Your Guide to the Canada Child Benefit (CCB) – How to Apply Using Form RC66
Raising children can be expensive, and the Canada Child Benefit (CCB) is here to help! Offered by the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA), the CCB is a tax-free monthly payment designed to help families with the costs of raising children under 18. If you’re a new parent, new to Canada, or simply haven’t applied yet, this guide will walk you through how to apply using Form RC66.
What Is Form RC66?
Form RC66 is the official document used to apply for the Canada Child Benefit. But that’s not all—it also registers your child for related benefits like the:
- GST/HST Credit
- Climate Action Incentive Payment
- Provincial/Territorial child benefits
Whether you’re applying for the first time or recently had a change in your family, this one form can help you access multiple support programs with one simple application.
Who Should Apply?
You should complete Form RC66 if:
- You are a parent, guardian, or primary caregiver of a child under 18.
- You haven’t applied for the CCB yet.
- You are a newcomer to Canada.
- Your family or custody status has recently changed.
In most cases, the primary caregiver—the person mainly responsible for day-to-day child care—should be the one submitting the application.
How to Apply for the Canada Child Benefit
There are two main ways to apply for the CCB:
- Online: Use your CRA My Account to apply quickly and securely.
- Paper Application: Download, print, or fill the PDF version of Form RC66.
If you’re new to Canada, you’ll also need to complete Form RC66SCH (Status in Canada and Income Information).
What Benefits You Could Receive
By submitting Form RC66, you may qualify for the following programs:
- Canada Child Benefit (CCB): Monthly payment based on family income and the number of children.
- GST/HST Credit: Quarterly tax-free payments that help lower and moderate-income households.
- Climate Action Incentive Payment: A rebate to offset carbon pricing costs.
- Provincial and Territorial Child Benefits: Some provinces and territories have additional benefits that are automatically applied for through this form.
How Much Can You Get?
For the 2024–2025 benefit year, you could receive:
- Up to $7,787 per year for each child under 6 years old.
- Up to $6,570 per year for each child aged 6 to 17.
Payments are recalculated every July based on your household’s net income from the previous year’s tax return.
Important Reminders
- File your tax return every year, even if you have no income. This keeps your payments active.
- Use CRA My Account to update your information and avoid missed payments.
- Report changes in your family situation, such as:
- New children
- Marital status changes
- Custody arrangement changes
Helpful Resources
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Cited Sources:
- Canada Revenue Agency. (2024). Canada Child Benefits Application (Form RC66). Retrieved from https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/services/forms-publications/forms/rc66.html
- Canada Revenue Agency. (2024). Canada Child Benefit. Retrieved from https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/services/child-family-benefits/canada-child-benefit-overview.html
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I apply for Canada Child Benefit?
You can apply for the Canada Child Benefit (CCB) in two ways: online through your CRA My Account, or by completing Form RC66 and mailing it to the CRA. The CCB is a tax-free monthly payment that helps Canadian families with the costs of raising children under 18 years old.
What is Form RC66 used for?
Form RC66 is the official application form used to apply for the Canada Child Benefit from the CRA. This form also automatically registers your child for other benefits like the GST/HST Credit, Climate Action Incentive Payment, and provincial or territorial child benefits.
Who is eligible to apply for Canada Child Benefit?
You can apply for the CCB if you are a parent, guardian, or primary caregiver of a child under 18 years old living in Canada. The primary caregiver—the person mainly responsible for the child’s day-to-day care—should be the one to submit the application using Form RC66.
Can newcomers to Canada apply for child benefits?
Yes, newcomers to Canada can apply for the Canada Child Benefit using Form RC66. If you are new to Canada and have children under 18, you should complete this form to access the CCB and other related tax-free benefits for your family.
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That is why it is always recommended to use a professional like JHG Corporate and Tax Services Inc to get your taxes done to ensure you are getting the most out of your tax return.
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