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Benefits

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.

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Extra documents you may need

  • The other parent in a couple applying: a signed letter from the female parent saying the other parent is primarily responsible (not needed for same-sex couples).
  • Newcomers and returning residents: Schedule RC66SCH with Form RC66. See CCB for newcomers.
  • Applying for a period more than 11 months back: proof of citizenship, proof you lived in Canada, proof of birth and proof you are primarily responsible for the child.
  • Documents not in English or French: a translation and a copy of the original.

How long it takes

The CRA posts current processing times for benefit applications. You can track your application in your CRA account.

Step by step

  1. Apply through birth registration.

    When you register a newborn, give consent for your province to share the information with the CRA and enter your social insurance number. Online registration is available in Ontario, Quebec, British Columbia and Alberta. Not available in Nunavut.

  2. Or apply in your CRA account.

    Sign in, choose your individual account, go to Benefits and credits, then add the child under Child information. Save or print the confirmation.

  3. Or apply by mail.

    Fill in and sign Form RC66, add any documents needed, and mail it to your tax centre.

  4. Send proof of birth if asked.

    Needed when you apply online or by mail and the CRA has never paid benefits for that child. Not needed through birth registration.

  5. File your tax returns.

    You and your spouse or common-law partner must have filed your returns for the CRA to work out your amount.

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. 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. How to Sign In to Your CRA Account (My Account): Steps and Fixes Go to the official "Sign in to your CRA account" page on canada.ca, choose the same sign-in option you registered with (your bank, a CRA user ID and password, or a B.C./Alberta provincial partner), then enter your one-time passcode. Stuck? The troubleshooter below gives the CRA's fix for your exact problem. CRA Processing Times: Tax Returns, Adjustments and Benefits The CRA aims to process 95% of online tax returns within 4 weeks and paper returns within 8 weeks. Complex adjustment requests can take up to 35 weeks, and taxpayer relief requests average about 16 months. Check the official page for live times.

Frequently asked questions

Can I apply for the CCB before my baby is born?

No. Apply once the child is born, ideally through birth registration.

Who should apply in a couple?

The female parent is presumed to be primarily responsible and should apply. Only one payment is made per household.

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.