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To be eligible for the CCB, you must live with a child under 18 years of age and be primarily responsible for the child’s care.
Canada Child Benefit payments go out Friday. Here’s how much parents can expect
Here’s what you need to know about how much you can get from CCB payments and other benefits, along with how you can apply and when you can expect the payments.
Struggling parents and caretakers can expect to receive the monthly round of Canada Child Benefit (CCB) payments on Friday, April 19, providing much needed relief for families hit hardest by the cost-of-living crisis.
However, the maximum monthly benefit amount only covers less than a third of the average Toronto rental for February, not to mention the heightened cost of living since the last release of poverty data.
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What is the Canada Child Benefit?
The CCB was introduced in 2016 as an income-tested and non-taxable benefit meant to help eligible families with the cost of raising children under 18 years of age. The CCB, introduced by the Liberal government in 2016, replaced the previous, taxable Universal Child Care Benefit put in place by former prime minister Stephen Harper’s government.
Who is eligible?
To be eligible for the CCB, you must live with a child under 18 years of age and be primarily responsible for the child’s care. You must be a Canadian resident for tax purposes. You or your partner must also be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, protected person, an eligible temporary resident or an individual registered or entitled to be registered under the Indian Act.
The amount you receive under the CCB is based on several factors, including the number of children in your care, their age, your marital status and your adjusted family net income from last year’s tax return.
Low-income families can receive up to $7,437 per year, or $619.75 per month, for each child under six years of age.
Families with children between six and 17 years old, meanwhile, can receive a maximum of $6,275 per year ($522.91 per month) for each child.
The CCB is intended to provide increased support to low- and middle-income families with children. Families with an adjusted net income under $34,863 will receive the maximum amount for each child.
Parents with shared custody of their child or children will each get half of the benefit. Children eligible for the disability tax credit may also be eligible for an additional $3,173 per year (or $264.41 per month).
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The CCB is recalculated every July based on your family’s adjusted net income for the previous year, meaning your income in 2023 will only affect your CCB payments starting July 2024.
What other benefits can I get?
Parents in Ontario can also claim a top-up in the form of the Ontario child benefit, a tax-free benefit delivered alongside the CCB through monthly payments provided by the provincial government. Eligible parents can get up to $133.91. When you apply for the CCB, you are automatically assessed for the Ontario Child Benefit, according to the province’s website.
The federal government also rolled out a dental-care benefit for children in 2022. The benefit covers up to $650 for families with an adjusted net income of under $70,000. Families can apply for the benefit online through their Canada Revenue Agency portal or over the phone.
The CCB is generally paid between the 17th and 20th of each month, except in December, when the benefit is issued on Dec. 13. The next payment date is scheduled for May 17.
However, if you’re annual benefit amount is less than $240, you will only receive a lump-sum payment in July instead of monthly installments.
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How can I apply?
You can apply for the CCB one of three ways: through birth registration, online through your personal Canada Revenue Agency account or by mail.
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