Canadian parents can get up to $648 next week from a March child benefit payment
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You can get up to $648 per child from this March child benefit payment.
If you're raising kids in Canada, there could be a little financial boost coming your way this week. The Canada Child Benefit March payment is set to drop soon, putting extra cash in the pockets of eligible families to help cover everything from diapers to day care.
The Canada Child Benefit (CCB) is one of many government benefits Canadians can receive this month from the Canada Revenue Agency. It's designed to ease the financial weight of parenting, offering a monthly tax-free amount for each child in your household.
With the rising costs of just about everything these days, every dollar counts, and this government payment is here to help make ends meet.
So, how much can you get? Who qualifies? And most importantly, when will the money land in your bank account? Here's a breakdown of the March CCB payment — and all the key details you need to know.
What is the Canada Child Benefit?
The Canada Child Benefit — or CCB — is a tax-free monthly payment designed to help parents cover the costs of raising kids. Launched in 2016 as a replacement for the Universal Child Care Benefit, it's become a key source of financial support for families across the country.
How much you receive depends on factors like your household income and the number of children in your care. Some families may also qualify for extra financial assistance through the Child Disability Benefit or additional top-ups provided by certain provinces and territories.
Who is eligible for the Canada Child Benefit?
To qualify for the Canada Child Benefit, you need to be a Canadian resident for tax purposes and be either a Canadian citizen, a permanent resident, a protected person, a temporary resident or registered under the Indian Act. On top of that, you must live with your child and be their primary caregiver.
There's no set income limit to qualify, so this benefit isn't just for lower-income families. The amount you receive is based on your household income, but higher-earning parents may still get a reduced payment depending on their financial situation.
How to apply for the Canada Child Benefit
If you're a new parent or recently became the primary caregiver of a child, applying for the Canada Child Benefit is a straightforward process. The CRA recommends submitting your application as soon as you have a new child in your care — whether it's a newborn, a child who has moved in with you or a change in custody arrangements.
One of the easiest ways to apply is when registering a birth. If you provide your social insurance number (SIN) and agree to share your information with the CRA, your application will be processed automatically. If you choose not to do this at the time, you'll need to apply separately later.
You can also apply online through your CRA My Account by selecting "Apply for child benefits" or by mailing a completed Form RC66 to your designated tax centre. The CRA will also check if you qualify for any extra provincial or territorial benefits, so you don't have to submit multiple applications.
How much is the Canada Child Benefit?
Your Canada Child Benefit payments aren't a flat rate — they depend on a mix of factors, including how many kids you have, their ages, your marital status and how much your household earned last year. In general, the lower your net income, the higher your payment.
For the current benefit cycle (July 2024 to June 2025), payments are based on what you earned in 2023. Families with an adjusted family net income of $36,502 or less will get the highest possible amount: $648.91 per month ($7,787 per year) for each child under six and $547.50 per month ($6,570 per year) for kids aged 6 to 17.
If your income is higher than that, your benefit gets reduced on a sliding scale. Since payments reset every July, any raises, job changes or financial shifts in 2024 — plus inflation adjustments — will affect what you get starting this summer.
Some provinces and territories also offer extra payments through the CCB program. Parents in B.C., New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, Ontario, P.E.I. and all three territories might see up to $300 more per child each month, depending on their location.
One crucial detail: To keep receiving your CCB payments, both you and your spouse (if you have one) must file a tax return every year — even if you didn't earn anything or owe taxes.
Canada Child Benefit calculator
The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) provides an online CCB payment calculator to help parents estimate their Canada Child Benefit payments. This tool considers your income, number of children and any additional benefits you might qualify for, giving you a clear picture of what to expect each month. Plus, it also factors in any extra provincial or territorial payments you might qualify for, giving you a clearer idea of what to expect in your bank account each month. If you want a quick and accurate estimate, this is the easiest way to check.
Is the Canada Child Benefit taxable?
Nope! The Canada Child Benefit (CCB) is 100% tax-free, meaning you don't need to report it as income or worry about it affecting your tax return. Whatever amount you receive is yours to keep — no deductions, no tax implications.
When are the Canada Child Benefit payment dates?
The next Canada Child Benefit (CCB) payment is scheduled for next Thursday, March 20.
Looking ahead to the rest of the current benefit year, here are the remaining CCB payment dates that will be based on your 2023 tax return:
- April 17, 2025
- May 20, 2025
- June 20, 2025
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