Apply for the Canada child benefit
How do I apply for the Canada child benefit?
The CRA's child-benefit guide explains when to apply and how the route changes with your circumstances. Options include birth registration, a CRA account or a mailed form. Additional documents can be required, especially in situations such as arriving in Canada or applying for an earlier period. Use the official eligibility and document guidance before submitting.
Where to begin
- Check the official eligibility and when-to-apply guidance.
- Choose the appropriate birth-registration, CRA-account or paper route.
- Submit required supporting materials and retain the official confirmation.
Before you open the official service
First check whether your benefit application was already included in birth registration.
- For a CRA-account or mailed application, proof of birth is needed if CRA has never paid benefits for that child. Birth-registration applications share this evidence through the province.
- Use the checklist for your circumstances: newcomers or returning residents may need RC66SCH with RC66. Retroactive applications and proof of primary responsibility can require additional evidence.
- CRA considers related provincial and territorial benefits through the CCB application; separate applications for those related programs are not needed.
Keep your actual documents and account details off this website. Use the official service’s current checklist before applying.
What to check for your situation
CRA determines entitlement, related benefits and required evidence. This guide does not decide custody, immigration status or benefit amounts.
Fees, processing times and document rules can change. This page helps you navigate; it does not confirm eligibility or replace the government’s instructions.
Official sources
Prepared by Active K Digital from the linked public guidance. Read our source approach.