The Canada Child Benefit (CCB) serves as a vital financial resource for families across the country, helping to offset the costs of raising children. For December 2024, eligible families can receive up to $648 per child under six years old, providing much-needed relief during the holiday season. This tax-free benefit is designed to support Canadian parents and caregivers, offering timely assistance to help manage child-rearing expenses.
If you want to know more about the December 2024 CCB payment, including eligibility criteria, payment details, and application instructions, this guide has everything you need.
Overview of December 2024 CCB Payment
Key Information:
- Payment Date: December 13, 2024
- Monthly Benefit Amount: Up to $648 for children under six; $547 for children aged 6-17
- Eligibility: Canadian residents with children under 18 who have filed their taxes
- Income Threshold for Reduction: Gradual reductions begin when family net income exceeds $36,502
- How to Apply: Online through CRA My Account or by mailing Form RC66
- Official Resource: Canada Revenue Agency (CRA)
This year, families can look forward to receiving their December payments earlier than usual, on December 13, 2024. Whether you’re using the funds to prepare for the holidays or cover day-to-day child-related expenses, the CCB ensures critical support for parents across Canada.
What is the Canada Child Benefit (CCB)?
The Canada Child Benefit is a tax-free monthly payment distributed by the CRA to assist families in raising children under 18 years of age. The benefit amount is determined by the family’s adjusted net income (AFNI), the number of children, and their ages. Lower-income families receive the highest payments, while those with higher incomes see a gradual reduction.
For the July 2024 to June 2025 payment period, the maximum annual amounts are:
- Children under 6 years old: Up to $7,787 annually ($648.91 per month).
- Children aged 6-17: Up to $6,570 annually ($547.50 per month).
Eligibility Criteria for the Canada Child Benefit
To qualify for the CCB, you must meet these conditions:
- Primary Caregiver Responsibility
- You must be primarily responsible for the child’s daily needs, including food, clothing, and shelter.
- Child’s Age
- The child must be under 18 years old.
- Residency in Canada
- You (and your spouse or common-law partner) must be Canadian residents for tax purposes.
- Filing Taxes
- Both you and your spouse/common-law partner must file annual income tax returns.
- Legal Status
- You or your spouse/common-law partner must be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, refugee, or temporary resident who has lived in Canada for at least 18 months with a valid permit.
How Payments are Issued
The CRA offers two payment methods for the CCB:
- Direct Deposit: Funds are deposited directly into your bank account.
- Cheque: Payments can be mailed to your registered address if you prefer.
Direct deposit is the fastest and most secure option. You can set it up through your CRA My Account or via your bank’s online services.
How to Apply for the Canada Child Benefit
If you’re a new parent or have recently moved to Canada, here’s how to apply:
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- Online Application
- Log in to your CRA My Account.
- Select “Apply for child benefits” and provide the required information.
- Birth Registration
- When registering your child’s birth in your province or territory, you can consent to share your details with the CRA for automatic CCB enrollment.
- Mail Application
- Complete Form RC66 (Canada Child Benefits Application) and mail it to your local tax services office.
Additional Benefits Linked to the CCB
Beyond the CCB, families may qualify for supplementary benefits to further ease financial burdens:
- Child Disability Benefit (CDB):
- Provides up to $3,173 annually ($264.41 per month) for families caring for children with severe disabilities.
- Provincial and Territorial Benefits:
- Some provinces and territories offer additional child benefits, such as:
- Ontario Child Benefit
- Quebec Family Allowance
- BC Family Benefit
- Some provinces and territories offer additional child benefits, such as:
- GST/HST Credit:
- Low- to moderate-income families may qualify for this credit to help offset sales taxes.
FAQs About the December 2024 CCB Payment
1. When will the December 2024 payment be issued?
- The CRA has scheduled the payment for December 13, 2024, ahead of the usual monthly date to accommodate holiday needs.
2. Can temporary residents receive the CCB?
- Yes, temporary residents who have lived in Canada for at least 18 months and hold a valid permit may be eligible.
3. What happens if my income changes during the year?
- Payments are recalculated annually in July based on the previous year’s tax return. Income changes will affect the benefit amount for the next payment period.
4. Are retroactive payments available?
- Yes, you can apply for missed payments retroactively for up to three years.
5. Are additional benefits available for children with disabilities?
- Families with eligible children may receive the Child Disability Benefit, which provides up to $3,173 annually.
The Canada Child Benefit remains a cornerstone of financial support for Canadian families. If you haven’t applied yet, ensure you meet the eligibility criteria and follow the application process to secure your benefits.