$445 Canada Payment Update—Are You Eligible This Year?

$445 Canada Payment Update—Are You Eligible This Year? – For millions of Canadian families, the Canada Child Benefit (CCB) is a vital source of financial support. In 2024, eligible families can receive up to $583 per month for each child under age 6, and $492 for children aged 6–17. While some families may see amounts like $445 per child, this variation depends on household income, the number of children, and other factors.

This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about the CCB—how it works, how much you might receive, when payments arrive, and how to make the most of this benefit.

🌟 What Is the Canada Child Benefit?

The Canada Child Benefit (CCB) is a tax-free monthly payment made by the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) to help families with the cost of raising children under 18 years old.

It replaces several older programs, including the Canada Child Tax Benefit, National Child Benefit Supplement, and the Universal Child Care Benefit, offering a more streamlined and targeted approach to supporting families.

Also Read: SSA Rolls Out Digital Social Security Cards—Apply Online Now

💰 How Much Will You Receive in 2024?

The amount you get depends on:

• Your family’s net income
• The number of children you have
• Whether any of your children have disabilities
• If you share custody of your child(ren)

Maximum Monthly Payments in 2024

Families with lower incomes typically receive higher benefits, while those with higher incomes may receive less or none at all.

💡 Example:
A family with two young children and an annual net income of $60,000 could receive around $1,166/month (or $445 per child), depending on exact income and province.

📅 When Are Payments Issued?

The CCB is paid monthly, usually on the 20th of each month. For 2024, the scheduled payment dates are:

• January 20
• February 20
• March 20
• April 19
• May 20
• June 20
• July 19
• August 20
• September 20
• October 18
• November 20
• December 13

Payments may be issued earlier if the 20th falls on a weekend or holiday.

✅ Who Is Eligible?

To qualify for the CCB, you must:

• Live with the child(ren)
• Be the main caregiver responsible for the child
• Be a resident of Canada
• Have a valid Social Insurance Number (SIN) for yourself and your child(ren)
• File your taxes every year

You don’t need to apply separately for the CCB—it starts automatically once you’ve filed your taxes and claimed the Canada Child Benefits section on your return.

🧾 How Is the CCB Calculated?

The CRA uses your previous year’s tax return to determine your family’s adjusted family net income. This includes:

• All income earned by both parents
• Deductions such as RRSP contributions, childcare expenses, and spousal support

Based on this figure, the CRA calculates your eligibility and payment amounts.

📊 Tip: Families earning over $70,000 annually may still receive partial benefits, especially if they have multiple children.

🧩 Special Cases & Additional Supports

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Shared Custody Arrangements

If you and your ex-partner share custody, the CCB is usually split equally between both parents. The CRA determines this based on court documents or shared custody agreements.

🏡 Adoptive Parents

Adoptive parents can claim the CCB starting the month the child comes into their care. Some provinces also offer additional adoption subsidies.

🧑‍🦽 Children with Disabilities

Families with children who have severe and prolonged physical or mental impairments may qualify for the Child Disability Benefit (CDB)—an extra $260/month (up to $3,120/year).

To qualify:

• The child must be under 18
• The parent must already receive the CCB
• The child must qualify for the Disability Tax Credit (DTC)

You can apply using Form RC66, the Disability Certificate, which requires a medical professional’s input.

🔐 CRA Requirements & How to Maximize Your Benefits

To ensure you receive the full amount you’re entitled to:

1. File Taxes Annually – Even if you don’t owe taxes, file every year.
2. Update Your Information – Report changes in address, marital status, or child custody through your CRA My Account.
3. Apply for the DTC – If your child has a disability, completing this form opens the door to additional benefits.
4. Use Direct Deposit – Ensures faster, secure access to your payments.

Also Read: $967 Payment Alert: Social Security Hits Soon! Check Dates

💡 Practical Advice: Using the CCB Wisely

While the CCB is meant to help cover everyday costs like food, clothing, and school supplies, here are smart ways to stretch its value:

• Budget It Like Income – Treat it as part of your regular monthly budget.
• Save for Big Expenses – Set aside a portion each month for back-to-school shopping, holidays, or summer camps.
• Automate Savings – Consider putting part of each payment into a high-interest savings account or Registered Education Savings Plan (RESP).
• Track Spending – Use budgeting apps or spreadsheets to track where your money goes and avoid overspending.

📊 Example:
If you receive $1,000/month in CCB for two children, saving just $150/month adds up to $1,800/year—enough to cover future extracurricular activities or educational tools.

📞 Need Help? Get in Touch

If you have questions about your eligibility, payments, or how to apply:

• Visit Canada.ca/childbenefit
• Call the Benefit Enquiries Line: 1-800-387-1193
• Log in to your CRA My Account to view payment history and update info