How to Apply for the Canada Child Benefit (CCB)

What Is the Canada Child Benefit (CCB)?

The Canada Child Benefit (CCB) is a tax-free monthly payment from the Government of Canada to eligible families to help with the cost of raising children under 18 years of age. For newcomer families, the CCB is one of the most valuable benefits available — providing up to $7,787 per year for each child under 6 and up to $6,570 per year for each child aged 6 to 17 (2024-2025 amounts, adjusted annually for inflation).

The CCB is income-tested, meaning the amount you receive depends on your family's net income. Families with lower incomes receive the maximum benefit, while the payment gradually decreases as income increases. Most newcomer families in their first years in Canada qualify for significant payments.

Official information: Canada Child Benefit — CRA.

Who Is Eligible?

To receive the CCB, you must meet all of the following conditions:

• You live with a child who is under 18 years old
• You are primarily responsible for the care and upbringing of the child (the primary caregiver)
• You are a resident of Canada for tax purposes
• You or your spouse/common-law partner must be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, protected person (refugee), temporary resident who has lived in Canada for the previous 18 months with a valid permit, or an Indigenous person registered under the Indian Act

Who Is the "Primary Caregiver"?

The CRA generally assumes the female parent is the primary caregiver unless the male parent applies and provides documentation. However, either parent can be the primary caregiver. The primary caregiver is the person who:

• Supervises the child's daily activities
• Ensures the child's medical needs are met
• Arranges childcare when necessary
• Participates in the child's educational and recreational activities

In shared custody situations (where both parents spend roughly equal time with the child), the CCB can be split equally between both parents.

How Much Will You Receive?

The maximum annual CCB amounts for the 2024-2025 benefit year (July 2024 to June 2025, based on 2023 tax returns) are:

• $7,787 per child under 6
• $6,570 per child aged 6 to 17

These amounts decrease once your adjusted family net income exceeds $36,502. The reduction rate varies depending on the number of children. For many newcomer families earning under $36,502, the full benefit applies — which can mean over $1,000 per month for a family with two young children.

Use the CRA's benefits calculator: CCB calculator.

How to Apply — Step by Step

Step 1: Get a Social Insurance Number (SIN)

Both you and your spouse/partner need a SIN. If your child was born in Canada, the hospital's Newborn Registration Service can request a SIN for your baby. Otherwise, visit Service Canada with your immigration documents. See our SIN application guide.

See also: How to Get Your SIN Number in Canada

Step 2: Complete Form RC66

The primary application form is Form RC66 — Canada Child Benefits Application. Download it here: Form RC66.

Key sections of the form:

1. Part 1: Your personal information — name, SIN, address, date of birth, marital status
2. Part 2: Your spouse or common-law partner's information
3. Part 3: Information about all children in your care — names, dates of birth, relationship to you
4. Part 4: Your immigration status and date of entry into Canada

For our detailed walkthrough of this form, see our RC66 form guide.

Step 3: Complete Schedule RC66SCH (If Applicable)

If you are a newcomer (arrived in Canada within the past year or have been a temporary resident), you must also complete Schedule RC66SCH — Status in Canada and Income Information. This form asks about:

• Your immigration status and type of permit
• Your income from all worldwide sources before arriving in Canada
• Your spouse's income from worldwide sources

Be accurate about your foreign income — the CRA uses this to calculate your benefit amount for the period before you have a Canadian tax return on file.

Step 4: Submit Your Application

You can submit your application by:

• Mail: Send the completed forms to the CRA tax centre for your area
• Online: Through CRA My Account (if you already have access)
• At birth: If your child was born in Canada, you can apply through the Automated Benefits Application at the hospital

Step 5: File Your Tax Returns

Both you and your spouse must file Canadian income tax returns every year to continue receiving the CCB. Even if you had no income, file a return. The CRA recalculates your CCB each July based on the previous year's tax return.

See also: CRA My Account Setup Guide

See also: First-Year Tax Filing Guide

When Will You Receive Your First Payment?

Processing time for CCB applications varies:

• Online applications: Usually processed within 8 weeks
• Paper applications: Usually processed within 11 weeks
• First payment: Once approved, your first payment may include retroactive payments back to your application date or arrival date in Canada (up to 11 months retroactive)

Payments are made monthly, on the 20th of each month (or the last business day before the 20th). Set up direct deposit through CRA My Account to receive payments faster.

CCB Payment Dates for 2025-2026

• July 18, 2025
• August 20, 2025
• September 19, 2025
• October 20, 2025
• November 20, 2025
• December 12, 2025
• January 20, 2026
• February 20, 2026
• March 20, 2026
• April 20, 2026
• May 20, 2026
• June 19, 2026

Related Provincial Benefits

In addition to the federal CCB, most provinces provide their own child benefits that are administered alongside the CCB:

• Ontario Child Benefit: Up to $1,607 per child per year for low-income families
• BC Family Benefit: Up to $2,188 per child per year
• Alberta Child and Family Benefit: Up to $1,469 per child per year for families with one child (more for additional children)
• Quebec Family Allowance: Separate system administered by Retraite Québec — up to $2,782 per child

These provincial benefits are generally automatic when you register for the CCB — you do not need to apply separately (except in Quebec).

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Waiting too long to apply: Apply as soon as you arrive in Canada. Retroactive payments only go back 11 months.
2. Not filing tax returns: Both parents must file annually. Missing a return can stop your payments entirely.
3. Not reporting marital status changes: If you get married, separate, or begin a common-law relationship, notify the CRA immediately. Your benefit is recalculated based on family income.
4. Underestimating foreign income: On Schedule RC66SCH, report all worldwide income accurately. Incorrect information can lead to overpayments that must be repaid.
5. Not updating your address: If you move, update your address with the CRA promptly to avoid missed payments.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I receive CCB if I am on a work permit?

Yes, if you have been a temporary resident living in Canada for the previous 18 consecutive months and have a valid permit. You must also meet all other eligibility criteria.

What if my children are not in Canada yet?

Children must be living with you in Canada to qualify. You cannot receive CCB for children who are still in your home country. Once they arrive and live with you, apply immediately.

Can both parents receive the CCB?

In most cases, only the primary caregiver receives the CCB. In shared custody situations where both parents have the child roughly equally (40-60% of the time), the CCB can be split between both parents. Notify the CRA of your shared custody arrangement.

Is the CCB taxable?

No. The Canada Child Benefit is completely tax-free and does not need to be reported as income.

What happens when my child turns 18?

CCB payments stop the month after your child turns 18.

Key Takeaways

• Apply immediately upon arriving in Canada — use Form RC66 and Schedule RC66SCH
• Maximum benefits: $7,787/year per child under 6, $6,570/year per child 6-17
• Both parents must file tax returns annually to maintain payments
• Retroactive payments go back up to 11 months from application date
• Set up direct deposit through CRA My Account for faster payments
• Provincial child benefits are usually automatic when you register for CCB
• Report all marital status, address, and custody changes to the CRA promptly

Related Resources

WelcomeAide Tools

• WelcomeAide Blog — browse all newcomer guides and updates
• Ask WelcomeAide AI — get personalized answers to immigration questions
• Newcomer Checklist — track your immigration and settlement steps
• Rights Guide — understand legal rights and protections in Canada
• Settlement Programs — find settlement and integration support services

Related Guides

• Step-by-Step GST/HST Credit Application for New Canadians
• Build Your First Canadian Credit Score in 90 Days —
• Employment Insurance (EI) for Newcomers: Application

Official Government Sources

• IRCC — Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada
• Immigrate to Canada — Official Programs
• IRCC Processing Times
• IRCC Visas and Entry Requirements
• Canada.ca Immigration and Citizenship Services
• Canadian Citizenship Resources