Benefit payment comes monthly for eligible families in Canada

Canadian families may be eligible for a monthly benefit from the federal government.

With inflation increasing the cost of food, rent and gas, a little extra money can help.

Families may be eligible for Canada child benefit, a tax-free monthly payment to help with the cost of raising children under 18 years of age.

Parents or guardians need to apply for the benefit and should do so once their child is born or starts to live with the family.

You must be a Canadian resident and be primarily responsible for the care and upbringing of the child.

The amount of the benefit is calculated each July and depends on the family’s net income. Payments could be anywhere from around $240 for the year to over $500 a month, depending on the family’s income, the number of children and accommodation costs.

Parents must file a tax return every year to receive the benefit.

The payments come monthly. The next ones are on Nov. 20 and Dec. 13.

To apply or for more information, see the Canada Revenue Agency page here.