The B.C. Family Benefit is a financial assistance program in British Columbia aimed at supporting families by offering a tax-free monthly payment to those with children under 18. Administered by the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA), the program seeks to ease the financial burden on families by supplementing their income and helping cover the costs of raising children.
Starting in July 2024 and running through June 2025, the B.C. Family Benefit will feature an additional bonus payment of approximately $445 as part of the enhancements introduced in the 2024 budget. This initiative is part of a wider effort to ensure families receive greater financial support amid rising living costs caused by global inflation and high interest rates. Around 340,000 households across the province are expected to benefit from this increase, with 66,000 of them receiving support for the first time.
Who is Eligible for the B.C. Family Benefit Bonus?
Eligibility for the B.C. Family Benefit Bonus depends on a family’s participation in the program during the bonus period (July 2024 to June 2025). Key eligibility criteria include:
- Tax Filing: Families must file a T1 Income Tax and Benefit Return for the year. The CRA uses this information to determine eligibility and calculate the benefit amounts.
- Canada Child Benefit Registration: Families with children registered for the Canada Child Benefit (CCB) are automatically considered for the B.C. Family Benefit, including the bonus. If your child isn’t registered, you must apply for the CCB first.
- Residency: Only residents of British Columbia qualify for this benefit. If you move to B.C., your eligibility will be assessed once your residency status is updated with the CRA. Similarly, if you move out of B.C., you should notify the CRA to update your benefit status.
- Income Level: The benefit amount varies based on the family’s adjusted net income. For families to receive the maximum benefit, their income for the 2023 tax year must fall below a certain threshold, after which the benefit amount gradually decreases and phases out at higher income levels.
- New Participants: Around 66,000 families who haven’t previously received the B.C. Family Benefit will automatically be eligible for the bonus this year once they file their taxes, providing an extra incentive for families to ensure their tax filings are up to date.
Meeting these requirements will enable families to access the B.C. Family Benefit Bonus and receive additional financial support in light of the current economic conditions.
Benefit Amounts and Bonus Details
The B.C. Family Benefit offers financial assistance to qualifying families based on their income and the number of children under 18 they are responsible for. Below is a breakdown of the 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 amounts phased out with increased income | – | – |
For families earning more than $114,887, the benefits decrease progressively. The benefit amount is reduced by 4% for every dollar of income above $114,887 until the benefit is phased out completely. These amounts reflect the total annual benefit families can receive per child, with lower- and middle-income families receiving the most significant support.
Additional Support for Single Parents
Low-income single parents are eligible for an additional $500 per year as part of a special supplement. This supplement is designed to assist single-parent households, which often face unique financial challenges in managing household expenses.
By providing this financial support, the B.C. Family Benefit aims to help families across the province navigate the rising cost of living while ensuring that children have access to the resources they need to thrive.
