Overview of child and family benefits

Are you eligible and do you want to apply for benefits?

Select a link below for more information on the benefit, credit, or program.

You might also be eligible for other benefits

Child disability benefit
This is a tax-free benefit for families who care for a child under the age of 18 who is eligible for the disability tax credit.

Canada workers benefit
This is a refundable tax credit intended to provide tax relief for eligible working low-income individuals and families who are already in the workforce. It is also intended to encourage Canadians to enter the workforce.

Children’s special allowances
This program provides payments to federal and provincial agencies and institutions that care for children (for example, children's aid societies).

Are you expecting a baby?

If you are the birth mother of a newborn, you can use the Automated Benefits Application on the birth registration form when you register your newborn with your province. This allows you to apply for the Canada child benefit, the GST/HST credit, and related provincial or territorial programs for your child.

What do you need to do after you apply?

You don’t have to apply for the benefits and credits every year, but you must:

• do your taxes on time every year 

  • to continue receiving the benefit and credit payments that you are entitled to, even if you have no income in the year. If you have a spouse or common-law partner, they also have to do their taxes every year. Need a hand to complete your tax return?

• keep your personal information up to date

  • to make sure you are getting the right amount of benefits and credits, you must keep your personal information updated with the CRA.

• keep your supporting documents in case we ask for them
  • in the future, you might receive a letter from the CRA as part of the validation process, asking you to confirm your personal information.

Sign up for:

• direct deposit to make sure you never miss a payment in the mail.
• the MyBenefits CRA mobile application or My Account so you can get your personalized benefit information anytime, anywhere.

• the benefit and credit payment dates reminders electronic mailing list to know when you will get your next payment.

Want to know how much you might get?

Go to the CRA child and family benefits calculator to see how much you might get.

Did you get a benefits overpayment? You may have a balance owing.

When will you get your payment?

For all payment dates and contact information, see benefits payment dates.

To view your personalized benefit information, including your next benefit payment date and amount, use the MyBenefits CRA mobile application.

Related services and information

• Updating your marital status
• Benefits statistics
• Where to mail your forms
• Service standards
• Find out standard processing times
• CRA uncashed cheques