The Canada Child Tax Benefit (CCTB) is tax – free payment from the Canadian Government on a monthly basis. An individual would be eligible for it if his children are the below 18 years of age. This money is to provide for the financial aid for raising children under the age of 18. The payments for this are monitored by the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA).

The amount received per family depends on many aspects such as –

• The monthly family income
• Number of children in the family along with the specific age of each child.
• Place of residence in Canada

If you are an immigrant to Canada, you have to provide evidence of your immigrant status, birth proof for children born outside Canada.

The eligibility criteria include you being a responsible parent looking into all the aspects of child development. This involves the medical care, daily activities and requirements etc. If the child has a female caretaker or the parent, she is considered as being responsible for the child. In her absence, other guardians of the child are considered.

In addition, you have to be a resident of the federal Canada and should be paying your taxes on time.

Also, you, your spouse or the common – law partner should be either a Canadian citizen, permanent resident (Landed Immigrants), refugees or Protected person, a temporary residents (foreign students, foreign worker or a temporary resident permit holder) residing in Canada for atleast 18 months.

As a temporary resident, your permit which includes the visitor record, the temporary resident permit or an extension should be post your initial 18 months of residence in Canada. Incase, your permit shows “does not confer status” or “does not confer temporary resident status”, you would be deemed as not being eligible for the same.

In order to apply for the CCTB, you have to fill the Canada Child Benefits Application form. Incase you are an immigrant; you might have to complete other formalities based on your immigration status. It is suggested that you can contact an immigration specialist who can guide you regarding the process. This would ensure a hassle free filing.

Above all, you have to file an income tax return before applying for CCTB. Incase you were not a resident of Canada in the previous year; you must submit an additional form known as the Status in Canada/Statement of Income to declare your total income.