What is Canada Child Benefit?
The Canada Child Benefit (CCB) is a tax-free monthly payment made to eligible families to help with the cost of raising children under 18 years of age.
Do I Qualify?
- You must live with the child and be primarily responsible for their care
- You must be a resident of Canada for tax purposes
- The child must be under 18 years of age
- Both you and your child must be Canadian citizens, permanent residents, protected persons, or temporary residents who have lived in Canada for the previous 18 months
How Much Can I Get?
The maximum annual benefit for the 2025-2026 benefit year is $7,997 per child under 6 and $6,748 per child aged 6-17. The amount decreases based on your adjusted family net income.
How to Apply
You can apply online through CRA My Account, by mail using Form RC66, or it may be set up automatically when you register your child's birth.
Visit Official Application PageFrequently Asked Questions
Do both parents need to file taxes to get CCB?
Yes. CRA calculates CCB using family income, so both spouses or common-law partners generally need to file every year, even if one had little or no income.
Does CCB update right away if my income changes?
Usually no. CCB is recalculated each July using the previous tax year, so income changes often take effect in the next July benefit year rather than immediately.
Can shared custody affect how much CCB I get?
Yes. In shared custody situations, each parent typically receives 50% of the amount CRA calculates for that parent’s own entitlement.
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