1. Canada Child Benefit (CCB)
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 old. It is administered by the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA).
Eligibility:
To qualify for the CCB, you must:
- Live with the child and be the primary caregiver.
- Be a resident of Canada for tax purposes.
- Have legal status in Canada (e.g. permanent resident, protected person, or have lived in Canada for at least 18 months under a temporary status).
- File your annual income tax return, even with no income.
How Much Can You Receive?
The amount depends on:
- Your family’s net income.
- The number and age of your children.
- Whether your child is eligible for the Child Disability Benefit (an extra amount if your child has a recognized disability).
For the July 2024 to June 2025 period, the maximum annual amount is:
- $7,437 per child under 6
- $6,275 per child aged 6 to 17
These amounts decrease as your household income increases.
How to Apply:
- When you register your child’s birth with your province (for babies born in Canada), you can consent to share information with the CRA to apply automatically.
- Alternatively, you can apply online through your CRA My Account or by submitting Form RC66 and Schedule RC66SCH.
2. Child Disability Benefit (CDB)
If your child has a severe and prolonged physical or mental impairment, you may qualify for the Child Disability Benefit, which is a supplement to the CCB.
Maximum annual benefit:
- Around $3,173 per eligible child (as of 2024)
To apply, you must:
- Submit Form T2201 (Disability Tax Credit Certificate), completed by a medical professional and approved by CRA.
3. Provincial and Territorial Benefits
In addition to the federal CCB, many provinces and territories offer their own child and family benefits, which are often paid together with your monthly CCB.
Examples include:
- Ontario Child Benefit
- Alberta Child and Family Benefit
- BC Family Benefit
These programs have different eligibility thresholds, but most are automatic once you apply for the federal CCB and file your taxes each year.
4. Other Family Supports for Newcomers
A. GST/HST Credit
A tax-free quarterly payment for low- and modest-income families to offset GST/HST costs. You apply automatically when you file your taxes.
B. Canada Workers Benefit (CWB)
A refundable tax credit for low-income workers, including those with children.
C. Affordable Childcare Programs
The federal government is working with provinces to provide $10-a-day childcare. Availability varies by province, but newcomers with valid immigration status may apply for subsidized spaces.
D. Settlement Services for Families
- Free programs through settlement agencies help parents find childcare, enroll kids in school, and connect to parenting resources.
- Services are offered in many languages across Canada.
Final Tips for Newcomer Families
- File your income taxes every year, even with no income. This is essential for receiving benefits.
- Open a bank account to receive payments via direct deposit.
- Keep your CRA information up to date, including your address, marital status, and immigration status.
