The Canada Child Benefit (CCB) is one of the most valuable financial programs in Canada for families. It's a tax-free monthly payment from the federal government to help with the cost of raising children under 18. And unlike many government programs, it's relatively easy to apply for once you've filed your taxes.
How Much Is the CCB?
The amount depends on your family's net income and the number and ages of your children. For the 2025–2026 benefit year, the maximum annual benefit is approximately:
- $7,787 per child under age 6
- $6,570 per child aged 6–17
These are the maximums for families with lower incomes. Payments phase down as income rises. A family earning $60,000 with two young children might receive around $800–$1,000 per month combined. Use the CRA's Child and Family Benefits Calculator at canada.ca to get a personalized estimate.
Who Qualifies?
To receive the CCB, you must:
- Be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, protected person, or a temporary resident who has lived in Canada for at least 18 months
- Be the primary caregiver of a child under 18
- File a tax return each year (both spouses must file)
- Be a resident of Canada for tax purposes
Newcomers can apply as soon as they meet residency requirements and have their immigration status confirmed.
How to Apply
Method 1, At Birth: If your child was born in Canada, you can register for the CCB through the Vital Statistics birth registration process. Select "yes" when asked if you want to apply for federal benefits.
Method 2, CRA My Account: Log in to CRA My Account and use the "Apply for child benefits" section. You'll need your child's information including date of birth and SIN.
Method 3, Paper Form RC66: Download and mail this form if you prefer paper. It takes longer but works for those without CRA My Account access.
The Annual Filing Requirement
The CCB is recalculated every July based on your previous year's tax return. If you don't file your taxes, your CCB payments stop. Both you and your spouse (if applicable) must file returns every year to keep receiving payments. This is the most common reason payments get interrupted.
Ottawa Families: What to Expect
In Ottawa, CCB payments are typically deposited on the 20th of each month. If you're waiting for your first payment after applying, it can take 8–11 weeks to process. Settlement workers at organizations like Catholic Immigration Centre Ottawa can help you apply if you're unsure about the process.
Provincial Top-Up
Ontario adds an Ontario Child Benefit (OCB) on top of the federal CCB. It's calculated automatically when you file your Ontario taxes, no separate application needed. Together, the CCB and OCB can make a meaningful difference in a newcomer family's monthly budget.
