In Canada, the Canada Child Benefit (CCB) continues to provide vital financial support to families with children under 18. The CCB offers up to $619.75 CAD per month for each child under the age of 6 and $522.91 CAD per month for children aged 6 to 17. This tax-free payment from the Canadian government helps families cover the costs of raising children and is particularly crucial for newcomer parents.
A recent Statistics Canada study focused on how the CCB benefits newcomer couples and families who arrived in Canada between 2016 and 2019. The study revealed that between 79% and 85% of newly landed permanent resident (PR) couples received the CCB within the first year of their arrival. However, eligibility for the CCB is closely linked to a couple’s employment status. The study found that couples with a known employment history, indicated by a T4 employment income record or T1 income tax return, had a take-up rate as high as 93% to 95%. Conversely, couples without employment income or those who did not file a tax return had take-up rates below 10%.
This highlights the importance of tax filings and employment records for newcomers seeking to benefit from the CCB. The CCB can significantly ease financial pressures for families, offering up to $7,787 per year for each child under 6, and $6,570 per year for each child aged 6 to 17, particularly for families with an income below $36,502 CAD.
Additionally, eligible families can receive retroactive payments, ensuring that any delays in receiving the benefit after arriving in Canada do not result in missed payments. To apply, parents can use the Automated Benefits Application or file through the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA). Newcomers may also need to submit specific forms and documents, including proof of residency and a child’s birth details, to complete their application.
The CCB continues to be a lifeline for many new PR families in Canada, providing essential support to help ease their transition into life in their new country.