How to Apply for the Canada Child Benefit (CCB): A Complete Guide
By WelcomeAide Team
Quick Summary
- The Canada Child Benefit (CCB) provides tax-free monthly payments of up to $7,787 per child under 6 and up to $6,570 per child aged 6 to 17 (2024-2025 benefit year).
- You must file a Canadian income tax return each year to receive or continue receiving the CCB, even if you had no income.
- Apply using form RC66 by mail, or through your CRA My Account online after filing your first tax return.
- Newcomers to Canada can apply as soon as they become residents, even before filing their first tax return.
- Payments are recalculated every July based on your previous year tax return.
What Is the Canada Child Benefit?
The Canada Child Benefit (CCB) is a tax-free monthly payment made by the Government of Canada to eligible families to help with the cost of raising children under 18 years of age. The amount you receive depends on your family net income, the number of children you have, and the age of each child. The CCB replaced the older Universal Child Care Benefit and the Canada Child Tax Benefit in 2016.
The CCB is administered by the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA). Payments are issued on a monthly basis, usually around the 20th of each month. For the 2024-2025 benefit year (July 2024 to June 2025), the maximum annual benefit is $7,787 per child under 6 and $6,570 per child aged 6 through 17.
Who Qualifies for the CCB?
To receive the CCB, you must meet all of the following conditions:
- You live with a child who is under 18 years of age.
- You are primarily responsible for the care and upbringing of the child.
- You are a resident of Canada for tax purposes.
- You or your spouse or 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 and has a valid permit in the 19th month, or a person registered under the Indian Act.
Tip
If you are a newcomer, you can apply for the CCB as soon as you arrive in Canada as a permanent resident. You do not need to wait until you file your first tax return. Use form RC66 along with form RC66SCH (Status in Canada) to apply early.
How Much Will You Receive?
The CCB amount is based on your adjusted family net income (AFNI), the number of children, and their ages. If your family net income is below $36,502, you will receive the maximum benefit. As your income increases above this amount, the benefit is gradually reduced. Families with a net income above approximately $200,000 may still receive a small payment depending on the number and ages of their children.
You can use the CRA Child and Family Benefits Calculator to estimate your monthly payments. This tool takes about two minutes to use and gives you a good estimate of what to expect.
Payment Example
A single parent with one child aged 3 and an annual income of $30,000 would receive approximately $649 per month ($7,787 per year). A two-parent family with two children (ages 4 and 8) and a combined income of $60,000 would receive approximately $1,013 per month.
How to Apply for the CCB
Option 1: Apply at Birth (Canadian-Born Children)
If your child is born in Canada, you can apply for the CCB through the Automated Benefits Application when you register the birth with your province or territory. In most provinces, the hospital or midwife will give you the birth registration forms, which include an option to apply for the CCB at the same time.
Option 2: Apply Online Through CRA My Account
If you already have a CRA My Account, you can apply for the CCB online. Log in, go to "Apply for child benefits," and follow the steps. You will need your child's birth date, your SIN, and your spouse's SIN if applicable. To get your SIN, see our SIN application guide.
Option 3: Apply by Mail Using Form RC66
Download form RC66 (Canada Child Benefits Application) from the CRA website. Fill it out completely and mail it to your local tax centre. If you are a newcomer, also complete and include form RC66SCH (Status in Canada/Statement of Income) to report your world income for the period before you arrived.
Warning
If you apply late, the CRA can only backdate your CCB payments by up to 11 months. Apply as soon as possible after arriving in Canada or after your child is born to avoid losing payments you are entitled to.
Documents You Need
When applying by mail, include the following with your RC66 form:
- Proof of birth for each child (birth certificate or equivalent)
- Proof of your immigration status (copy of your permanent resident card, confirmation of permanent residence, or other IRCC document)
- Form RC66SCH if you are a newcomer or have income from outside Canada
- Your SIN and your spouse's SIN
Processing Times and Payment Schedule
The CRA typically takes 8 to 11 weeks to process a CCB application. If you applied online, processing may be slightly faster. Once approved, you will receive a notice explaining your benefit amount and when payments will start. CCB payments are made monthly, usually on the 20th. If the 20th falls on a weekend or holiday, the payment is issued on the last business day before.
You can check your CCB payment dates and amounts at any time through CRA My Account or by calling 1-800-387-1193.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Not Filing Your Tax Return
You and your spouse must both file a Canadian income tax return every year to keep receiving the CCB. Even if you had no income, you must file. If either of you misses filing, your CCB payments will stop in July. See our guide on filing your first Canadian tax return.
Not Updating Your Information
If you move, change your marital status, or if a child leaves your care, you must update the CRA. Failure to report changes can result in overpayments that you will have to pay back.
Not Applying as Both Parents
Only one parent can receive the CCB for a child. If parents share custody, each parent may receive 50% of the benefit if they notify the CRA of the shared custody arrangement.
Tip
Set up direct deposit with the CRA to receive your CCB payments faster. You can do this through CRA My Account or by completing form T1-DD (Direct Deposit Request) at your bank.
CCB and Other Provincial Benefits
In addition to the federal CCB, many provinces offer their own child benefit programs that are calculated and paid along with the CCB. For example, British Columbia offers the BC Family Benefit, Ontario has the Ontario Child Benefit, and Alberta has the Alberta Child and Family Benefit. These provincial amounts are added to your monthly CCB payment automatically based on your tax return.
Getting Help with Your Application
If you need help applying for the CCB, there are several free resources available. Many settlement agencies across Canada offer assistance with government forms at no charge. WelcomeAide provides settlement support for newcomers. Our AI Newcomer Navigator can answer your CCB questions in your preferred language. You can also explore our programs, learn about our mission, or browse more newcomer guides on our blog.