May 28, 2021
Ottawa, Ontario
The global COVID-19 pandemic has made life more difficult for Canadian families. That’s why the Government of Canada has taken action to support parents through this crisis and helped make life more affordable for all families, including through the Canada Child Benefit (CCB). Since its implementation in 2016, the CCB has given more money to about nine out of ten Canadian families, grown the middle class, and helped lift nearly 435,000 children out of poverty.
The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today announced that families entitled to the CCB will receive additional support of up to $1,200 for each child under the age of six. This temporary measure will put money directly into the pockets of Canadian families to better help them cope with the pressures of the pandemic.
Families with a net income of $120,000 or less will receive up to four tax-free payments of $300. Families with a net income above $120,000 will receive up to four tax-free payments of $150, for a total benefit of up to $600. To ensure that more money goes to the families that need it the most, families with net incomes that are too high to be entitled to the CCB will not receive these additional payments.
The first and second payments will be issued today, with subsequent payments on July 30 and October 29, 2021. This measure will benefit approximately 1.6 million Canadian families and approximately 2.1 million children under the age of six.
Many families with young children have been struggling with a wide range of expenses during the pandemic. These payments will make life easier for them to afford healthy food, short-term child care, and at-home learning activities. While we finish the fight against COVID-19 and build back better for everyone, the Government of Canada will continue to make life more affordable for Canadian families and grow the middle class.
PMO Media Relations
