Understanding the Canada Child Benefit (CCB) Program 

The Canada Child Benefit (CCB) is a program that replaced the earlier Universal Child Care Benefit (UCCB) and Canada Child Tax Benefit (CCTB). This initiative offers monthly tax-free benefits to eligible families. The amount of these benefits is determined by an income test, which is based on the adjusted net family income from the most recent tax year filed. For instance, the benefits distributed from July 2019 to June 2020 are derived from the 2018 tax return. 

Families can expect to receive up to $6,400 annually for each child under the age of 6. For children aged between 6 and 17, the maximum annual benefit is $5,400. However, it’s essential to note that these benefits start to reduce or “phase-out” when the adjusted family net income surpasses $30,000. The rate at which the benefit reduces is contingent on the number of children in the family and the total adjusted family net income. 

Here’s a breakdown of the maximum CCB Benefits based on children’s age and the income threshold beyond which the benefits are completely phased out: 

• For 1 child under 6: Maximum Benefit is $6,400, and the phase-out income is $188,438. 
• For 1 child between 6 and 17: Maximum Benefit is $5,400, and the phase-out income is $157,188. 
• For 2 children under 6: Maximum Benefit is $12,800, and the phase-out income is $206,667. 
• For 1 child under 6 and 1 child between 6 and 17: Maximum Benefit is $11,800, and the phase-out income is $199,123. 
• For 2 children between 6 and 17: Maximum Benefit is $10,800, and the phase-out income is $171,579.