Canada child tax benefit for new immigrants
As a new immigrant to Canada, you may be eligible for the Canada Child Benefit (CCB), a tax-free monthly payment made to eligible families to help with the cost of raising children under the age of 18.
To be eligible for the CCB, you must:
- Be a resident of Canada.
- Have a child under the age of 18.
- Have a valid Social Insurance Number (SIN) for yourself and your child.
- File a tax return for the previous year (even if you don't owe taxes).
- Meet the income requirements (see below).
Income Requirements:
- For the 2022 tax year, the maximum net income to qualify for the CCB is:
- $32,304 for a single parent or a couple with one child.
- $44,255 for a single parent or a couple with two children.
- $56,206 for a single parent or a couple with three or more children.
- If your net income is above these amounts, you may still be eligible for a reduced benefit.
As a new immigrant, you may need to provide additional documentation to support your application, such as:
- Proof of immigration status (e.g., Confirmation of Permanent Residence, Permanent Resident Card, or a valid work permit).
- Proof of identity (e.g., passport, driver's license, or government-issued ID).
- Proof of child's identity (e.g., birth certificate, adoption papers, or a valid passport).
To apply for the CCB, you can:
- File your tax return: Complete your tax return (T1 General) and claim the CCB on line 351.
- Apply online: Use the Canada Child Benefits Application (CCBA) online tool to apply for the CCB.
- Contact the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA): Call the CRA at 1-800-959-8281 or visit a CRA office to apply in person.
Note: If you're a refugee claimant or a protected person, you may be eligible for the CCB even if you don't have a valid SIN. Contact the CRA for more information.
Additional Resources:
- Canada Child Benefit: Government of Canada website
- Canada Child Benefits Application (CCBA): Online tool
- Canada Revenue Agency (CRA): Contact information and resources