How to Apply for the Canada Child Benefit (CCB)

The Three Ways to Apply

Method 1: Online via CRA My Account (Recommended)

If you already have a CRA My Account set up (see our guide on [registering for CRA My Account](/articles/how-to-register-for-cra-my-account)), this is the fastest and simplest method.

1. Log in to CRA My Account at canada.ca/cra-my-account
2. Navigate to "Apply for child benefits"
3. Confirm your personal information (address, marital status)
4. Add each child you are applying for with their date of birth and SIN
5. Submit

The CRA will process your application and contact you if any additional documents are needed. First payment typically arrives within 8 weeks.

Method 2: At Birth Registration (Automated Registration)

If your child is born in Canada, most provinces have a Newborn Registration Service that lets you apply for the child's SIN and the CCB at the same time as registering the birth. The hospital provides the necessary forms.

This is the easiest way for parents of newborns — you handle everything in one step.

Method 3: RC66 Form by Mail

If you cannot use CRA My Account or the birth registration service, you can apply by completing Form RC66 (Canada Child Benefits Application) and mailing it to your nearest tax centre.

Download RC66 from canada.ca/forms/rc66.

Include with your mailed application:

• Completed RC66 form (sign it)
• RC66SCH (Annex A) — Immigration Status Confirmation form (required for newcomers who are not Canadian citizens)
• Proof of the child's birth (see below)
• Proof of your immigration status (see below)

Documents Required

For You (The Applicant)

Identity and immigration status — one of:

• Canadian Passport (for citizens)
• Permanent Resident Card
• Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR)
• Work Permit (if temporary resident applying after 18 months)
• Refugee documentation

For Your Child

Proof of date of birth — one of:

• Hospital birth record or birth certificate
• Canadian birth registration
• Child's passport
• Baptismal certificate (in some cases)

Note: If your child was born outside Canada, you will need an official birth certificate, possibly with a certified translation if it is not in English or French.

Your Child's SIN

Apply for your child's SIN at a Service Canada Centre. Bring the child's birth certificate and your own ID. A child's SIN is needed for the CCB application and for future RESP contributions.

Retroactive Payments

The CCB is payable from the month after the child's birth (or arrival in Canada for immigrant children), but you only start receiving payments once your application is processed.

If your application is approved 3 months after your eligibility began, you will receive 3 months of retroactive payments in your first deposit. This can be a meaningful lump sum — be prepared for it and plan to put it toward an emergency fund or RESP.

Direct Deposit

Set up direct deposit with the CRA before applying so your payments arrive in your bank account immediately. You can set this up in CRA My Account under "Manage direct deposit."

Without direct deposit, the CRA sends cheques to your mailing address, which take additional time and can be lost or delayed.

Updating the CRA When Your Situation Changes

The CRA needs to know about the following changes:

• Change of address — Update online or by calling the CRA
• Marital status change (separation, new partner) — Report within 30 days
• Child moves in or out of your home — Affects eligibility immediately
• Income changes — Handled at tax time; do not need to report mid-year