RC66 Canada Child Benefits Application: How to Fill It as a Newcomer

Welcome to Canada! As you settle into your new life, you'll discover a wealth of support systems designed to help families thrive. One of the most significant is the Canada Child Benefit (CCB), a tax-free monthly payment from the federal government that helps eligible families with the cost of raising children under 18 years of age.

For many newcomers, accessing the CCB isn't as simple as checking a box on your annual tax return, especially if you haven't filed taxes in Canada yet. This is where Form RC66, Canada Child Benefits Application, comes in. It's your pathway to receiving these crucial payments early in your Canadian journey.

At WelcomeAide, we understand that navigating government forms can be daunting, especially in a new country. This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about Form RC66, from understanding eligibility to a step-by-step breakdown of how to fill it out, common mistakes to avoid, and essential tips for a smooth application process. Let's get started!

What is the Canada Child Benefit (CCB)? Your Essential Family Support

The Canada Child Benefit (CCB) is a cornerstone of Canada's social safety net for families. It's a tax-free monthly payment made by the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) to eligible families to help them with the cost of raising children under 18 years of age. The amount you receive is based on your adjusted family net income, the number of eligible children, and their ages.

Who is Eligible for the CCB?

To be eligible for the CCB, you must meet all of the following conditions:

• You must live with the child, and the child must be under 18 years of age.
• You must be primarily responsible for the care and upbringing of the child. This means you generally supervise the child's daily activities and needs.
• You must be a resident of Canada for tax purposes.
• You or your spouse or common-law partner must be a Canadian citizen, a permanent resident, a protected person, or a temporary resident who has lived in Canada for the previous 18 months and has a valid permit in the 19th month.

For newcomers, this last point is particularly important. Most permanent residents are eligible immediately upon becoming residents. Temporary residents need to meet the "18-month rule."

Why is the CCB Important for Newcomers?

The CCB can significantly ease the financial burden of settling in Canada, especially for families with children. It can help cover costs like:

• Groceries and food
• Clothing
• School supplies and activities
• Childcare expenses
• Housing costs

Understanding and applying for the CCB early is a proactive step towards financial stability in your new home. For more on managing your finances as a newcomer, check out our Financial Literacy for Newcomers guide.

Why Newcomers Use Form RC66: Beyond the Tax Return

Typically, Canadian residents apply for the CCB simply by filing their annual income tax return. The CRA uses the information from your tax return to determine your eligibility and calculate your benefit amount. However, this isn't always an option for newcomers who have just arrived in Canada and haven't yet filed their first Canadian tax return.

This is precisely why Form RC66, the Canada Child Benefits Application, exists. It allows you to apply for the CCB (and any related provincial or territorial benefits) without having to wait until you've filed your first tax return. By using RC66, you can start receiving benefits much sooner, often within a few months of your arrival, rather than waiting up to a year or more.

When Should You Apply with Form RC66?

You should apply for the CCB using Form RC66 as soon as possible after:

• You and your child become residents of Canada.
• Your child is born.
• A child comes to live with you.

Don't delay! While the CRA can issue retroactive payments for up to 10 years, applying promptly ensures you receive your benefits without interruption and as soon as you are eligible.

Gathering Your Documents: The Essential Pre-Application Checklist

Before you even begin filling out Form RC66, it's crucial to gather all the necessary documents. Having everything organized beforehand will save you time and prevent common application delays. Here's a checklist:

For the Applicant (You) and Your Spouse/Common-Law Partner:

1. Social Insurance Number (SIN): You and your spouse/common-law partner must have a valid SIN. If you don't have one yet, apply for it as soon as possible. You can find more information on how to get your SIN on the Employment and Social Development Canada website.
2. Proof of Canadian Residency: Documents that prove your legal status in Canada, such as:
   • Your Permanent Resident (PR) card or Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR).
   • Your valid work permit or study permit (if applying as a temporary resident who meets the 18-month rule).
   • Your passport with Canadian entry stamps.
3. Proof of Marital Status (if applicable): If you are married, a copy of your marriage certificate. If you are in a common-law partnership, proof of your common-law status (e.g., shared utility bills, joint bank accounts, shared lease agreements).

For Each Child You are Applying For:

1. Proof of Birth: A copy of their birth certificate.
2. Proof of Status in Canada: Documents that prove their legal status in Canada, such as:
   • Their Permanent Resident (PR) card or Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR).
   • Their Canadian birth certificate (if born in Canada).
   • Their passport with Canadian entry stamps.
   • Their temporary resident permit (if applicable).
3. Social Insurance Number (SIN): While not strictly required for children to apply, it's beneficial for them to have one, especially as they get older.

Financial Information:

1. Estimated Income: For newcomers, you'll need to estimate your family's net income for the current tax year. This is a critical step, as it directly impacts your CCB amount. Gather any information related to your expected income in Canada (job offers, salary details, business plans, etc.).
2. Banking Information: For direct deposit. You'll need your institution number, transit number, and account number.

Remember to only send copies of your documents, not originals, unless specifically requested by the CRA. Keep your originals safe.

Step-by-Step Guide to Filling Out Form RC66 (and RC66SCH)

Form RC66 can seem lengthy, but we'll break it down section by section. You can download the form directly from the CRA website.

Understanding RC66SCH: Status in Canada and Income Information

Many newcomers will also need to complete Form RC66SCH, Status in Canada and Income Information for the Canada Child Benefits Application. This schedule is specifically for applicants, their spouses, or common-law partners who:

• Are new to Canada.
• Are not Canadian citizens.
• Do not have a Social Insurance Number (SIN) at the time of application (though getting a SIN is highly recommended).
• Need to provide income information for the current year because they haven't filed a Canadian tax return yet.

If you fit any of these descriptions, you will likely need to complete RC66SCH in addition to RC66. We'll integrate instructions for both.

Filling Out Form RC66: The Main Application

Part A – About You (the Applicant)

• Section 1 – Personal Information: Fill in your full name, SIN, date of birth, and current address. Ensure your name matches your immigration documents.
• Section 2 – Marital Status: Indicate your current marital status (married, common-law, separated, divorced, widowed, single). If you are married or in a common-law relationship, you will need to provide your spouse's information in Part B.
• Section 3 – Residency Information:
  • Date you entered Canada: Provide the exact date you officially entered Canada.
  • Country you came from: Your previous country of residence.
  • Are you a resident of Canada for tax purposes? Generally, if you've established significant residential ties (home, spouse, dependants, etc.), you are. Most newcomers become residents for tax purposes upon arrival.
• Section 4 – Direct Deposit: Providing your banking information here ensures your payments are deposited directly into your account, which is faster and more secure than cheques.

Part B – About Your Spouse or Common-Law Partner (if applicable)

• If you indicated you are married or common-law in Part A, you must complete this section for your spouse or common-law partner.
• Provide their full name, SIN, date of birth, and residency information. Their income will be used to calculate your family net income.

Part C – About Your Children

• For each child you are applying for, you'll need to provide:
  • Full Name and Date of Birth: Ensure these match their birth certificates and immigration documents.
  • Child's SIN: If available.
  • Relationship to you: E.g., natural child, adopted child.
  • If the child lives with you full-time: This is a key eligibility requirement.
  • Date the child became a resident of Canada: This is crucial for benefit calculation. If born in Canada, use their birth date. If they immigrated, use their entry date.
  • Country the child came from: If applicable.
  • Custody Information: If you share custody, specific rules apply.
• If you have more than three children, you may need to attach a separate sheet with the same information for the additional children.

Filling Out Form RC66SCH: Status in Canada and Income Information

If you need to complete RC66SCH, here's what to focus on:

Part 1 – Your Status in Canada

• This section requires details about your immigration status. You will need to indicate your status (e.g., permanent resident, temporary resident) and provide details like the date you became a permanent resident or the validity dates of your temporary permit.
• Attach copies of your immigration documents (PR card, COPR, work permit, study permit) as proof.

Part 2 – Your Income Information

• Estimated Income for the Current Tax Year: This is one of the most critical and often challenging parts for newcomers. You need to estimate your net income for the current tax year (January 1 to December 31).
  • What to include: All income you expect to earn in Canada (employment income, self-employment income, rental income, investment income, etc.) from the date you became a resident of Canada up to December 31 of the current year.
  • What to deduct: Any eligible deductions you expect to have (e.g., registered pension plan contributions, union dues, childcare expenses if applicable).
  • Be realistic: While it's an estimate, try to be as accurate as possible. Underestimating your income could lead to overpayments that you'd have to repay later. Overestimating might reduce your initial benefit, but it's safer.
  • If your income changes significantly: You must inform the CRA.
• Income from outside Canada: If you received income from outside Canada *after* you became a resident of Canada for tax purposes, you must include it in your estimate.

Part 3 – Your Spouse or Common-Law Partner’s Status in Canada and Income Information

• If you have a spouse or common-law partner and they are also a newcomer or haven't filed Canadian taxes, you'll need to complete this section for them, following the same guidelines as for yourself.

Part 4 – Declaration and Signature

• This is where you declare that the information provided is true, correct, and complete. Read it carefully.
• Sign and date the form. Your spouse or common-law partner must also sign and date if you are applying together.

Attaching Supporting Documents: Don't Forget!

After carefully filling out Form RC66 and RC66SCH (if applicable), you must attach copies of all required supporting documents. This is a common reason for delays or rejection of applications.

Make sure to include clear, legible copies of:

• Proof of your Canadian residency (PR card, COPR, work permit, study permit).
• Proof of your spouse's/common-law partner's Canadian residency (if applicable).
• Proof of each child's Canadian residency (PR card, COPR, Canadian birth certificate, temporary permit).
• Each child's birth certificate.
• Marriage certificate (if applicable).
• Any other documents specifically requested by the CRA or that help clarify your situation (e.g., shared lease for common-law status).

Do NOT send original documents unless the CRA specifically requests them. Keep your originals safe and make copies for your own records.

How and Where to Send Your Application

Once you have completed Form RC66, RC66SCH, and gathered all necessary supporting documents, you're ready to mail your application.

Mailing Your Application

Mail your completed forms and supporting documents to the CRA tax centre that serves your province or territory. You can find the correct mailing address on the last page of Form RC66 or by visiting the CRA's contact page for CCB applications.

Important: Ensure all pages of the form are included, even blank ones if they are part of the official form package. Do not staple documents, use paper clips if needed.

Online Application (Future Steps)

While newcomers typically start with a paper application using RC66, once you have filed your first Canadian income tax return, you can manage your CCB information and apply for future children online through CRA My Account. This is a much faster and more convenient method. WelcomeAide offers guidance on setting up your CRA My Account.

What Happens After You Apply? Timelines and Expectations

After you mail your application, patience is key. The CRA needs time to process your forms and verify your eligibility.

Processing Times

For paper applications like RC66, the processing time can typically range from 8 to 11 weeks from the date the CRA receives your complete application. This timeline can be longer if the application is incomplete or if the CRA needs to request additional information.

CRA May Request More Information

It's common for the CRA to send you a letter requesting further documentation or clarification. Respond to these requests promptly to avoid further delays. If you're unsure about a request, don't hesitate to seek help from WelcomeAide's chat support or a community settlement organization.

Receiving Your First Payment

Once your application is approved, you will receive a Notice of Assessment or a CCB notice explaining your entitlement and payment schedule. Payments are usually made on the 20th of each month. If the 20th falls on a weekend or holiday, the payment is made on the last business day before the 20th.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Filling Out RC66

To ensure your application is processed as quickly and smoothly as possible, be aware of these common pitfalls:

1. Incomplete Information: Missing fields, especially SINs, dates, or addresses, are a major cause of delays. Double-check every section.
2. Missing Supporting Documents: Forgetting to include copies of PR cards, birth certificates, or marriage certificates will halt your application.
3. Sending Originals: Never send original documents unless specifically requested. Always send clear photocopies.
4. Incorrect Income Estimation: This is particularly tricky for newcomers. Make your best honest estimate. Significant underestimation can lead to future debts with the CRA.
5. Not Informing CRA of Changes: Any changes in your marital status, address, custody arrangements, or income should be reported to the CRA as soon as possible. Failure to do so can result in incorrect payments.
6. Applying Too Early (for Temporary Residents): If you are a temporary resident, remember the "18-month rule." Applying before you meet this criteria will result in rejection.
7. Illegible Handwriting: If you're filling the form by hand, ensure your writing is clear and easy to read.
8. Not Signing the Form: A surprisingly common mistake! Make sure both you and your spouse/common-law partner (if applicable) sign and date the declaration.

Tips for a Smooth Application Process

• Start Early: Don't wait. As soon as you are eligible, begin gathering documents and filling out the form.
• Read Instructions Carefully: The CRA forms include detailed instructions. Read them thoroughly before you start.
• Keep Copies of Everything: Make a complete copy of your filled-out form and all attached documents for your records. This is invaluable if you need to follow up with the CRA.
• Use Direct Deposit: It's the fastest and most reliable way to receive your payments.
• Seek Help if Needed: If you're struggling with any part of the application, don't guess. WelcomeAide is here to help, and many community organizations offer free assistance with government forms. You can also call the CRA directly (though wait times can be long).
• Stay Organized: Keep all your immigration and financial documents in a designated, safe place.

Costs Associated with the RC66 Application

Applying for the Canada Child Benefit using Form RC66 is completely free. There are no application fees. Be wary of anyone or any service that tries to charge you a fee to fill out or submit this government form. While some consultants might offer paid services to assist with forms, the application itself is always free.

Maintaining Your CCB Payments: The Importance of Filing Taxes

Once your initial RC66 application is approved, your CCB payments will begin. However, to continue receiving your CCB, you and your spouse or common-law partner (if applicable) must file your income tax returns every year, even if you have no income to report. The CRA uses the information from your tax returns to recalculate your CCB amount for the next benefit year (July to June).

Failing to file your taxes will result in your CCB payments being stopped. For help with understanding Canadian taxes, explore our Financial Integration Programs at WelcomeAide.

Conclusion: Empowering Your Family's Future in Canada

The Canada Child Benefit is a vital support system for families across Canada, and as a newcomer, it's a benefit you're entitled to. While Form RC66 might seem like a hurdle, it's a straightforward process when you know what to expect and gather your documents diligently.

By understanding the requirements, carefully completing the forms, and avoiding common mistakes, you can ensure your family receives the financial support it deserves. WelcomeAide is committed to empowering newcomers like you with the knowledge and resources to thrive in Canada. If you have further questions or need personalized guidance, remember our resources are always available.