Canada Child Benefit (CCB)
Canada Child Benefit (CCB) is a support system for many new immigrants and citizens of Canada. The benefit is provided by the Government of Canada as assistance to families so they can survive and support themselves and their children. Imagine landing in Canada and then searching for Jobs in Canada. You are surviving and/or utilizing the funds that you brought to Canada. Canada Child Benefit (CCB) comes as an extra bonus to your monthly income so that you can support your children and provide them with a better livelihood.
“Children are a blessing” can come as a very strong statement in Canada. The Government of Canada provides this benefit to ensure that the citizens and permanent residents of Canada are aiming towards having children and increasing the population in Canada. Who doesn’t want more Canadians in this whole wide world? We are likeable from the very first instance you meet us. Canadians, EH!
Why Canada Child Benefit (CCB)?
One of the reasons that Canada is inclined towards opening its border to an influx of immigrants is to ensure populace. Over the previous years, there has been a steep decline in the number of children born to Canadian citizens which has led to a shrinkage in the overall working population of Canada. Also a slow increase in the overall population of Canada.
According to Statistics Canada, the last census occurred in 2016. Census program is every 5 years and provides crucial data on population and agriculture. 2016 census showed us that the population of Canada was at 35,151,728 people in total. Out of this population, 16.9% were aged 65 and over, which was a 20% increase from the data 5 years ago (2011-2015). Why are we talking about old people? Remember, I mentioned that we need children and young people to ensure economic prosperity, this is the reason why. The trend is not sustainable in the longer run because you are looking at a working population decrease.
To ensure sustaining the changing trends, Canada provides benefit to permanent residents and citizens of Canada to support children and promote having children. This ensures a better upbringing of children as well as population bloom.
Who is Eligible for Canada Child Benefit (CCB)?
Canada Child Benefit (CCB) is paid to the primary care-giver of the children. Only one person is eligible to apply for the CCB per registered child. Eligibility criteria is fairly simple and is defined explicitly by the Government of Canada on this link. To keep it simple and precise, the following people are eligible for the Canada Child Benefit (CCB):
- Canadian Citizen
- Permanent Resident of Canada
- Temporary Resident – Lived in Canada for 18 months with a valid permit in the 19th month
- Protected Person
- Indigenous Person – Meets the definition of “Indian” under the Indian Act
Certain criterions form the basis of an application for Canada Child Benefit (CCB). They are as follows:
- You live with the child under the age of 18
- Being primarily responsible for the upbringing of the child
- Are a resident of Canada for tax purposes
- Your spouse or partner should fall under eligible people – if the applicant doesn’t.
Applying for Canada Child Benefit (CCB):
The process of applying is fairly easy and simple. You can apply for the CCB through any of the following options:
- Through Birth Registration (Canadian Live Birth)
- Online through My Account (Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) Account)
- By Mail (Use forms below)*
*RC66 – Canada Child Benefit (CCB) Application to your Tax Centre.
*RC66SCH – Status in Canada and Income Information – This form is for newcomers and returning citizens/immigrants to Canada. Mail in this form along with RC66.
How much can you get?
The question that everyone wants answers to. How much bling? The colorful plastics that you will get in your bank. You receive the Canada Child Benefit (CCB) per child according to your Adjusted Family Net Income (AFNI) as per your tax filing.
“As a newcomer you might be eligible for the maximum benefit in the first tax year; as many don’t have an income or tax filing history in Canada.”
The maximum amount of Canada Child Benefit (CCB) that a parent/care-giver can receive is as follows for each child in their care (Ref: Canada.ca):
- Under 6 years of age: $6,765 per year ($563.75 per month)
- 6 to 17 years of age: $5,708 per year ($475.66 per month)
The amounts gradually decrease when the AFNI increases beyond CAD 31,711. There are three income levels that impact an individual’s overall Canada Child Benefit (CCB) payments. They reduce gradually over the following income levels:
- Below CAD 31,711 – Maximum Benefit
- Between CAD 31,711 and CAD 68,708 – Reduces further
- Above CAD 68,708 – Minimum Eligible CCB per Child
You can calculate how much child and family benefits you are eligible for using the button below:
As an Immigrant:
You should apply for the Canada Child Benefit (CCB) as soon as you land in Canada. The application process involves submitting the RC66 and RC66SCH forms to the Tax Centre depending on your province of landing in Canada. You should expect to receive the benefit amount within three months from your landing date. This date is on the Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR) document. The amount received is back dated for three months and is received as a lump sum first payment. The Canada Child Benefit (CCB) runs from July to June of every year and benefits change effective 01 July 20XX pertaining to your tax filing Annual Adjusted Family Net Income.
The Choice – Canada:
When thinking about life choices and deciding on The Choice – Canada; Canada Child Benefit (CCB) will definitely help you decide faster. Now don’t think that the benefit you receive is your income, it is for the benefit of your child therefore try to save as much as possible to ensure their well-being in the future. You can read about Registered Education Savings Plan and decide on the best route for your children’s higher education. Save some to gain some in the future.
“The Canada Child Benefit (CCB) is not a taxable income and doesn’t add up to your Annual Family Income.”
Now before you make a choice to immigrate to Canada, do like, subscribe and share this informative blog to friends and families that you love. Will see you next week on another adventurous, fun and fact filled blog.
LIKE – SUBSCRIBE – SHARE
These are tax forms submitted by the employer to the Canada Revenue Agency which states how much money you earned in a given year and how much taxes were already deducted on source. Helps CRA in assessing if the individual will get a refund or has some amount owing to CRA according to the annual income tax bracket.