Canada Child Benefit: Direct Deposits Arrive Tomorrow, Mailed Cheques Delayed Due to Canada Post Strike – Payment Details and How to Sign Up

If you are eligible for the Canada Child Benefit (CCB), December is a crucial month to keep track of your payments. The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) has scheduled direct deposits for December 13, 2024, while cheques will arrive by mail on December 20, 2024, despite ongoing labour disruptions at Canada Post. This early issuance has been a long-standing tradition since the benefit’s introduction in 2016, ensuring Canadian families can plan for the holiday season.

How Canada Post is Ensuring Delivery During the Strike

During the ongoing Canada Post strike, a special agreement between Canada Post and the Canadian Union of Postal Workers (CUPW) ensures the delivery of socio-economic cheques, including the CCB. Under this agreement:

• Canada Post has committed to delivering government benefit cheques on specific dates.
• CUPW volunteers will assist in delivering these cheques to avoid delays.
• Cheques for federal programs like the CCB, Old Age Security (OAS), Canada Pension Plan (CPP), and Veterans Affairs Canada (VAC) will be delivered as scheduled on December 18 and 19, 2024.

This arrangement also applies to provincial programs in Alberta, Saskatchewan, Ontario, and Nova Scotia. Canadians will receive their payments in the same manner they usually do, whether by mail or direct deposit.

Key Dates for December Payments

• Direct Deposit Payments: December 13, 2024
• Cheque Deliveries: December 18 and 19, 2024 (arrival in mailboxes by December 20, 2024)

What is the Canada Child Benefit?

The Canada Child Benefit (CCB) is a tax-free monthly payment provided to eligible families to help with the costs of raising children under the age of 18. The payment is calculated based on factors such as:

• Number of children in the family
• Marital status
• Adjusted family net income from the previous year

The CCB is recalculated every July, with families earning less than $36,502 annually qualifying for the maximum payment.

Payment Amounts for 2024

• Children under 6 years old: Up to $7,787 per year
• Children aged 6 to 17 years old: Up to $6,570 per year
• Child Disability Benefit: Additional $3,173 per year for eligible children

You can estimate your CCB payment using the government’s online child and family benefits calculator.

How to Apply for the Canada Child Benefit

To start receiving the CCB, apply as soon as any of the following situations apply:

• Your child is born.
• A child starts or resumes living with you after a temporary absence.
• Your custody arrangements change.
• You meet eligibility criteria as a newcomer or resident of Canada.

Application Methods

1. Online via My Account: Register and apply using the CRA’s online portal.
2. Newborn Registration: Apply when registering your child’s birth.
3. Form RC66: Complete and mail the Canada Child Benefit application form to your tax centre.

Managing Your CCB Payments

Signing Up for Direct Deposit

Direct deposit ensures you receive your payments promptly and without mail delays. You can sign up through:

• CRA’s My Account Portal: Update your banking information directly.
• MyCRA Mobile App: Manage direct deposit details via the CRA app.
• Financial Institutions: Provide consent to your bank, credit union, or trust company to update your CRA account.
• Phone: Call CRA at 1-800-959-8281 with your Social Insurance Number, banking information, and other details.

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What to Do if You Don’t Receive Your Payment

If you don’t receive your CCB payment:

• Wait five business days after the payment date.
• Contact the CRA for assistance at 1-800-959-8281.

Upcoming Payment Dates for 2024

• January 19
• February 20
• March 20
• April 19
• May 17
• June 20
• July 19
• August 20
• September 20
• October 18
• November 20
• December 13

The Canada Child Benefit plays a crucial role in supporting Canadian families. Despite challenges like the Canada Post strike, the CRA and CUPW have ensured timely delivery of payments. Make sure to check your bank account or mailbox according to the schedule, and consider signing up for direct deposit for faster, more reliable access to your benefits.