When a young family arrives in Edmonton or is expecting a child, one of the first thoughts is how to get financial support from the government. Canada begins providing assistance to families with children from the moment the child is born, and calculates this assistance based on the family's income. Unlike many countries around the world, which require complicated processes and multiple visits to government offices, the system in Canada and Alberta is designed to be as simple and accessible as possible. In this guide, we break down each step of the process of applying for financial assistance for children in Edmonton, starting with Canada Child Benefit and ending with Alberta programs and subsidies for daycare.
Understanding the main assistance programs
Before you start filling out any forms, it is important to understand what assistance programs are actually available. In Canada and Alberta, there are three main programs for families with children. The first is a federal program called the Canada Child Benefit (CCB), which is provided by the federal government and paid monthly. The second is an Alberta program called the Alberta Child and Family Benefit (ACFB), which is paid by the federal government but on behalf of the Alberta government, and is paid quarterly. The third is the Child Care Subsidy, which helps parents pay for the cost of childcare. In addition, if you have a child with a disability, there is also the Disability Tax Credit (DTC) and the Child Disability Benefit (CDB), which provide additional assistance.
Each of these programs has different eligibility requirements, different amounts of assistance, and different application processes. However, one of the most important things to know is that most of these programs are automatically provided if you simply submit one application. In other words, if you apply for the CCB, you will automatically receive the ACFB if you meet the criteria. This means that you do not need to fill out separate applications for each program.
Step 1: Understanding whether you are eligible for assistance
The first step in the process of obtaining financial assistance for your child is to determine whether you are actually eligible. For the Canada Child Benefit, which is the most universal program, you need to meet a number of simple conditions.
First, you must live with the child, and the child must be under 18 years of age. If the child does not live with you full-time, for example, if you share custody with the other parent, you can still receive assistance, but the amount will be calculated based on the percentage of time the child spends with you. Second, you must be the person who is primarily responsible for the care and upbringing of the child. This means that you must be the primary parent, not a grandparent who spends more time with the child but is not considered the primary caregiver.
Third, you must be a Canadian resident for tax purposes. This does not mean that you must be a Canadian citizen—it is only important that you have established sufficient residential ties in Canada and intend to remain here. Fourth, either you or your partner must be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, protected person, or temporary resident who has lived in Canada for the last 18 consecutive months and has a valid permit for the 19th month.
If you already have one child, it is much easier to receive benefits for a second child. If you are already receiving the Canada Child Benefit for one child, you will automatically receive benefits for the second child, even if you do not submit a new application. The CRA system will simply add the second child to your file when they are registered.
Step 2: Applying for the Canada Child Benefit – online vs. paper
Now that you know you are eligible for the benefit, it's time to apply. There are several ways to apply for the Canada Child Benefit, and choosing the right one really affects how quickly you will receive your money.
The fastest way is to apply online through CRA My Account. If you already have a CRA My Account, it only takes a few minutes. You simply log in, click on “Apply for Child Benefits,” and fill in the information directly on the screen. If you apply online, your application will be processed within two weeks, and you will receive your first payment within five weeks.
If you don't have a CRA My Account, it's free to create and only takes a few minutes. You can then apply online. This method is highly recommended as it is much faster than the mail-in process.
An alternative method is to apply by mail by completing form RC66. If you mail in your form, processing will take significantly longer, between four and eight weeks. However, this method is convenient if you do not have access to the internet or are not computer literate.
There is also a third way – automatic registration when registering the birth of your child. When you register the birth of your child with the provincial or territorial registry, you can simply request automatic registration for the CCB. However, this process can be slower, so if you have the option, it is better to apply yourself.
Step 3: Filling out the RC66 form – what you need to know
Whether you decide to apply on paper or online, you still need to follow the structure of the RC66 form. Although the online process is much simpler, as the form guides you through each field, it is helpful to understand what it is asking for.
Form RC66 is divided into several sections. In the first section (step 1), you need to provide your information and your partner's information. This means your Social Insurance Number (SIN), your full name, date of birth, and the same for your spouse or partner. If you are not married, you still need to fill out this section for your common-law partner, if you have one.
In the second section, you need to provide your address. This means both your mailing address and your home address. However, if they are the same, you can simply check the box that says “same as above.”
The third section asks about citizenship. You need to indicate whether you are a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, protected person, or something else. If you are a newcomer, you need to indicate the date you became a Canadian resident.
The fourth and most important section asks for information about children. For each child, you need to provide their full legal name, date of birth, city of birth, and province or country. You also need to fill in the child's Social Insurance Number if they already have one. If the child does not have a SIN, you can leave this field blank, and the CRA will issue one to them. Next, you need to fill in whether the child lives with you all the time or most of the time. If the child lives with you most of the time, you need to indicate the date when the child started living with you all the time or most of the time.
If you share custody and the child lives with you only half the time or a certain percentage of the time, you need to fill in that information as well.
For the second child, you repeat the same procedure. If you have more than two children, you can use form RC66-1 or simply attach a sheet of paper with additional information.
The last section is the signature. You need to sign and date the form. If you are married or living with a common-law partner, your partner must also sign and date the form.
Step 4: Form RC66SCH – when you need it
Many people who fill out Form RC66 get confused when they also need to fill out Form RC66SCH. RC66SCH is an additional form called “Status in Canada and Income Information” and is only required in certain situations.
You need RC66SCH if you are a newcomer to Canada. If you have been living in Canada for more than a year, you probably do not need RC66SCH.
You also need RC66SCH if your spouse is not a Canadian resident for tax purposes. For example, if your spouse is still in their home country and you have already arrived in Canada, you need to complete RC66SCH.
You also need RC66SCH if you have a complex immigration status, such as if you are a protected person or a refugee.
However, if you have previously filed RC66SCH with the CRA and your status in Canada and your information have not changed, you do not need to file it again.
RC66SCH is divided into several sections. In the first section, you need to provide basic information—your SIN, name, your companion's SIN, and their name. If your companion does not have a SIN, you can indicate this.
In the second section, you need to fill in your residency status. You need to indicate whether you are a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, protected person, or something else. If you are a newcomer, you need to indicate the date you became a resident of Canada.
In the third section, you need to fill in your citizenship and immigration status. This means whether you are a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, protected person, or temporary resident, and if temporary, the type of permit (work permit or study permit).
In the fourth section, you need to fill in the same status for your spouse, if you have one.
The last section is for your signature. You must sign and date the form, and your spouse must also sign it.
Step 5: Documents to submit
It is very important to submit all the required documents with your application, as your application will be delayed if any documents are missing.
The most important document is proof of the child's birth. If the child was born in Canada, you can attach the original birth certificate or a certified copy. If the child was born outside of Canada, you will need a certified copy of the birth certificate, not the original. In 2023, the CRA changed the requirement—you now need to submit proof of birth for all children.
The second important document is proof of residency in Canada. This can be a utility bill, a lease, or a letter from a bank. The document must include your name and address.
If you are a newcomer or have a complex immigration status, you also need a copy of your immigration document. This could be a page from your passport, a work permit, or a permanent residence permit.
If you are applying by mail, you will also need the RC66SCH form if it applies to you, as discussed above.
All documents must be in English or French. If the documents are in another language, you will need a certified English or French translation.
Step 6: Submitting your application – where and how to apply
If you are applying online, you simply need the CRA online form. If you already have a CRA My Account, log in, find the “Apply for Child Benefits” line, and fill out the form. If you don't have an account, create one first – it only takes a few minutes.
If you are applying by mail, you need to send the RC66 form along with all your documents to your nearest CRA tax centre. The address depends on your province and region.
If you already have a CRA online account but have filled out the paper form, you can upload your documents directly to your online account instead of sending them by mail. This is much faster.
Step 7: Understanding payment dates and benefit amounts
Once your application is approved, you will start receiving payments. However, the amount of money you receive each month depends on several factors.
The first factor is the age of the child. For children under 6, the maximum amount is $648.91 per month, or $7,787 per year. For children between 6 and 17, the maximum amount is $547.50 per month, or $6,570 per year. However, the most important point is that most people do not receive the maximum amount. Only families with an income below $36,502 per year receive the maximum amount. If your income is higher than this, the amount of assistance is reduced.
The second factor is your family's income. The CRA uses what is called “Adjusted Family Net Income” (AFNI) to calculate your benefit. This is your total income from your adjusted tax return minus certain deductions. If your income is below $36,502, you receive the full amount. If your income is higher, the amount is reduced.
The third factor is whether the child has a Disability Tax Credit. If the child has a severe and long-term disability and has been approved for the Disability Tax Credit, you will receive an additional amount of up to $276.83 per month, or $3,322 per year.
CCB payment dates are monthly. In 2025, payments are made on the 20th of each month, except for June (19th), September (18th), and December (11th).
Step 8: Alberta Child and Family Benefit – automatic assistance
The great news is that if you receive the Canada Child Benefit (CCB) and live in Alberta, you automatically receive the Alberta Child and Family Benefit (ACFB), and you don't need to apply separately.
The ACFB is a program that combines two older programs – the Alberta Child Benefit and the Alberta Family Employment Tax Credit. It is provided on a quarterly basis, which means you receive payments four times a year instead of twelve.
ACFB amounts depend on the number of children and your family's income. The program has two components: a basic component and a working component.
The basic component is available to all families, regardless of whether the parents work or not. For a family with one child, the basic component is up to $1,330 per year. For a family with two children, it is $2,435 per year. For three children, it is $2,985, and for four or more children, it is $3,325 per year. However, this basic assistance decreases when the family's income exceeds $27,024 and stops completely when the income reaches $41,000.
The earnings component is provided to families with an income above $2,760 per year. For a family with one child, the earnings component is up to $681 per year. For two children, it is $1,307, for three children, it is $1,644, and for four or more children, it is $1,982 per year. The working component decreases when family income exceeds $41,000 and stops completely when income reaches $61,000.
Payment dates for the ACFB are quarterly. In 2025, payments are due on February 27, May 27, August 27, and November 27.
Unlike the CCB, the ACFB is tax-free and does not need to be included in your tax return as income.
Step 9: Daycare and Daycare Subsidy
If you work or study in Edmonton and need daycare, you can apply for a Child Care Subsidy from the Alberta government. This subsidy can significantly reduce the cost of daycare.
To be eligible for daycare, you must meet certain conditions. First, you or your partner must be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident, a temporary resident with a valid work permit, a refugee, or a protected person. You must be a resident of Alberta.
Second, you or your partner must either be working, looking for work, attending school, or have special needs. If your child has special needs, they may also be eligible for the subsidy.
Third, children must be under 13 years of age and have a guaranteed spot in a licensed daycare.
Fourth, your family's income must be less than $90,000 per year.
To apply for daycare, it is recommended that you apply online through your Alberta.ca Account. This is the fastest way to process your application. You can start your application, stop it, and then return to it later. Alternatively, you can submit a paper application, but it will take longer.
To apply online, you need an Alberta.ca account. It's free to create and takes a few minutes. Then simply fill out the online form, submit information about yourself, your partner, and your child, and attach documents that prove your income.
Required documents include:
- A copy of your latest Notice of Assessment from the CRA showing your income
- Your tax return and CRA Consent form (if this is your first application)
- If your child has special needs, a certified form confirming this
When you apply, you will receive a preliminary assessment of your assistance. This is a preliminary assessment based on the information you have provided. Alberta authorities will then process your application in full and make a final decision. If all goes well, you can expect approval within a few weeks.
If your application is approved, you will be given a start date for your benefit. It is important to know that the benefit starts at the beginning of the month in which your completed application was received. If you apply in February for a benefit that starts in March, the benefit will start in March.
If your situation changes, you need to report it. If you leave your job, move to a new home, get married or divorced, your income changes, or your child stops attending daycare, you need to report it to Alberta. If you don't, you may have to pay back the money.
Step 10: Disability Tax Credit – if you have a child with a disability
If you have a child who has a severe and lasting physical or mental disability, they may be eligible for the Disability Tax Credit (DTC), which provides additional financial assistance through the Child Disability Benefit (CDB).
To apply for the DTC, you must complete Form T2201. This form consists of two parts – Part A, which is completed by the parent, and Part B, which is completed by the child's doctor.
Part A of Form T2201 asks for basic information. You will need to provide your child's name, date of birth, Social Insurance Number, and information about yourself as a parent.
Part B is the complex part that must be completed by a doctor. The doctor must describe how your child's disability affects their daily abilities. The doctor must explain in detail how the disability affects things like washing, dressing, walking, carrying, and other aspects of personal care.
It is important to know that simply having a diagnosis is not enough. For example, if a child has diabetes but controls it well with insulin, this will not be enough to qualify for the DTC. The DTC requires that the child have functional limitations in daily activities, not just a medical diagnosis.
Once the form is completed, it must be sent to the CRA. It can be sent by mail or uploaded to the CRA's online account.
DTC processing takes 3 to 6 months, and sometimes longer. The CRA may ask you or your child's doctor for additional information. It is important to be patient and provide all requested information as quickly as possible.
If the DTC is approved, it means significant financial assistance. First, you will receive the Child Disability Benefit, which is up to $276.83 per month for each child. Second, your child may be eligible for a Registered Disability Savings Plan (RDSP), where the government provides grants and bonds to the child's savings.
Step 11: The Importance of Filing Tax Returns
One of the most important things to remember about receiving financial assistance for children is that you must file tax returns every year, even if you have no income. This is very important.
The reason is that the CRA uses the information from your last tax return to calculate your assistance. If you do not file a return, the system does not know your current income and cannot calculate your assistance correctly. This is especially important for the ACFB, which relies entirely on this information.
If you have no income, you must still file a “zero return.” You simply file a form with zero income and all other information. This keeps your file active and allows the CRA to continue calculating your benefits.
The deadline for most people is June 1 of the following year. For example, for 2024 taxes, the deadline for filing your 2025 form is June 2, 2025 (since June 1 is a holiday).
Step 12: Understanding the Notice of Assessment
When you file your tax return, the CRA processes it and sends you a document called a Notice of Assessment (NOA). This is a very important document, and it is important to understand what it contains.
The Notice of Assessment arrives in a letter from the CRA or through your CRA My Account online account. It is an official summary of your tax situation for the year.
The NOA shows:
- All sources of income you reported
- Deductions you claimed
- Tax credits you are eligible for
- Whether you are getting a refund or need to pay
- Your RRSP limit for the next year
- All other important tax information
The NOA arrives within two weeks if you filed online, and within 4-6 weeks if you filed on paper.
The NOA is also used to calculate your child benefits. The CRA uses the “Adjusted Family Net Income” figure from your NOA to calculate your CCB and ACFB.
Step 13: Contacts and where to get help
If you have questions or need help, there are several points of contact available to you.
For the Canada Child Benefit: You can call the CRA at 1-800-387-1193 or visit the official website at canada.ca
For the Alberta Child and Family Benefit and other Alberta programs: You can call the Alberta Supports Contact Centre at 1-877-644-9992 or 780-644-9992 in Edmonton. The line is open Monday to Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. Assistance is available in over 100 languages.
For Child Care Subsidy: You can apply online through your Alberta.ca Account, email [email protected], fax 780-422-5692, or mail to Child Care Subsidy, PO Box 1641, Station M, Edmonton.
For help filling out forms: You can contact the Edmonton Immigrant Services Association (EISA) at 780-474-8445. They can help you fill out forms, understand the process, and answer questions.
Conclusion: Start today
Getting financial assistance for children in Edmonton and Alberta is easier than it seems. The key is to apply as soon as possible after your child is born or when your child starts living with you. The sooner you apply, the sooner you will receive payments, and the sooner they will start covering your child care costs.
Remember that the system is designed to be accessible. Most programs can be applied for online, and if you don't have a computer, you can contact EISA or your local library for help. There is no reason not to apply, and there is no penalty for applying early.
Every month or quarter when you receive payments, it will be money saved to help support your child, pay for daycare, or allow you to save money for the future. It is a good investment by the Canadian government in your family, so it makes the most sense to take advantage of it.