Canada Child Benefit (CCB) Guide for Newcomers

What Is the Canada Child Benefit?

The CCB is one of Canada's most important social programs. It is a tax-free monthly payment sent directly to the primary caregiver of a child under 18, designed to help with the cost of raising children.

Key facts:

• Tax-free — you do not pay income tax on CCB payments
• Means-tested — payments decrease as family income increases
• Paid monthly, typically on the 20th of each month
• Adjusted annually in July based on your previous year's tax return

How Much Can You Receive?

For the 2025–2026 benefit year:

These are the maximum amounts for families with net income below approximately $36,502. Payments are reduced as income rises.

Rough estimate by income (1 child under 6):

• Under $36,500 income: ~$7,787/year (~$649/month)
• $50,000 income: ~$6,200/year (~$517/month)
• $75,000 income: ~$4,100/year (~$342/month)
• $100,000 income: ~$2,000/year (~$167/month)
• $200,000+ income: ~$0

Who Is Eligible?

To receive the CCB, you must:

1. Be a Canadian resident for tax purposes
2. Live with the child and be primarily responsible for their care and upbringing
3. Be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or protected person — OR a temporary resident who has lived in Canada for at least 18 months

Important for newcomers: Temporary residents (those on work permits or study permits) can qualify after 18 consecutive months of living in Canada, provided you have filed a tax return in Canada. Permanent residents and refugees can apply immediately upon arrival.

How to Apply

Option 1: When Registering the Child's Birth (Fastest)

If your child is born in Canada, you can apply for the CCB at the same time as registering the birth. The hospital will give you a form (RC66 — Canada Child Benefits Application) to submit.

Option 2: CRA My Account (Online)

Log into your CRA My Account and apply for child benefits under "Apply for child benefits." This is the fastest method if your child was born before you came to Canada.

Option 3: RC66 Form by Mail

Download form RC66 from the CRA website, complete it, and mail it to your nearest tax centre. Include proof of the child's birth (birth certificate or passport) and proof of your own immigration status.

What You Need to Apply

• Your SIN and the child's SIN (apply for the child's SIN at Service Canada)
• Proof of the child's birth date (birth certificate, Canadian birth registration, or passport)
• Your date of arrival in Canada
• Your current address

When Does the CCB Start?

The CRA typically processes CCB applications within 8 weeks. Your first payment will include any retroactive amounts owed back to your eligibility start date.

The CCB is paid monthly, usually on the 20th of each month. It is deposited directly to your bank account if you have direct deposit set up with the CRA (strongly recommended — see our [CRA My Account guide](/articles/how-to-register-for-cra-my-account)).

The Annual Update: Why Filing Your Taxes Every Year Matters

The CCB is recalculated every July based on your previous year's tax return. If you do not file your taxes:

• Your CCB payments will stop in July
• You may owe back overpayments if the CRA cannot assess your income

This is one of the most important reasons every newcomer parent must file a tax return every year — even if they had very low or no income.

Provincial Child Benefits

Most provinces offer their own additional child benefit on top of the federal CCB. These are usually calculated and paid automatically alongside the CCB if you are eligible. Examples:

• Ontario: Ontario Child Benefit (OCB)
• British Columbia: BC Family Benefit
• Alberta: Alberta Child and Family Benefit

You do not need to apply separately — your CCB application covers these as well.