The Canada child benefit is a monthly government payment for eligible families with children under 18. After separation, who receives it and how much they receive depend on the child’s care arrangements, household income and the other eligibility rules.
Canada · Checked 17 September 2026
The Canada Revenue Agency, or CRA, administers the Canada child benefit, usually called CCB. It considers who lives with the child and is responsible for their care. Residence and immigration-status conditions also apply.
Do not assume that the name in an old claim stays correct after the child changes homes. Tell the CRA about the actual arrangement through the appropriate reporting process.
For CCB, shared custody generally means the child lives with each person between 40% and 60% of the time at different addresses. Both eligible parents should apply.
Each receives 50% of the amount they would receive if the child lived with them full-time, using their own adjusted family net income. This includes a spouse’s or common-law partner’s income where applicable.
For example, if the full-care calculation would be $600 for one household and $400 for the other, the shared-care payments would be $300 and $200. This illustrates the method, not a current benefit rate. The payment is not one common amount simply cut into equal cheques.
A parent caring for the child more than 60% of the time generally applies as the full-care recipient for CCB purposes. A parent with less than 40% care is generally not eligible for that child’s CCB.
Temporary care changes can also matter. Check the CRA process rather than waiting until next year’s tax return. Its use of the word custody describes benefit eligibility; it does not decide a parenting court case.
Benefits are recalculated each July using the previous year’s tax information. Missing returns or unanswered requests can stop payments. Incorrect information can lead to an overpayment that must be repaid.
CCB does not replace child support owed by a parent. It also does not guarantee that rent or childcare costs are covered. Check provincial or territorial benefits and local housing assistance separately.
If you are leaving abuse, the CRA’s guidance links to ways of handling benefits without putting yourself or your family in danger. Ask about safe contact and access to your own claim.
This guide explains general rules and services. It does not assess your individual case.
Information checked on 17 September 2026.
Based on the original article by Elisabeth Scholander.
"The turning point came when we found the Every Other Week app. There's less fuss and both of us have a better handle on things. It feels so great!”
"Thank you so much for this app, it has finally gotten us to communicate!”
Canada
Law
Who chooses the school? Who can agree to treatment? Who handles the ordinary decisions during a child’s stay? In Canada, the answers depend on the applicable law and your parenting arrangement. The federal Divorce Act separates major decisions from day-to-day care.
Canada
Law
A parenting plan works best when it explains the child’s ordinary week as well as holidays. In Canada, families use agreements and court orders to set out care after separation. The details should fit the child’s needs, safety and practical circumstances.
Canada
Law
If you cannot resolve a parenting question, a court can make a decision about your child’s care. In Canada, the forms and steps depend on the province or territory and the type of case. This guide explains the main stages and how to find the right local process.
Research
Psychologist Maria Farm and journalist Lisa Bjärbo wrote a Swedish-language book about everyday life after separation. In this interview, they explain why they wanted to discuss the questions that keep returning as children grow, from money to routines and new family relationships.
For Children
Living in two homes can feel good sometimes and difficult at other times. You might enjoy time with each parent and still hate packing. You do not have to choose one feeling, and you do not have to make the arrangement work on your own.
Research
The Swedish term växelvis boende describes a child living alternately in each parent’s home. One useful idea in the original discussion by child psychologist Malin Bergström is to look beyond visits: what ordinary care and relationships does the child need to keep?
