The Canada Child Benefit is one of the most valuable programs for newcomer families in Canada. It provides tax-free monthly payments to help with the cost of raising children — and many families qualify for thousands of dollars per year.
The Canada Child Benefit (CCB) is a tax-free monthly payment made to eligible families to help with the cost of raising children under 18 years of age. Unlike older child benefit programs, the CCB is targeted — families with lower incomes receive higher payments. It is not taxable income.
To receive the Canada Child Benefit, you must be a Canadian resident for tax purposes and be primarily responsible for the care and upbringing of a child under 18. For newcomers specifically, you can apply once you have lived in Canada for 18 months and hold a valid permit in the 19th month, or once you become a Canadian citizen or permanent resident. Work permit holders and protected persons are eligible.
The amount depends on your family net income and the ages of your children. For a family with one child under 6 and a family net income below a certain threshold, the annual benefit can exceed $7,000. Payments are recalculated every July based on your previous year's tax return. The lower your income, the higher your benefit.
You can apply for the CCB by completing Form RC66 (Canada Child Benefits Application) and mailing it to the CRA, or by applying online through My CRA Account. You must also register the birth of your child with the province or territory — in many provinces, this automatically triggers a CCB application. Filing your tax return each year is essential to continue receiving the benefit.
Payments are made on the 20th of each month. Set up direct deposit through My CRA Account to receive payments directly. If you are newly approved, your first payment may include retroactive amounts going back to when you became eligible.
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