Canada Child Benefit (CCB) and Newfoundland and Labrador Child Benefit (NLCB) FAQ

  1. Which families in Newfoundland and Labrador are eligible for the Newfoundland and Labrador Child Benefit?
  2. If I am in receipt of Income Support (Social Assistance), is the NLCB deducted from my Income Support payments?
  3. If I owe back taxes to the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA), will the CRA recover this debt from my combined NLCB/CCB?
  4. What do I do if I receive less NLCB and/or the CCB or none at all and I am receiving Income Support?
  5. How do I get the child benefits?
  6. How is it determined how much NLCB/CCB I am entitled to receive?

1. Which families in Newfoundland and Labrador are eligible for the Newfoundland and Labrador Child Benefit?

If your family has a net income that does not exceed $25,726, and you live in Newfoundland and Labrador with dependent children under 18 years of age, you are eligible for the NLCB. Families with an income of less than $17,397 receive the maximum NLCB while families with incomes between $17,397 and $25,726 will receive a reduced benefit.

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2. If I am in receipt of Income Support (Social Assistance) is the NLCB deducted from my Income Support payments?

No. Both child benefits (the Canada Child Benefit – CCB and the Newfoundland and Labrador Child Benefit – NLCB) received are considered “exempt income” and are not deducted from your Income Support Benefits.

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3. If I owe back taxes to the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) will the CRA recover this debt from my combined NLCB/CCB?

No, the Canada Revenue Agency cannot recover the debt by withholding these payments. However, if you are a parent you can voluntarily agree to use all or a portion of the child benefits to repay a debt through an agreement with CRA.

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4. What do I do if I receive less NLCB and/or the CCB or none at all and I am receiving Income Support?

If you are in receipt of Income Support and not getting the maximum NLCB/CCB, you should contact a Client Services Officer immediately by calling the toll free number, 1-877-729-7888 . You may receive additional assistance through a Child Benefit Adjustment which is offered to families in receipt of Income Support and can offset the full amount of the NLCB and up to $15 per child, per month, for the Canada Child Benefit.

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5. How do I get the child benefits?

In order to receive the NLCB/CCB, both you (the client) and your spouse, if applicable, must file an income tax return each year. If the NLCB/CCB has never been received, you must make an application for the CCB. This entitles you to the CCB and the NLCB. There is no separate application for the Newfoundland and Labrador Child Benefit.

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6. How is it determined how much NLCB/CCB I am entitled to receive?

The amount of NLCB/CCB you can receive depends on your family’s income in the previous year and the number of children presently living in your family.

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