Somebody told me that if I have a child under age 6, then I'm entitled to get a $100/month benefit from the Canadian government. Is that true? How do I apply for it?
asked Oct 20, 2009 at 20:10
-
Note: I've seen the UCCB also referred to as the Universal Child Tax Benefit (UCTB), but the former appears to be the definitive/current and more often referenced name.– Chris W. ReaCommented Feb 21, 2010 at 23:34
-
On October 30th, 2014, major changes were announced to UCCB. See: How are Canada Universal Child Care Benefit (UCCB) & related tax measures changing in 2015?– Chris W. ReaCommented Oct 30, 2014 at 23:07
Add a comment
|
2 Answers
Yes, it's true. The benefit in question is Canada's Universal Child Care Benefit (UCCB). The UCCB was introduced in the 2006 Federal Budget. The UCCB provides "all families with $100 per month for each child under age 6." Benefits began in July, 2006.
What's confusing is how to apply for the UCCB. When UCCB was introduced, there existed another benefit called the Canada Child Tax Benefit (CCTB). When introducing UCCB, the government decided it would be more efficient to have a single application process for all child benefits. In order to get UCCB, you would apply under the existing application process for CCTB.
Unfortunately:
- The application form for CCTB doesn't mention the UCCB at all!
- The CCTB is income-tested, meaning if your family makes more than a certain amount of income, you don't qualify for CCTB, which may incorrectly lead you to believe you shouldn't apply!
You should apply anyway for CCTB, even if you don't expect CCTB benefits. Applying for CCTB gets you in the system to receive UCCB, which is not income-tested. (But, UCCB benefits are taxable.)
Here's the necessary form: RC66 - Canada Child Benefits Application. Even after updates since 2006, it still doesn't mention UCCB, but it does say "Complete this form to apply for all child benefit programs."
Here are some other resources about the UCCB:
answered Oct 20, 2009 at 20:34
-
By the way, UCCB will pay benefits retroactively for up to 11 months, in case you were wondering if you kissed money goodbye or not. Apply now! Commented Oct 20, 2009 at 20:40
-
On October 30th, 2014, major changes were announced to UCCB. See: How are Canada Universal Child Care Benefit (UCCB) & related tax measures changing in 2015? Commented Oct 30, 2014 at 23:07
That would be the Universal Child Care Benefit (UCCB)
The UCCB is designed to help Canadian families, as they try to balance work and family life, by supporting their child care choices through direct financial support. The UCCB is for children under the age of 6 years and is paid in instalments of $100 per month per child.
Info found here.
http://www.cra-arc.gc.ca/bnfts/uccb-puge/menu-eng.html
There also is a tax credit that can be used to help pay for children fitness expenses.
