Every month, thousands of New Brunswick families count on their child benefit payments to help make ends meet. The New Brunswick Child Tax Benefit puts extra money in parents’ pockets when they need it most.
If you’re raising kids on a tight budget, this provincial benefit can mean the difference between struggling and getting by. Let us walk you through everything about NBCTB, from qualifying to getting every dollar you deserve.
What is the New Brunswick Child Tax Benefit?
The New Brunswick Child Tax Benefit, also known as NBCTB, is a tax-free monthly payment that helps qualifying families with children under 18 years old cover essential expenses.
Funded entirely by the Province of New Brunswick, the benefit is delivered through the Canada Revenue Agency. As a result, families receive it alongside the federal Canada Child Benefit in one streamlined monthly payment.
What Does the New Brunswick Child Tax Benefit Include?
The NBCTB is made up of three parts designed to provide targeted support to families in need:
- Basic NBCTB Payment: According to Service Canada, NBCTB provides up to $250 annually ($20.83 monthly) per child for families earning below the income threshold. This base amount helps cover everyday expenses like food, clothing, and school supplies.
- New Brunswick Working Income Supplement (NBWIS): Offers additional support up to $250 annually per family for working parents. This supplement recognizes the extra costs working families face, such as childcare and transportation.
- New Brunswick School Supplement (NBSS): Delivers a one-time $100 payment each July for school-aged children. This helps families prepare for back-to-school expenses.
Source: Province of New Brunswick – Canada.ca
Who qualifies for the NBCTB in 2025?
To receive the NBCTB, your family needs to meet four main conditions below:
- Residency: You must be a resident of New Brunswick. The CRA treats you as a tax resident when youโve built meaningful residential connections in the province.
- Child’s Age: The benefit is for children under 18 years old. Payments will automatically stop the month after your childโs 18th birthday.
- Canadian Status: You or your partner must be a Canadian citizen or a permanent resident.
- Income: Your qualification and payment amount depend on your adjusted family net income reported on last yearโs tax return. To get any benefit, both you and your spouse or common-law partner must submit income tax returns annually, even if you donโt have any income to declare.
That said, the CRA automatically determines your eligibility for the NBCTB when you file your annual tax return.
How much is the New Brunswick Child Tax Benefit in 2025?
The NBCTB payment amount depends on your family income and the number of children. The benefit year runs from July 2025 to June 2026 and is based on your 2024 tax return.
Here is a breakdown of the payment structure
| Benefit Component | Maximum Annual Amount | Monthly Payment | Income Threshold & Reduction Details |
| Basic NBCTB (per child) | $250 | $20.83 | Maximum benefit if the family’s net income is under $20,000. Reduced by 2.5% of income above $20,000 for one child, and 5% for families with multiple children. |
| Working Income Supplement (per family) | $250 | $20.83 | Begins when earned income exceeds $3,750 and is maximized at $10,000 of earned income. The benefit is reduced for family net incomes between $20,921 and $25,921. |
| School Supplement (per child) | $100 | One-time July payment | For families whose adjusted net income is $20,000 or below. For the July 2025 payment, the School Supplement is for children born between January 1, 2008, and December 31, 2020. |
Source: New Brunswick Child Tax Benefit (NBCTB) Payment Dates 2025 and Amounts – savvynewcanadians.com
When are NBCTB payments made in 2025?
NBCTB is issued together with the Canada Child Benefit (CCB), usually on the 20th of each month. If that date falls on a weekend or holiday, the payment is sent on the last business day before it.
The scheduled NBCTB payment dates for 2025 are:
- January 20, 2025
- February 20, 2025
- March 20, 2025
- April 17, 2025 (adjusted for weekend)
- May 20, 2025
- June 20, 2025
- July 18, 2025 (adjusted for weekend)
- August 20, 2025
- September 19, 2025 (adjusted for weekend)
- October 20, 2025
- November 20, 2025
- December 12, 2025 (early for holidays)
If your total yearly benefit is under $240, it will be issued as a one-time lump sum in July. Choosing direct deposit ensures you get your payment as quickly as possible.
How do I apply for the New Brunswick Child Tax Benefit?
Because the NBCTB is integrated with the federal system, families are automatically enrolled when they register for the Canada Child Benefit, meaning there is no separate application to worry about.
There are three application methods: birth registration, online through CRA My Account, or mail submission.
- Birth Registration Method: When you register the birth of your child with the province of New Brunswick, you can give consent to have their information securely shared with the CRA to automatically begin the benefit application process.
- Online via CRA My Account: You can apply online by using the “Apply for child benefits” service in your CRA My Account.
- By Mail: You can complete Form RC66, Canada Child Benefits Application, and submit it to your tax centre.
To complete the registration process, you will need the following important papers:
- Birth certificates for every child
- Evidence that you are a Canadian citizen or permanent resident (like a citizenship certificate or a permanent resident card)
- Social Insurance Numbers for both parents and children
- Recent tax documents or proof of income
According to the CRA, processing typically takes 8-12 weeks for new applications. You must ensure you file annual tax returns to maintain continuous benefit eligibility.
What If Your Family Situation Changes?
Your benefit payments are based on the tax return from the previous year, so any change in your income in 2025 won’t affect your payments until the next benefit year begins in July 2026.
You don’t have to report income changes during the year, but if there’s a big increase, it might result in you getting more money than you’re supposed to, and you would need to pay it back later.
However, you must contact the CRA immediately if certain life events occur:
- Your marital status changes (marriage, separation, divorce).
- The number of children in your care changes.
- You move to a different address.
- A death occurs in the family.
- Your residency or citizenship status changes.
By reporting these changes promptly, you ensure you receive the correct benefit amount and avoid future complications.
How does NBCTB compare to other provincial child benefits?
NBCTB offers modest support compared to other provinces, as each province designs its own program based on local needs and poverty levels.
- Alberta Child and Family Benefit: Offers up to $1,469 annually for a family with one child, $2,204 for a two-child family, $2,939 for a three-child family, and $3,674 for a family with four children. The benefit begins phasing out when family net income exceeds $27,024 and is fully phased out at various income levels depending on family size.
- Ontario Child Benefit: Provides a maximum of $1,680 per child per year for families. The benefit is reduced as income increases and is fully phased out when family income reaches the threshold of $25,646.
- Newfoundland and Labrador Child Benefit: Provides up to $155.66 monthly for the first child, $165.00 for the second child, $177.25 for the third child, and $190.41 for each additional child, with benefits phasing out at higher income levels than New Brunswick.
Compared to other provinces, NBCTB offers less support, but its overall design still provides reliable and easy-to-get help for families that qualify.
What additional supports exist for families with special needs children?
Families with children who have disabilities can receive extra support beyond the regular NBCTB benefits. Four programs are available, including:
- Disability Tax Credit: Adds up to $2,985 annually to the Canada Child Benefit.
- Provincial Disability Support: Monthly assistance in New Brunswick based on the severity of the disability.
- Medical Equipment Funding: Helps cover costs for wheelchairs, communication devices, and home modifications without affecting NBCTB eligibility.
- Respite Care Support: Provides temporary relief for caregivers, helping families balance work and care.
These supplements combine with NBCTB to offer complete support for families facing special challenges.
The Bottom Line
The New Brunswick Child Tax Benefit is an important program that gives steady, tax-free money to families with low or moderate incomes. It works together with the federal Canada Child Benefit to make sure the support gets to families quickly. This helps parents pay for everyday needs and lessens financial worries.
FAQs about New Brunswick Child Tax Benefit (NBCTB)
Can new immigrants get the New Brunswick Child Tax Benefit?
Yes, if at least one parent is a permanent resident or Canadian citizen, the family lives in New Brunswick, and meets income criteria.
Is the New Brunswick Child Tax Benefit taxable?
No, NBCTB is tax-free and doesnโt affect other income-tested benefits.
Where can I check my NBCTB payment status?
Log in to CRA My Account or call 1-800-387-1193 for details.
Can I get NBCTB with shared custody?
Yes, it can be split between parents with shared custody. Both must update the CRA.
What happens to my NBCTB if I move out of New Brunswick?
It stops. Update your address with CRA. You may qualify for benefits in your new province.
Is NBCTB the same as the Canada Child Benefit?
No, NBCTB is a provincial benefit added to the federal CCB. They're paid together but calculated separately.
Do I need to reapply for NBCTB every year?
No, just file your taxes yearly. CRA updates your benefit automatically.
Can I get NBCTB for a newborn?
Yes, from the birth month. Apply when registering the birth or submit Form RC66 within 11 months.
Does NBCTB affect welfare payments?
Usually not, but check with New Brunswick Social Development to confirm.
Can temporary residents get NBCTB?
No, only Canadian citizens, permanent residents, or protected persons qualify.
