How to Apply for the Canada Child Benefit (CCB) Online and by Mail

The Canada Child Benefit (CCB) is a tax-free monthly payment provided by the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) to help eligible families with the cost of raising children under 18 years old. This guide will explain how to apply for the CCB online via My Account and by submitting a paper application.

1. Applying Online via My Account

If you have an active CRA My Account, applying for the CCB online is the fastest and easiest method.

Steps to Apply Online

🔹 Step 1: Log in to My Account

• Go to the CRA My Account portal:
  ➡️ https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/services/e-services/e-services-individuals/account-individuals.html
• Sign in using:
  ✅ CRA login
  ✅ A banking partner (Sign-in Partner)
  ✅ GCKey

🔹 Step 2: Go to the Benefits Section

• Click on "Apply for child benefits" under the "Benefits and Credits" section.

🔹 Step 3: Enter Your Child’s Information
You will be asked to provide details such as:
✔️ Child’s full name
✔️ Date of birth
✔️ Place of birth
✔️ Social Insurance Number (if available)
✔️ Residency status

🔹 Step 4: Submit Your Application

• Review the details carefully and submit your application.
• You will receive a confirmation message from the CRA.

🔹 Step 5: Wait for Processing

• The CRA typically processes online applications within 8 weeks.
• You will receive a Notice of Determination in the mail or in your CRA My Account.

2. Applying by Mail with Paper Forms

If you prefer to apply by mail, you must complete and send Form RC66 - Canada Child Benefits Application.

Steps to Apply by Mail

🔹 Step 1: Download and Print Form RC66

• Get the form from the CRA website:
  📄 English: https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/services/forms-publications/forms/rc66.html
  📄 French: https://www.canada.ca/fr/agence-revenu/services/formulaires-publications/formulaires/rc66.html

🔹 Step 2: Fill Out the Form
You will need to provide:
✔️ Your personal details (name, SIN, address)
✔️ Your child’s information (name, date of birth, place of birth)
✔️ Your residency information

🔹 Step 3: Attach Supporting Documents (if applicable)
If you are a new resident in Canada, you must provide:
📌 Proof of immigration status (Permanent Resident Card, work permit, etc.)
📌 Proof of residency (utility bills, lease agreement, etc.)

🔹 Step 4: Mail the Completed Form

• Send the completed form and documents to your nearest Tax Centre.
• 📬 Find the mailing address here:
  https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/corporate/contact-information/tax-centres.html

How Long Does It Take to Process?

⏳ Online applications: Within 8 weeks
⏳ Mailed applications: Within 11 weeks