New Canada Child Benefit to support millions of families - First payments starting July 20, 2016

GATINEAU, QC, June 27, 2016 /CNW/ - The Government of Canada announced through Budget 2016 a new benefit to help parents with the high costs of raising their children. Today, on behalf of the Honourable Jean-Yves Duclos, Minister of Families, Children and Social Development, the Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Canadian Heritage and the Honourable Marc Garneau, Minister of Transport, are proud to announce that eligible Canadian families will receive their first Canada Child Benefit (CCB) payment starting July 20, 2016.

The new CCB will be issued monthly to Canadians and would 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 (ABA) service.

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 benefitting 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.

Quotes

"The Government of Canada is helping middle-class families with the cost of raising their children. With nine out of ten Canadian families receiving more, this benefit will help those who need it the most."
– The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Canadian Heritage

"With more money in their pockets, middle class families will be able to save more, enhancing their own financial security. They will also have a greater opportunity to invest—in their own future and that of their children."
– The Honourable Marc Garneau, Minister of Transport

Associated Links

Budget 2016 
Canada Child Benefit website 
Canada Child Benefit Calculator

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SOURCE Employment and Social Development Canada

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]