Halifax

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Family and Child Benefits

Programs specific to supporting families and children, including child care and parenting resources.

Sections

1. Federal Family and Child Benefits

The Government of Canada provides several benefits to families with children, which are accessible to residents of Halifax. These include:

a. Canada Child Benefit (CCB)

  • What it is: A tax-free monthly payment to help families with the cost of raising children under 18.
  • Amount: The amount depends on your family income, the number of children, and their ages. For the 2023-2024 period, the maximum annual benefit is:
    • $7,437 per child under 6 years old.
    • $6,275 per child aged 6 to 17.
  • Eligibility:
    • You must live with the child and be primarily responsible for their care.
    • You must be a resident of Canada for tax purposes.
    • You or your spouse/common-law partner must be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, protected person, or temporary resident who has lived in Canada for at least 18 months.
  • How to Apply:
    • Apply online through your CRA (Canada Revenue Agency) My Account.
    • Complete Form RC66 (Canada Child Benefits Application) and mail it to the CRA.
    • If you register your childโ€™s birth in Nova Scotia, you can opt to apply for the CCB at the same time.
  • Website: Canada Child Benefit

b. Child Disability Benefit (CDB)

  • What it is: A tax-free monthly benefit for families caring for a child under 18 with a severe and prolonged disability.
  • Amount: Up to $3,173 annually per eligible child (as of 2023).
  • Eligibility:
    • The child must be eligible for the Disability Tax Credit (DTC).
    • You must already qualify for the Canada Child Benefit.
  • How to Apply:
    • Apply for the Disability Tax Credit by submitting Form T2201 (Disability Tax Credit Certificate) to the CRA.
  • Website: Child Disability Benefit

c. Canada Workers Benefit (CWB) โ€“ Family Supplement

  • What it is: A refundable tax credit for low-income families, including those with children.
  • Amount: The family supplement can provide additional financial support based on income and family size.
  • Eligibility:
    • Must be a low-income worker.
    • File your income tax return to receive the benefit.
  • Website: Canada Workers Benefit

2. Provincial Family and Child Benefits (Nova Scotia)

Nova Scotia offers additional programs to support families in Halifax.

a. Nova Scotia Child Benefit (NSCB)

  • What it is: A monthly payment to help low- and modest-income families with the cost of raising children under 18.
  • Amount: Up to $77.08 per month per child, depending on family income and the number of children.
  • Eligibility:
    • Must be a resident of Nova Scotia.
    • Must qualify for the Canada Child Benefit.
  • How to Apply:
    • No separate application is required. Eligibility is automatically assessed when you apply for the Canada Child Benefit.
  • Website: Nova Scotia Child Benefit

b. Nova Scotia Affordable Living Tax Credit

  • What it is: A quarterly tax credit to help low- and modest-income families with the cost of living.
  • Amount: Up to $255 per year for an individual and $60 per child.
  • Eligibility:
    • Must file an income tax return.
  • Website: Affordable Living Tax Credit

c. Childcare Subsidy Program

  • What it is: Financial assistance to help families afford licensed childcare services.
  • Amount: Subsidy amounts vary based on family income, size, and childcare costs.
  • Eligibility:
    • Must be a resident of Nova Scotia.
    • Must use a licensed childcare provider.
    • Income-tested (lower-income families receive higher subsidies).
  • How to Apply:
    • Complete the Child Care Subsidy Application Form and submit it to the Nova Scotia Department of Education and Early Childhood Development.
  • Website: Childcare Subsidy Program

3. Local Services and Programs in Halifax

Halifax has several local services and programs to support families and children:

a. Family Resource Centres

  • What they are: Community-based organizations offering free programs, resources, and support for families with young children.
  • Examples in Halifax:
    • Chebucto Family Centre: Offers parenting programs, playgroups, and support services.
    • Dartmouth Family Centre: Provides similar services for families in Dartmouth.
  • Cost: Free.
  • Website: Chebucto Family Centre

b. Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC)

  • What it is: Licensed childcare centres and pre-primary programs for children aged 4.
  • Cost: Fees vary, but subsidies are available through the provincial Childcare Subsidy Program.
  • Website: Nova Scotia Early Learning Programs

c. Halifax Public Libraries

  • What they offer: Free programs for children and families, including storytime, literacy programs, and access to books and resources.
  • Cost: Free.
  • Website: Halifax Public Libraries

4. How to Access These Benefits

To access these benefits, follow these steps:

  1. File Your Taxes: Most benefits are income-tested and require you to file an annual income tax return, even if you have no income.
  2. Apply for Federal Benefits: Use the CRA My Account portal or submit the required forms.
  3. Apply for Provincial Programs: Visit the Nova Scotia government website or contact the relevant department for applications.
  4. Use Local Services: Contact family resource centres, libraries, or childcare providers directly for information on programs and services.

5. Additional Resources

Here are some useful resources for accessing family and child benefits in Halifax:

6. Key Considerations

  • Residency: Ensure you meet residency requirements for federal and provincial benefits.
  • Documentation: Keep important documents (e.g., birth certificates, proof of income) ready for applications.
  • Language Support: Many services offer support in multiple languages. Contact the service provider if you need assistance.
  • Childcare Waitlists: Licensed childcare centres in Halifax may have waitlists, so apply early.

By leveraging these benefits and services, families in Halifax can access significant financial and social support to help raise their children and improve their quality of life.