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Heads up, parents! It’s almost that time again — Canada Child Benefit payments are about to drop into bank accounts, giving eligible families across Canada a helpful financial boost.
The Canada Child Benefit (CCB) is just one of the government benefit payments Quebecers can receive in October, offering crucial support to families with the cost of raising children.
The CCB is a tax-free monthly payment from the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) that’s designed to support parents by making sure they have the resources to provide for their kids.
Here’s everything you need to know about the Canada Child Benefit and how much you could receive in October 2024.
What is the Canada Child Benefit?
Introduced in July 2016, the Canada Child Benefit (CCB) is a tax-free monthly payment provided to families raising children under 18. It was created to replace the Universal Child Care Benefit and aims to help parents cover the costs of raising their kids.
Your CCB payment may also include the child disability benefit and any related provincial and territorial programs you may be eligible for.
Who is eligible for the Canada Child Benefit?
To qualify for the CCB, you or your spouse must be a Canadian resident for tax purposes and be either a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, protected person, temporary resident or someone registered under the Indian Act. Additionally, you must live with the child and be their primary caregiver.
While your family income does affect how much you might receive, the CCB isn’t exclusively for low-income families, and there is no income threshold for eligibility.
How to apply for the Canada Child Benefit
Good news for new parents — applying for the CCB is easy!
According to the CRA, you should apply as soon as:
- Your child is born.
- A child begins living with you.
- You gain custody of a child.
- Your custody arrangements change.
Once you apply, the government will automatically check if you’re eligible for other provincial or territorial benefits. You can apply when registering your child’s birth, by mail, or online through My Account.
When registering your newborn’s birth, make sure to include your social insurance number and give consent to share your details with the CRA. This allows you to be automatically considered for the CCB. If you choose not to provide consent, you’ll need to apply separately by mail or through My Account.
For online applications, log into My Account and follow the steps under “Apply for child benefits.” If you’re applying by mail, complete Form RC66 and send it to your tax office.
More about applying for the CCB
How much is the Canada Child Benefit?
The amount you receive depends on several factors, including the number of children you have, their ages, your marital status and your adjusted family net income (AFNI) from the previous year.
For October 2024, families with an AFNI under $36,502 can receive the maximum amount: $7,787 per year ($648.91 per month) for kids under 6, and $6,570 per year ($547.50 per month) for kids aged 6 to 17.
If your income is above $36,502, your payment amount decreases. Since the CRA recalculates payments every July, any changes in your AFNI from 2023 could affect your current payments.
Remember, both you and your spouse need to file tax returns every year to keep receiving payments, even if your income is tax-exempt.
More about CCB payment amounts
Canada Child Benefit calculator
Not sure how much you’ll get? Don’t stress! You can use the government’s online CCB payment calculator to find out if you’re eligible and get an estimate of your payment.
Is the Canada Child Benefit taxable?
No, the CCB is not taxable. It’s a tax-free payment, which means you don’t need to report it as income when filing your tax return. This ensures that families receive the full benefit amount without worrying about additional taxes.
When are the Canada Child Benefit payment dates?
The next CCB payment date is October 18, 2024.
Here are the following remaining CCB payment dates for 2024:
- November 20, 2024
- December 13, 2024
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