How to apply for the Canada Child Benefit: step-by-step guide

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Applying for the Canada Child Benefit (CCB) is a key step in receiving monthly financial support to help raise your children. The process may vary depending on your situation — whether your child was just born, custody changed, or you recently moved to Canada.

In this guide, you’ll learn how to apply for the Canada Child Benefit step by step, including required documents, available methods, timelines, and how to track your application status.

When and how to apply

You should apply for the CCB as soon as you or your spouse/common-law partner meet the eligibility criteria and one of the following events happens:

• Your child is born
• A child starts or returns to live with you
• You start, end, or change a shared custody arrangement
• You are granted custody of a child
• You move to Canada with eligible dependants

📢 Important: The CRA begins payments from the month after the child becomes eligible, so the sooner you apply, the sooner you can receive support.

Applying online

The easiest and fastest way to apply is online through CRA My Account. Here’s how:

1. Sign in at CRA My Account
2. Select “Benefits and credits”
3. In the “Child information” section, click “+ Add”
4. Fill in your personal details, marital and citizenship status
5. Enter your child’s information
6. Review and submit your application
7. Upload documents if requested via the “Submit documents” feature

You can also apply automatically when registering your child’s birth in hospitals and birthing centres across several provinces. This Automated Benefits Application is available in:

• Ontario
• Québec
• Alberta
• British Columbia

During registration, give your consent to share your information with the CRA and include your Social Insurance Number (SIN). This step completes both birth registration and CCB application in one.

Applying by paper form (RC66)

If online or automated options aren’t available to you, you can apply by mail using the RC66 form:

• Download the form: RC66 – Canada Child Benefits Application
• Complete all sections accurately
• Attach any required documents (see below)
• Mail everything to the tax centre listed for your province

This method is also used for more complex cases, such as applying for a past period or when another parent is designated as the primary caregiver.

Documents needed

Depending on your situation, you may need to include:

• Proof of birth: Required if the CRA has never paid benefits for the child, and you’re applying online or by mail.
• Letter from the mother: If the father is applying as the primary caregiver, a signed letter from the mother confirming this must be included. Not needed for same-sex couples.
• For retroactive applications (over 11 months ago):
  • Proof of legal status in Canada (e.g. PR card, passport)
  • Proof of residence (e.g. lease, utility bills)
  • Evidence of caregiving responsibilities (e.g. school documents, court orders)

👉 Newcomers or returning residents must also include:

• RC66SCH – Status in Canada/Statement of Income
• If the spouse is a non-resident: CTB9 – Canada Child Benefit – Statement of Income

All documents must be in English or French, or include an acceptable translation.

Application for newborns

When registering a newborn in participating provinces, you can apply for the CCB at the same time. To do so:

• Complete your child’s birth registration online
• Provide your SIN and give consent for your province to share your information with the CRA
• This replaces the need for a separate application
• If you don’t give consent, you must apply through CRA My Account or by mail

This service is not available in Nunavut.

How long it takes to receive approval

Processing times depend on the method you used:

• Online or hospital registration: up to 8 weeks
• By mail (RC66): up to 11 weeks

⚠️ If your total CCB for the year is under $240, the CRA will issue it in a lump sum in July. Otherwise, you’ll receive monthly payments.

Check estimated processing times here:
👉 CCB Processing Times

How to check application status

You can track your application status through your CRA My Account under the “Benefits and credits” section.

If additional documents are requested, submit them using the “Submit documents” option.

If you haven’t received your payment five business days after the expected date, contact the CRA directly:
👉 Contact the CRA

Knowing how to apply for the Canada Child Benefit the right way ensures you get access to monthly payments without delay. Choose the application method that fits your situation, submit the necessary documents, and monitor your status to stay on track.