Cash-strapped Ontario parents can expect a little more money in their bank accounts today.Â
Payments for the Canadian Child Benefit — intended to provide increased support to low- and middle-income families with children — are set to be delivered Tuesday. The program has been lauded by some experts for reducing poverty, specifically child poverty, across the country. According to data released last year by Employment and Social Development Canada, the country’s overall poverty rate was halved between 2015 and 2021.
However, the maximum monthly CCB payment still covers only a fraction of the average º£½ÇÉçÇø¹ÙÍørent, not to mention the heightened cost of living since the last release of poverty data. A November report from Campaign 2000, a child poverty non-profit, found that the CCB was losing its effectiveness, reducing child poverty by lower levels in recent years.
Here’s what you need to know about how much you can get from CCB payments and other benefits — and how to apply.
How much can I receive from the CCB?
The base amount for each child under six is $7,787 per year — which translates to a maximum monthly benefit of $648.91. For children between six and 17 years old, beneficiaries will receive up to $6,570 per child.
The amount you receive under the CCB is based on several factors, including the number of children in your care, their age and your marital status. It also depends on your adjusted family net income from last year’s tax return — if under $36,502, you will receive the maximum amount for each child.
Payments gradually decrease for those with a net income above that threshold. For example, a family with one child under six and an adjusted net income of $45,000 would receive $7,192.14 from the CCB, for the July 2024 to June 2025 period.
Parents with shared custody of their child or children will each get half of the benefit. Children eligible for the disability tax credit may also be eligible for an additional $3,322 per year (or $276.83 per month).
The benefit is recalculated and adjusted every July. The benefit Canadians receive from July 2024 to June 2025 will be based on their income from the previous year, 2023.
What other benefits can I get?
Ontario parents can also claim the Ontario Child Benefit, a tax-free, monthly payment delivered by the provincial government. Eligible parents can get up to $140 per month.
When you apply for the CCB, you are automatically assessed for the Ontario Child Benefit, according to the province’s website.
When will I get the benefit?
The CCB is generally paid on weekdays between the 17th and 20th of each month, except in December, when the benefit is issued on Dec. 12.
However, if your annual benefit amount is less than $240, you will only receive a lump-sum payment in July instead of monthly installments.
How can I apply?
You can apply for the CCB one of three ways: through birth registration, online through your personal Canada Revenue Agency account or by mail.
If you’re applying when registering the birth of your newborn, you’ll need to consent and provide your social insurance number.
If applying online, you can go through your CRA account online on the benefits page, and processing times take about eight weeks. If applying by mail, the form can be found online and sent to a tax centre — payments will be delivered within 11 weeks.
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