mental functions, you may be eligible for an additional tax-free payment on top of the CCB. You must have an approved Disability Tax Credit (DTC) certificate for your child. Details at https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/services/child-family-benefits/child-disability-benefit.html.
Canada Dental Benefit
Families with children under 12 who do not have access to private dental insurance may be eligible for the Canadian Dental Care Plan, which provides dental coverage. Visit https://www.canada.ca/en/services/benefits/dental/dental-care-plan.html for current details.
Common Questions from Newcomers
Can I receive the CCB if I have no income? Yes. In fact, families with no or very low income receive the maximum CCB amount. You must still file a tax return showing zero income.
What if I arrived partway through the year? You can apply as soon as you arrive and meet the eligibility criteria. Your first payment may be prorated. When you file your tax return for your first partial year, report only the income you earned during the period you were a Canadian resident.
Does the CCB count as taxable income? No. The CCB is a tax-free payment. It is not included in your income and does not affect your tax return.
What if I share custody of my children? If you share custody equally with another person, the CCB can be split between both households. Each parent receives 50% of the CCB amount. Contact the CRA to set up shared custody arrangements.
What if my child turns 18? CCB payments stop in the month after the child turns 18.
What happens if I leave Canada? If you leave Canada permanently, you must notify the CRA. Your CCB payments will stop because you are no longer a Canadian resident. If you leave temporarily (for a vacation, for example), payments continue as long as you remain a Canadian resident for tax purposes.
For more information, visit the CRA's comprehensive CCB page at https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/services/child-family-benefits/canada-child-benefit-overview.html or call the CRA benefits line at 1-800-387-1193.
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