Key takeaways
- Tax-free, paid monthly, for each child under 18
- The amount depends on family income and the number and ages of children
- Newcomers apply with form RC66 and schedule RC66SCH
- Some temporary residents qualify after 18 months in Canada
- Both parents need to file taxes every year
What it is
The CCB is paid by the Canada Revenue Agency to the parent who is primarily responsible for the child’s care. Several provinces and territories add their own child benefits, paid together with the CCB, so one application covers both.
Who qualifies
You must live with the child, be primarily responsible for their care, and be a resident of Canada for tax purposes. You or your spouse or 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 holds a valid permit in the 19th month.
How to apply
- Complete form RC66, Canada Child Benefits Application.
- Complete schedule RC66SCH with your status in Canada and your world income for the years before you arrived.
- Include proof of your immigration status and, in some cases, proof of birth for your children.
- Send it to the tax centre listed on the form, or apply through CRA My Account where available.
Tip: The RC66 also registers you for the GST/HST credit and related provincial programs.
Keep payments coming
Your benefit is recalculated every July based on your family’s tax returns. Both you and your spouse or partner need to file every year, even with little or no income. Tell the CRA if your marital status, address or custody changes.
General information, not tax advice. See the Canada Revenue Agency for current amounts and eligibility.
