Introduction
Raising children in Canada comes with financial responsibilities, but the country’s comprehensive child benefit programs aim to ease the burden. These benefits are available at both the federal and provincial/territorial levels, ensuring that families can access financial support tailored to their needs. This guide provides a detailed overview of Canada’s child benefit programs, eligibility requirements, benefit amounts, and how they differ across provinces.
Federal Child Benefits
The Canada Child Benefit (CCB) is a tax-free monthly payment to families with children under 18.
Key Features of the CCB
• Eligibility:
• Must file an annual tax return.
• Must live with the child under 18 years old.
• Must be a resident of Canada for tax purposes.
• Benefit Amounts:
• Up to $6,997 annually per child under 6 years old (2025 rates).
• Up to $5,903 annually per child aged 6–17 years old.
• Phase-Out Income:
• Families earning more than $34,863 see a gradual reduction in benefits based on income.
How to Apply for the CCB
1. Apply through your My CRA Account online.
2. Submit the Canada Child Benefits Application Form (RC66).
3. For newcomers, additional forms may be required, such as Schedule RC66SCH.
| Province/Territory | Program Name | Maximum Annual Benefit | Income Threshold | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alberta | Alberta Child and Family Benefit (ACFB) | $3,325 per family | $43,000 (full), phased out at $61,000 | Combines basic and working components. |
| British Columbia | BC Family Benefit | $1,600 per child + $500 for first child under 6 | Varies by income | Automatically applied if eligible for CCB. |
| Manitoba | Manitoba Child Benefit | $420 per child | Low-income families | Requires application; excludes families on social assistance. |
| Ontario | Ontario Child Benefit (OCB) | $1,556 per child | $23,044 | Automatically applied if eligible for CCB. |
| Quebec | Quebec Family Allowance | $2,515 for 1st child; $1,450 for 2nd; $1,140 for others | Phased out for higher incomes | Additional supplements for single-parent and low-income families. |
| Saskatchewan | Saskatchewan Child Benefit | Varies | Low-income families | Automatically applied if eligible for CCB. |
| Nova Scotia | Nova Scotia Child Benefit (NSCB) | $1,275 per child | Based on family size and income | Automatically applied if eligible for CCB. |
| New Brunswick | New Brunswick Child Tax Benefit | $250 per child + $500 working supplement | Low-income families | Automatically applied if eligible for CCB. |
| Newfoundland and Labrador | NL Child Benefit (NLCB) | $538 per child | Low-income families | Automatically applied if eligible for CCB. |
| Prince Edward Island | PEI Child Benefit | Varies | Low-income families | Automatically applied if eligible for CCB. |
| Northwest Territories | NWT Child Benefit | $815 per child | Low-income families | Automatically applied if eligible for CCB. |
| Yukon | Yukon Child Benefit | $820 per child | Low-income families | Automatically applied if eligible for CCB. |
| Nunavut | Nunavut Child Benefit | $1,200 per child | Low-income families | Automatically applied if eligible for CCB. |
Provincial and Territorial Child Benefits
In addition to the federal CCB, provinces and territories offer supplementary programs. Here’s a breakdown:
1. Alberta: Alberta Child and Family Benefit (ACFB)
• Benefit Amount: Up to $3,325 annually for families with low to moderate incomes.
• Income Threshold: Full benefits for families earning below $43,000, with a phase-out until approximately $61,000.
• Features: Combines basic and working components to support working families.
• How to Apply: Automatically included if eligible for the CCB and file annual tax returns.
2. British Columbia: BC Family Benefit
• Benefit Amount:
• Up to $1,600 per year per child.
• An additional supplement of $500 for the first child under 6.
• Income Threshold: Gradual phase-out based on family income.
• How to Apply: Automatically applied when families qualify for the CCB.
3. Manitoba: Manitoba Child Benefit (MCB)
• Benefit Amount: Up to $420 annually per child for low-income families.
• Eligibility: Families not receiving Employment and Income Assistance (EIA).
• How to Apply: Application is required through Manitoba’s Employment and Income Assistance office.
4. Ontario: Ontario Child Benefit (OCB)
• Benefit Amount: Up to $1,556 per child annually (2025 rates).
• Income Threshold: Phases out for families earning above $23,044.
• How to Apply: Included with the CCB if eligible.
5. Quebec: Quebec Family Allowance
• Benefit Amount:
• $2,515 annually for the first child.
• $1,450 for the second child, and $1,140 for subsequent children.
• Additional supplements for low-income families and single-parent households.
• Income Threshold: Gradual phase-out for higher-income families.
• How to Apply: Automatically processed based on tax returns.
6. Saskatchewan: Saskatchewan Child Benefit
• Benefit Amount: Varies based on family size and income.
• Eligibility: Low-income families.
• How to Apply: Automatically included if receiving the CCB.
7. Nova Scotia: Nova Scotia Child Benefit (NSCB)
• Benefit Amount:
• Up to $1,275 per year per child for low-income families.
• Eligibility: Income thresholds vary depending on family size.
• How to Apply: Automatically included with the CCB.
8. New Brunswick: New Brunswick Child Tax Benefit
• Benefit Amount:
• Basic benefit of up to $250 annually per child.
• An additional working income supplement of up to $500 per family.
• How to Apply: Automatically applied when eligible for the CCB.
9. Newfoundland and Labrador: Newfoundland and Labrador Child Benefit (NLCB)
• Benefit Amount:
• Up to $538 annually per child.
• An additional supplement for families with low incomes.
• How to Apply: Automatically included with the CCB.
10. Prince Edward Island: PEI Child Benefit
• Benefit Amount: Varies based on family size and income.
• How to Apply: Automatically applied if eligible for the CCB.
11. Northwest Territories: Northwest Territories Child Benefit
• Benefit Amount:
• Up to $815 annually per child for families with low incomes.
• How to Apply: Included automatically with the CCB.
12. Yukon: Yukon Child Benefit
• Benefit Amount: Up to $820 per child annually.
• Eligibility: Low-income families residing in Yukon.
• How to Apply: Automatically applied if eligible for the CCB.
13. Nunavut: Nunavut Child Benefit
• Benefit Amount: Up to $1,200 per child annually.
• Eligibility: Families with low to moderate incomes.
• How to Apply: Automatically included with the CCB.
FAQs About Child Benefits
1. Can I get retroactive payments?
• Yes, retroactive payments are available for up to 10 months if you were eligible but missed applying.
2. What happens if my income changes?
• Benefit amounts adjust automatically each July based on the previous year’s income.
3. Do newcomers qualify?
• Yes, once tax returns are filed and residency is confirmed.
Conclusion
Canada’s child benefits system is among the most comprehensive in the world, ensuring that families receive financial support to raise healthy and happy children. From federal programs like the Canada Child Benefit to province-specific initiatives, understanding these programs can significantly ease the cost of raising a family. Ensure your tax filings are up-to-date to maximize these benefits and provide a secure future for your children.
