British Columbia Child Benefits are paid alongside the Canada Child Benefit every month to eligible families with children under 18 years of age.
This benefit is one of the other BC benefits designed to help parents offset the costs of raising children.
This article covers the BC Child Opportunity Benefit (BCCOB) payment dates for 2024, BCCOB amounts, eligibility, and how to apply.
BC Child Benefit Dates in 2024
The BC Child Opportunity Benefit payment dates in 2024 are on the same dates as the Canada Child Benefit (CCB).
It is usually deposited on the 20th of the month. If this day is on the weekend, payments are sent earlier on the last business day before the 20th of the month.
- January 19, 2024
- February 20, 2024
- March 20, 2024
- April 19, 2024
- May 17, 2024
- June 20, 2024
- July 19, 2024
- August 20, 2024
- September 20, 2024
- October 18, 2024
- November 20, 2024
- December 13, 2024
BCCOB is paid via direct deposit to your bank account. If you haven’t set up direct payments, your cheque is sent by mail.
What is the B.C. Child Opportunity Benefit?
The BC Child Opportunity Benefit is a tax-free monthly payment to eligible families with minor children.
This program is administered by the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) on behalf of the province.
If you already qualify for the CCB, your eligibility for the BCCOB is automatically assessed when you file your tax return.
The BC Child Opportunity Benefit was previously known as B.C. Early Childhood Tax Benefit or BCECTB.
Some other benefits for children and families in B.C. include:
- Disability assistance
- Income assistance
- Climate Action Tax Credit
- Families with Children Program
- BC Sales Tax Credit
- Child Care BC
What is the BC Child Benefit Amount in 2024?
Eligible families with an adjusted family net income equal to or less than $27,354 receive a maximum of:
- $1,750/year for the first child ($145.83/month)
- $1,100/year for a second child ($91.66/month)
- $900/year for each additional child ($75/month)
For incomes between $27,354 and $87,533, the BCCOB is reduced by 4% of the portion over $25,806 until the payment is equal to:
- $775/year for the first child ($64.58/month)
- $750/year for the second child ($62.50/month)
- $725/year for each additional child ($60.42/month)
For incomes exceeding $87,533, your total benefit is reduced by 4% of the amount over $87,533 until it reaches $0.
BC Child Benefit payments are added to your monthly CCB entitlement.
These amounts are being paid out for July 2023 to June 2024 payment period.
You can estimate your BC Child Benefit amount using the CRA’s Child and Benefit Calculator.
Eligibility for BC Child Benefits
To qualify for the BCCOB, you must meet the minimum requirements of the CCB, which include having children under 18 years of age and being resident in Canada for tax purposes.
You must also meet the income threshold and file your income tax and benefit return for the previous year.
How To Apply For The BC Child Benefit
Thankfully, registration for the BC Child Opportunity Benefit is automatic if you are already registered for the Canada Child Benefit.
If you haven’t registered your child for the CCB, you need to do so fast.
Note that if you have a spouse or common-law partner, both of you are required to file your tax returns in order for the CRA to determine your monthly BCCOB benefit.
Will BC Child Benefit Increase in 2024?
The BC Child Benefit increased in July 2023, the main increase in the program since 2020.
The CCB also increased to reflect the higher cost of living.
There is no indication that there will be another increase to the BC Child Benefit in 2024.
Is The BC Child Benefit Taxable?
The B.C. Child Benefit is a tax-free payment and is not included in your taxable income.
That said, you must file your tax return even if you don’t have the income to report for the year.
This is important as the CRA uses your tax filing to determine which benefits you qualify for, including the likes of CCB, BCCOB, and GST/HST Payments.
Canada Child Benefit Payments
CCB payments for 2024 are also made on these dates:
- January 19, 2024
- February 20, 2024
- March 20, 2024
- April 19, 2024
- May 17, 2024
- June 20, 2024
- July 19, 2024
- August 20, 2024
- September 20, 2024
- October 18, 2024
- November 20, 2024
- December 13, 2024
The maximum CCB in 2024 is:
- $7,437/year for a child under 6 years of age or $619.75 per month
- $6,275/year for a child between 6 and 17 years old or $522.91 per month
BC Child Benefit FAQs
How much is child benefit in B.C.?
The maximum annual child benefit in B.C. is $1,750 per year or $145.83 per month. This amount falls to $1,100/year for a second child, and $900/year for each additional child.
What is the BC Family Bonus?
BC Family Bonus is another name for the B.C. Early childhood tax benefit that was recently replaced with the BC Child Opportunity Benefit.
What is the maximum child benefit in B.C.?
If you qualify for both the CCB and BCCOB, you could receive up to a maximum monthly benefit of $765.58 for your first child.
Does everyone get the BC Child Benefit?
No. If your adjusted family net income is over $87,533, you may not qualify for the BC Child Benefit.
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