Parents, it’s almost that time of month again! Canada Child Benefit (CCB) payments are landing in bank accounts next week, giving families across Quebec and the rest of Canada a welcome boost to help cover the costs of raising kids.
The CCB is a tax-free monthly benefit payment from the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) that’s aimed at helping Canadian families with the cost of raising children. It’s one of several government payments available in November, designed to lighten the financial load of starting a family.
From eligibility to payment amounts, here’s the scoop on what you need to know about the Canada Child Benefit November payment and how much could be coming your way.
What is the Canada Child Benefit?
The Canada Child Benefit (CCB) is a tax-free monthly payment that supports families with children under 18. First introduced in 2016 as a replacement for the old Universal Child Care Benefit, the CCB helps parents manage the financial demands of raising kids.
Depending on your situation, your CCB payment may also include extra support through the child disability benefit, as well as other provincial or territorial programs you might qualify for.
Who is eligible for the Canada Child Benefit?
To be eligible for the Canada Child Benefit (CCB), you or your spouse must be a Canadian resident for tax purposes and fall under one of these categories: Canadian citizen, permanent resident, protected person, temporary resident or someone registered under the Indian Act. You also need to live with the child and be their primary caregiver.
While your family income does impact the amount you’ll receive, the CCB isn’t just for low-income families — there’s no specific income threshold for eligibility.
How to apply for the Canada Child Benefit
Good news for new parents — applying for the Canada Child Benefit (CCB) is super simple!
According to the CRA, you should apply as soon as any of the following apply: your child is born, a child starts living with you, you gain custody of a child or your custody arrangements change.
Once you apply, the CRA automatically checks if you’re eligible for any extra provincial or territorial benefits. You can apply right when you register your child’s birth, or later online through My Account or by mail.
When registering your newborn’s birth, just make sure to include your social insurance number (SIN) and give consent to share your details with the CRA. This ensures you’re automatically considered for the CCB.
If you’d rather not give consent, you’ll need to apply separately by mail or online. For online applications, log into My Account and follow the “Apply for child benefits” link. Or, if you’re mailing it in, 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’ll receive from the Canada Child Benefit (CCB) depends on factors like how many children you have, their ages, your marital status and your adjusted family net income (AFNI) from the previous year.
For November 2024, families with an AFNI below $36,502 can get the maximum payout: $7,787 per year ($648.91 per month) for kids under six, and $6,570 per year ($547.50 per month) for kids aged 6 to 17.
If your income is over $36,502, your benefit will gradually decrease. Payments are recalculated every July, so any changes in your 2024 income will be reflected in next year’s payments.
Also, remember that both you and your spouse need to file a tax return each year to continue receiving the benefit, even if you have no income or your income is tax-free.
More about CCB payment amounts
Canada Child Benefit calculator
If you want a more accurate estimate of how much you might get from the Canada Child Benefit (CCB), the CRA has an online CCB payment calculator you can use to find out if you’re eligible and calculate your payment.
Is the Canada Child Benefit taxable?
Nope, the Canada Child Benefit (CCB) isn’t taxable! This tax-free payment means you don’t have to report it as income on your tax return, so families get the full benefit amount without any extra tax concerns.
When are the Canada Child Benefit payment dates?
The next Canada Child Benefit (CCB) payment date is Wednesday, November 20.
The final CCB payment for 2024 will arrive on December 13.
Here are all the other remaining CCB payment dates for the 2023 tax year:
- January 20, 2025
- February 20, 2025
- March 20, 2025
- April 17, 2025
- May 20, 2025
- June 20, 2025
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