New Canada Child Benefit supports millions of families

First payments starting today

ETOBICOKE, ON, July 20, 2016 /CNW/ - The Government of Canada announced through Budget 2016 a new benefit to help parents with the high costs of raising their children. On behalf of the Honourable Jean-Yves Duclos, Minister of Families, Children and Social Development, the Honourable Kirsty Duncan, Minister of Science and Member of Parliament for Etobicoke North, is proud to announce that eligible Canadian families will start receiving their first Canada Child Benefit (CCB) payment today.

The new CCB will be issued monthly to Canadians and will replace the Canada Child Tax Benefit, including the National Child Benefit Supplement and the Universal Child Care Benefit.

The Canada Child Benefit is:

• simpler—families will receive a single payment every month;
• tax-free—families do not have to pay back amounts received when they file their tax returns;
• better targeted at those who need it most—low- and middle-income families will receive more benefits; and
• much more generous—families benefiting will see an average increase in child benefits of almost $2,300 in the 2016–17 benefit year.

Parents who already receive a child benefit and who file their income tax and benefit return will automatically be eligible for the CCB. Parents of newborn children can apply for the CCB using the Automated Benefits Application service.

Quote

"The many families I know in our community have one thing in common: they want to provide their children with the opportunities and experiences to receive a great education and have successful careers. The Canada Child Benefit will provide the families in Etobicoke North additional support to help build a better and brighter future."
– The Honourable Kirsty Duncan, Minister of Science and Member of Parliament for Etobicoke North

Quick Facts

• Nine out of ten Canadian families will receive more in child benefits than under the previous system.
• Families with less than $30,000 in net income will receive the maximum benefit.
• Families benefiting will see an average increase in child benefits of almost $2,300 in the upcoming 2016–17 benefit year.
• The maximum annual benefit will be up to $6,400 per child under the age of 6 and up to $5,400 per child aged 6 through 17.
• About 300,000 fewer children will be living in poverty in 2017 compared with 2014.

Associated Links

Budget 2016
Canada Child Benefit website
Canada Child Benefit Calculator

SOURCE Employment and Social Development Canada

Image with caption: "New Canada Child Benefit supports millions of families (CNW Group/Employment and Social Development Canada)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20160720_C6870_PHOTO_EN_738341.jpg

For further information: Michael Bhardwaj, Director of Communications, Office of the Hon. Kirsty Duncan, P.C., M.P., Minister of Science, 343-291-3966; Mathieu Filion, Director of Communications, Office of the Hon. Jean-Yves Duclos, P.C., M.P., Minister of Families, Children and Social Development, 819-654-5546; Media Relations Office, Employment and Social Development Canada, 819-994-5559, [email protected]