Canada Child Benefit
Canada-wideFamilies with children under 18
What it is
A tax-free monthly payment to help eligible families with the cost of raising children under 18.
Check this if
Worth checking when you have children under 18 and file taxes.
Canadian benefits timeline: ages, deadlines and life stages
See when payment dates, application windows and programs become worth checking as ages and life situations change. For learning only — not a personal eligibility decision.
Program summaries and timing markers come from official government sources and may change. Confirm details on the linked pages before you act.
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Programs people often look into when expecting or raising children.
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Child Disability Benefit
Canada-wideFamilies with children under 18Disability-related needsLower-income householdsWhat it is
A tax-free monthly payment for families caring for a child with a severe and prolonged disability.
Check this if
Worth checking when a child has a severe and prolonged impairment.
When to act
When a child under 18 is approved for the DTC The child disability benefit (paid with the Canada Child Benefit) may apply while the child is under 18. See the guide for DTC and CCB rules.
When a child under 18 is approved for the DTC. The child disability benefit (paid with the Canada Child Benefit) may apply while the child is under 18. See the guide for DTC and CCB rules.
Provincial child benefits
Canada-wideFamilies with children under 18Lower-income householdsWhat it is
Provincial and territorial child benefits paid alongside or through the Canada Child Benefit system.
Check this if
Worth checking with children at home; programs vary by province or territory.
Official sourceFilter by province above to see what you may be eligible for in your province or territory.
Important timing
When your child turns 6. The Canada Child Benefit moves to the 6 to 17 age rate band starting the next payment month. See CRA for how payments are calculated.
When your child turns 18. The last Canada Child Benefit payment for that child is usually the month of their 18th birthday; payments stop the following month.
More to consider
EI Maternity Benefits
Canada-wideFamilies with children under 18Employed or EI-eligibleWhat it is
Employment Insurance benefits for eligible birth parents before and after childbirth or adoption.
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Worth checking before or during pregnancy if you have enough insurable hours.
EI Parental Benefits
Canada-wideFamilies with children under 18Employed or EI-eligibleWhat it is
Employment Insurance benefits for parents caring for a newborn or newly adopted child.
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Worth checking when caring for a newborn or newly adopted child.
Registered Education Savings Plan (RESP)
Canada-wideFamilies with children under 18What it is
A tax-sheltered savings account used to save for a child's post-secondary education, often with matching grants.
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Worth checking when saving for a child's education; grants may attach to an RESP.
Canada Learning Bond (CLB)
Canada-wideLower-income householdsFamilies with children under 18What it is
A federal grant deposited into an RESP for eligible children from low-income families, without requiring contributions.
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Worth checking for eligible children before 18 if family income is low.
Canada Education Savings Grant (CESG)
Canada-wideFamilies with children under 18What it is
Matching grants from the federal government when contributions are made to a child's Registered Education Savings Plan.
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Worth checking when contributing to a child's RESP.
When to act
Before the end of the year your child turns 15 RESP contribution history rules affect whether the Canada Education Savings Grant can be paid in the 16 and 17 years. See CRA for the deadlines.
Before the end of the year your child turns 15. RESP contribution history rules affect whether the Canada Education Savings Grant can be paid in the 16 and 17 years. See CRA for the deadlines.
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Timeline transition dates and program summaries last reviewed 2026-08-26 against linked official sources. Amounts and rules change — confirm on official sites.
This page shows when programs become relevant to learn about, not whether you qualify or how much you would receive. Use the quiz or linked guides for specifics.