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Eligibility can depend on each child’s care, residency and status. The next page covers CRA checks for children under 18, application routes, requested documents, and keeping payments from being interrupted.
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A useful starting point is to check eligibility separately for each child. A household can have more than one child, but the conditions still need to be met for the child named in an application. If your family situation changed recently, review the details before relying on an earlier benefit decision.
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The child and caregiver test
For the basic CCB test, the child must live with you and be under 18. You also need to be primarily responsible for the child’s care and upbringing. Day-to-day care is the practical focus, so keep your information with the CRA aligned with the child’s actual living and care arrangement.
Residency and status checks
You must be a resident of Canada for tax purposes. In addition, you or your spouse or common-law partner must have a qualifying status, such as Canadian citizenship, permanent residence, protected-person status, qualifying temporary-resident status, or registration or entitlement to registration under the Indian Act.
Temporary residents have an additional timing rule. The CRA says they need to have lived in Canada for the previous 18 months and hold a valid permit in the 19th month. Because permit wording and timing matter, confirm your own documents through the official guidance rather than assuming that any permit qualifies.
Why the CRA tax return matters
Applying and keeping payments going are related but different tasks. After an application, the CRA requires an income tax and benefit return every year to continue CCB and related payments. A spouse or common-law partner must also file on time when applicable, even where income is tax-exempt or there was no income.
- Child Confirm that the child lives with you and is under 18.
- Care Confirm who is primarily responsible for care and upbringing.
- Status Review Canadian tax residency and qualifying status.
- Taxes Plan to file annual tax returns to keep payments flowing.
If these checks point in the right direction, the next step is to use the CRA’s application guidance. That guide explains when to apply, how to use a CRA account, and when supporting documents may be needed. It is the best place to verify the route that fits your family before submitting information.
Frequently asked questions
Does a child have to be under 18 for the CCB?
Yes. One of the eligibility conditions is that you live with a child who is under 18 years old. Check the CRA guidance for each child if you are applying for more than one.
Can a temporary resident qualify for the CCB?
A temporary resident may qualify if all the CCB conditions are met. The CRA says a temporary resident must have lived in Canada for the previous 18 months and have a valid permit in the 19th month.
Do I need to file taxes to keep the CCB?
Yes. The CRA says you must file your income tax and benefit return every year to continue receiving the CCB and related payments. A spouse or common-law partner must also file when applicable.
