What is the Canada Child Benefit (CCB)?
The Canada Child Benefit (CCB) is a tax-free payment from the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) to help families with children under 18. The amount is based on adjusted family net income, number of children, and their ages. Higher income means lower benefit.
Who can apply?
According to the CRA, you may be eligible if you meet all of the following:
- Live with a child under 18
- Are primarily responsible for the child's care and upbringing
- Are a resident of Canada for tax purposes
- You or your spouse/common-law partner are a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, protected person, or a qualifying temporary resident
Note: Individuals with a "Refugee Protection Claimant Document" are not eligible.
After separation or divorce, who should apply?
If the child lives mostly with you (more than 60% of the time)
You have full custody and should apply.
Shared custody (40%-60% of the time)
Both parents are considered to have shared custody and both should apply.
If the child lives with you less than 40% of the time
You are not eligible and should not apply.
Temporary custody (e.g., summer)
You can apply for the period the child lives with you. When the child returns, the other parent must reapply.
Do I need to notify the CRA?
Yes. The official page states: "You must notify the CRA if your shared custody situation changes." Also, after a separation or divorce, you should update your marital status and family income with the CRA, as CCB amounts are based on family net income.
Can both parents receive CCB?
In shared custody, both can apply, but each will receive a separate amount based on their own income. If both parents live together, only one payment per household is issued.
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