How to apply for the Canada Child Benefit after a divorce
Divorce or separation can change which parent receives the Canada Child Benefit (CCB), but the process is usually an update to an existing CRA file rather than a completely new claim. The key factors are where the child lives, who is primarily responsible for care, and each parent’s adjusted family net income.
The CCB is a tax-free monthly payment for eligible families raising children under 18. A change in marital status does not automatically transfer the benefit to the parent who now has custody. The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) needs accurate information from the parent or parents responsible for the child.
Keep records of the separation date, custody arrangement, and child-care responsibilities. For broader guidance on using government records and checking financial information, N-Grid’s CPP statement guide explains how to review an important CRA-related account online.
Check whether you need to apply again
If you already receive the CCB and your child continues to live with you, you may only need to report the separation and update custody details. The CRA will reassess the payment using your new marital status and income information.
If neither parent has ever applied, the parent who is primarily responsible for the child should submit an application. A child generally must be under 18, live with the applicant, and be cared for primarily by that person. The applicant must also meet Canadian residency and immigration requirements.
A divorce order by itself does not decide CCB eligibility. The CRA looks at the practical care arrangement, including who arranges medical appointments, buys clothing, manages school matters, and provides daily supervision.
Report the change to the CRA
A separated person should update their marital status with the CRA after living separate and apart for at least 90 days because of a relationship breakdown. The effective date is normally the date the separation began, rather than the date the 90-day period ended.
Use CRA My Account, the MyBenefits CRA mobile app, or contact the CRA directly to report the change. You may also need to update the child’s living arrangement and identify whether custody is shared. When the divorce is finalized, update the CRA again if any relevant information has changed.
The CRA commonly expects marital-status changes to be reported by the end of the month following the month in which the change is recognized. Prompt reporting helps prevent overpayments that later have to be repaid.
Submit the right application and documents
A parent who has never received the CCB can apply online through CRA My Account or complete Form RC66, Canada Child Benefits Application. New residents or people whose status requires additional information may also need Form RC66SCH.
Have the child’s full name, date of birth, birth certificate or immigration information, Social Insurance Number where applicable, and current address available. The CRA may request supporting documents showing that the child lives with you and that you are responsible for care.
Useful evidence can include school or daycare records, medical documents, custody agreements, housing records, and written details about the parenting schedule. Do not send unnecessary personal information. Review N-Grid’s fact-checking policy when assessing online benefit information and deciding which claims require verification through official CRA sources.
| Family situation | Usual CCB action | How the payment is generally assessed |
|---|---|---|
| Child lives primarily with one parent | That parent applies or updates the CRA record | Based mainly on that parent’s adjusted family net income |
| Parents have shared custody | Both parents should apply or update their information | Each eligible parent generally receives 50% of the calculated benefit |
| Parents live together after a temporary disagreement | No separation update may apply | The household is generally assessed as one family |
| Child changes residence permanently | The parent with primary care reports the change | CRA reassesses eligibility and payment amount |
| Parent has several children in different arrangements | Provide details for each child | Eligibility can differ by child and custody pattern |
Understand shared custody rules
The CRA generally treats an arrangement as shared custody when the child lives with each parent between 40% and 60% of the time. Both parents should provide accurate schedules rather than assuming that a court order alone settles the issue.
In a shared-custody situation, each parent must qualify independently. The CRA calculates each person’s potential benefit using their own adjusted family net income, then usually pays each eligible parent half of the amount that would otherwise apply.
If the child spends less than 40% of the time with one parent, the CRA may consider the other parent to have primary care. Parenting time can change, so report a lasting change rather than relying on an old agreement.
Know how income affects payments
CCB amounts are recalculated every July using the previous year’s tax return. Both former spouses should file their income tax returns on time, even if their income is low or they owe no tax. The CRA uses tax information to determine eligibility and payment size.
A separation can change the family-income calculation. Once the CRA accepts the new marital status, the former spouses are generally assessed separately. This can increase or reduce the payment depending on income, the number of children, and custody.
If an application is delayed, the CRA may reassess prior periods, but retroactive claims have limits and may require additional proof. Apply as soon as possible and keep copies of forms, confirmation numbers, and documents sent to the agency.
Steps to prevent delays
Use the following checklist before submitting an application or custody update:
- Report the separation date only when the relationship has met the CRA’s separation requirements.
- Confirm the child’s actual living arrangement and the percentage of parenting time.
- File tax returns for both former spouses for every relevant year.
- Gather custody, school, medical, daycare, and address records if the CRA requests proof.
- Check CRA My Account for reassessment notices, payment dates, and outstanding document requests.
A benefit decision can take longer when parents provide conflicting custody information. Respond quickly to CRA letters and keep a written timeline of moves, schedule changes, applications, and telephone calls.
Apply through CRA My Account or Form RC66, update every lasting change in custody or marital status, and review the reassessment once it arrives. Accurate information helps the right parent receive the Canada Child Benefit and reduces the risk of an unexpected repayment.