Canadian administration has started a new program called “Canada Child Benefits Tax” (CCTB) for the Canadian residents wherein monthly financial assistance will be provided to those meeting the eligibility criteria with children below 18 years of age. Let’s see further what benefits Child Tax Benefit policies for New Immigrants in Canada provides?
Child Tax Benefit policies for New Immigrants in Canada-Aim is to ease Financial Stress
The main aim behind introducing such policies is to ease the financial stress of supporting a family, this policy might also include Child Disability benefits (CDB) for those suffering long-term mental or physical impairments.
The National Child Benefit Supplement (NCBS) is also included in CCTB, especially aimed at helping those children belonging to low-income groups.
Who all be Eligible for Child Tax Benefits?
In order to qualify to be eligible for CCTB, one must –
- Be living with children below 80 years of age
- Be the primary guardian of the child
- Be a resident of Canada, or one of the parents must be a Canadian citizen, a permanent citizen, protected or a temporary resident who has been residing in Canada since the past 18 months and has a permit for 19th months.
When does the application filing of Child Tax Benefits start?
As soon as the child is born, the parents can initiate the application filing process provided the child also resides with them and the couple meets the eligibility criteria as stated above. Various special conditions are stated in exceptional cases such as parents sharing custody of a child.
There’s a due timeline for reference periods i.e. 11months so parents are supposed to initiate the process as soon as they can.
What is the procedure for applying the Application for Child Tax Benefits?
Canadian administration has provided an online channel for the applications via Automated Benefits Application. The information regarding domicile status can be obtained by the province.
In addition to the birth certificate, other documents are also needed-
- Document stating proof of Canadian Citizenship or immigration status of either of the parent
- Bank statement or utility bill stating the residence proof
- Proof of birth of the child
Depending on the level of declared income, a family can avail the following schemes other than CCTB 7 GST/HST Credit-
Other benefits that a New immigrant will get along with Child Tax Benefits-
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Universal Child Care Benefit (UCCB)
This program can be availed by families with children below the age of 6 years. Any Canadian family can avail this, regardless of their income.
A sum of $100 per month is given which is taxable.
The application process for UCCB- A person who has already applied by CCTB and has the child below the age of 6 years, becomes automatically a recipient to UCCB program. No separate application is required.
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National Child Benefit Supplement (NCBS)
A recipient of UCCB cannot avail NCBS. Under this scheme, a lump-sum amount of money is paid to low-income families with children under 18 years of age,
Application Process- A simple application for CCTB is considered as an application for NCBS as well.
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Child Disability Benefit (CDB)
It’s a tax-free monthly scheme wherein the families who care for a child below the age of 18 and is equipped with disabilities is provided due compensation.
Application Process – One needs a Disabiltiy Tax Credit Certificate to obtain CDB.
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GST/HST Credit Program Benefit-
The goods and service tax or Harmonized Sales Tax is tax paid by the buyer on the purchase of goods and services.
GST and HST program is a program to help individuals pay their tax quarterly especially those who belong to low-income groups.
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Working Income Tax Benefit (WITB)
It’s a refundable tax given to low-income group working individuals.
Application Process- A person can claim for WITB on their Income Tax and Benefit return. However, you might need to apply for advance payments.