The B.C. Family Benefit is a financial support program for families in British Columbia. It offers a tax-free monthly payment to families with children under 18 years of age.
Managed by the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA), this program aims to ease the financial burden of raising children by supplementing household income
Starting in July 2024 and continuing through June 2025, the B.C. Family Benefit will include a bonus payment of around $445, as part of enhancements announced in the 2024 budget.
This initiative is part of a broader effort to provide more substantial assistance to families struggling with rising living costs
Who Will Get the B.C. Family Benefit Bonus?
Eligibility for the B.C. Family Benefit Bonus is linked to families’ participation in the program during the bonus period, from July 2024 through June 2025.
Here’s a summary of key eligibility criteria:
- Filing Tax Returns: Families must file a T1 Income Tax and Benefit Return for the year, as this data is used to determine eligibility and calculate benefit amounts
- Registration for Canada Child Benefit (CCB): Families whose children are registered for the CCB will automatically be considered for the B.C. Family Benefit, including the bonus. If your child isn’t registered for CCB, apply for it first
- Residency: The benefit is available to residents of British Columbia. If you move to or from B.C., update your residency status with the CRA to adjust your eligibility
- Income Level: Bonus and regular B.C. Family Benefit amounts vary based on adjusted net income. Families with income below a certain threshold for the 2023 tax year will receive the maximum benefit, which decreases gradually with higher income, phasing out completely at higher levels
- New Recipients: Around 66,000 families who haven’t received the B.C. Family Benefit before will automatically qualify for the bonus this year upon filing their taxes
By meeting these criteria, families can access the B.C. Family Benefit Bonus and receive additional financial support
Benefit Amounts and Bonus Explanation
The B.C. Family Benefit provides financial assistance based on family income and the number of children under 18 in the household.
Below is a breakdown of regular benefit amounts:
Regular Benefit Amounts
| Family Income Range | First Child | Second Child | Additional Children |
|---|---|---|---|
| Less than $35,902 | $2,188/year | $1,375/year | $1,125/year |
| Between $35,902 and $114,887 | $969/year | $937/year | $906/year |
| More than $114,887 | Reduced progressively with income increase |
For families earning over $114,887, the benefit decreases by 4% of the portion of the adjusted net income that exceeds $114,887, eventually phasing out.
Low-Income Single Parent Supplement: Single parents with low income are eligible for an additional $500 annually to further assist with unique financial challenges.
Bonus Payment
In response to rising living costs, every eligible family will receive an additional bonus of about $445 per month, distributed from July 2024 through June 2025.
This bonus is designed to offer extra support during challenging economic conditions, helping families manage essential expenses like groceries and clothing for children.
