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Benefits

Who Can Get the Canada Child Benefit? Eligibility Rules

You can get the Canada child benefit if you live with a child under 18, are primarily responsible for their care, are a Canadian resident for tax purposes, and you or your spouse or partner is a citizen, permanent resident, protected person, eligible temporary resident, or registered under the Indian Act.

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All of these must be true

  • You live with the child, who is under 18.
  • You are primarily responsible for the child's care and upbringing.
  • You are a resident of Canada for tax purposes.
  • You or your spouse or common-law partner is a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, protected person, eligible temporary resident, or registered (or entitled to be registered) under the Indian Act.

Temporary residents

Temporary residents qualify after living in Canada for the previous 18 months, if they hold a valid permit in the 19th month that does not say "does not confer status". People holding only a Refugee Protection Claimant Document are not eligible.

What "primarily responsible" means

Supervising daily activities and needs, making sure medical needs are met, and arranging child care. In a couple living together, the female parent is presumed responsible and usually applies.

Phone numbers

CRA benefits enquiries (CCB)

1-800-387-1193

Monday to Friday, 8 am to 8 pm Eastern time

Related

Canada Child Benefit (CCB): How Much You Get in 2026-2027 From July 2026 to June 2027, the Canada child benefit pays up to $8,157 a year ($679.75 a month) for each child under 6 and up to $6,883 a year ($573.58 a month) for each child aged 6 to 17. You get the full amount if your 2025 adjusted family net income is $38,237 or less; above that it is reduced. How to Apply for the Canada Child Benefit (CCB) Apply for the Canada child benefit when your child is born or comes to live with you. The easiest way is to tick the box on your province's birth registration form. You can also apply in your CRA account under Benefits and credits, or mail Form RC66 to your tax centre. Canada Child Benefit and Shared Custody: The 40% Rule If your child lives with you 40% to 60% of the time, you and the other parent have shared custody: you both apply and each get half of what you would get with full custody, based on your own household income. Over 60% is full custody; under 40% you can't get the CCB for that child. Canada Child Benefit for Newcomers: How to Apply Newcomers apply for the Canada child benefit by mailing Form RC66 with Schedule RC66SCH (Status in Canada and income information) to their tax centre. Temporary residents qualify after 18 months in Canada with a valid permit in the 19th month.

Frequently asked questions

Can grandparents get the CCB?

Yes, if the child lives with them and they are primarily responsible for the child's care.

Can I get the CCB for a foster child?

Not for any month in which the Children's Special Allowance is paid for that child.

Sources

North Help Desk is an independent guide, not a government website. Rules, amounts and phone hours can change; always confirm on the official page before you act. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.