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Hey Quebec parents, it’s that time again! The Canada Child Benefit (CCB) payment for February is set to land in bank accounts this week, offering Canadian families a little extra cash to help with the ever-growing cost of raising kids.
The CCB is a tax-free monthly payment from the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) designed to support families across the country. It’s just one of several government payments Quebecers can get in February, aiming to ease the financial strain of parenting.
From how much you could get to who qualifies, here’s what to know about the Canada Child Benefit February 2025 payment and when you can expect to see it hit your account.
What is the Canada Child Benefit?
The Canada Child Benefit (CCB) is a tax-free monthly payment that helps parents manage the expenses of raising children. Introduced in 2016 to replace the Universal Child Care Benefit, the CCB has become an essential financial boost for families across Canada.
The amount you receive depends on your household income and family situation. Plus, some parents may also qualify for extra support through the Child Disability Benefit.
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 into 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 your child and be their primary caregiver.
While your family income does impact the amount you receive, the CCB isn’t just for low-income households — there’s no set income limit to qualify. Even higher-earning families may still get a partial payment, depending on their situation.
How to apply for the Canada Child Benefit
Great news for new parents: Applying for the Canada Child Benefit (CCB) is quick and easy!
The CRA suggests applying as soon as one of these situations applies: you’ve had a baby, a child moves in with you, you gain custody of a child or your custody arrangements change.
When you apply, the CRA automatically checks if you’re eligible for extra benefits like the Child Disability Benefit, so you won’t miss out on additional support. You can apply while registering your newborn’s birth or later through the CRA’s My Account portal online or by mail.
If you’re registering a birth, simply provide your Social Insurance Number (SIN) and agree to share your details with the CRA. This ensures you’re automatically considered for CCB payments. If you prefer not to share at that moment, you’ll need to apply separately.
To apply online, log into My Account and select “Apply for child benefits.” If mailing your application, fill out Form RC66 and send it to your tax centre.
More about applying for the CCB
How much is the Canada Child Benefit?
The amount you receive from the Canada Child Benefit (CCB) depends on a few key factors, including how many kids you have, their ages, your marital status and your adjusted family net income (AFNI) from the previous year.
For the current payment period running from July 2024 to June 2025 (which is based on your 2023 income), families with an AFNI below $36,502 qualify for the maximum CCB. That works out to $7,787 per year ($648.91 per month) for each child under six and $6,570 per year ($547.50 per month) for each child aged 6 to 17.
If your household income is higher, your payment will gradually decrease. Since CCB amounts are recalculated every July, any income changes in 2024 — plus the annual inflation adjustment — will be reflected in your payments starting this summer.
A heads-up for parents: Both you and your spouse must file a tax return every year to keep receiving the CCB and its associated benefits, even if you didn’t earn income or owe taxes.
More about CCB payment amounts
Canada Child Benefit calculator
Want a clearer picture of how much you could get from the Canada Child Benefit (CCB)? The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) has an online CCB payment calculator that makes it easy to estimate your monthly payment. This tool helps determine your eligibility and factors in any extra benefits you might qualify for, giving you a more accurate idea of what to expect each month.
Is the Canada Child Benefit taxable?
Good news for parents! The Canada Child Benefit (CCB) is completely tax-free. That means you don’t have to report it as income on your tax return, and you get to keep the full amount without it affecting your taxes.
More about government benefits and your taxes
When are the Canada Child Benefit payment dates?
The next Canada Child Benefit (CCB) payment is scheduled for this Thursday, February 20.
If you’re planning ahead, here are the remaining CCB payment dates for the current benefit year:
- March 20, 2025
- April 17, 2025
- May 20, 2025
- June 20, 2025
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