The British Columbia Family Benefit provides monthly tax-free payments to families with children under 18. This provincial program supplements the federal Canada Child Benefit, with both benefits delivered as a single monthly payment calculated from your family’s income. As of July 2025, the temporary bonus payments have ended, returning benefit amounts to standard levels indexed for inflation.
What is the British Columbia Family Benefit?
The BC Family Benefit is a provincial tax-free monthly payment program that provides financial support to eligible families with children under 18 years of age.
The Canada Revenue Agency administers these payments on behalf of British Columbia, and combines them with federal child benefits into a single monthly deposit.
The program serves approximately 340,000 BC families, with payment amounts determined by adjusted family net income from the previous tax year (Source). Unlike other provincial programs, BC’s benefit includes a dedicated supplement for single-parent households, recognizing their unique financial pressures.
Who Qualifies for the BC Family Benefit in 2025?
Families must be BC residents receiving the Canada Child Benefit with children under 18 to qualify for the BC Family Benefit, with no additional application required beyond CCB registration.
To be more specific, primary eligibility requirements include:
- Residency: Must be a British Columbia resident for tax purposes
- Child Age: Children must be under 18 years of age
- CCB Registration: The Child must be registered for the Canada Child Benefit
- Tax Filing: Must file annual T1 Income Tax and Benefit Return
- Primary Care: Must be primarily responsible for the child’s care
Temporary residents who have lived in Canada for at least 18 months with valid permits by the 19th month also qualify.
New BC residents become eligible once they update their information with the CRA following their move. Conversely, families leaving BC must notify the CRA immediately to prevent overpayments requiring future repayment.
How to Apply for the BC Family Benefit?
You cannot apply directly for the BC Family Benefit; the enrollment happens automatically through the Canada Child Benefit system. You just have to file your annual T1 Income Tax and Benefit Return to trigger eligibility assessment for both programs simultaneously.
You can apply for the Canada Child Benefit online through CRA My Account, or by mail using Form RC66, or through provincial birth registration services when registering your newborn.
Typically, the processing takes 8 to 11 weeks for new applications. If you sign up for direct deposit, you’ll get payments faster on scheduled dates.
If you’re a new BC resident who is already receiving federal benefits, you will see provincial payments begin after your next tax filing. The CRA uses your updated address information to determine provincial eligibility automatically.
How Much Will I Receive from the BC Family Benefit?
Your actual amount depends on your adjusted family net income from your 2024 tax return and the number of children. You can see the table below showing the 2025-2026 Benefit Structure by Income Level, according to the province of British Columbia:
| Adjusted Family Net Income | First Child | Second Child | Each Additional | Single Parent Supplement |
| Under $29,526 | $1,750/year | $1,100/year | $900/year | Up to $500/year |
| $29,526 – $94,483 | Min. $775/year | Min. $750/year | Min. $725/year | Reduced amount |
| Over $94,483 | Up to $775/year* | Up to $750/year* | Up to $725/year* | Reduced amount |
*Reduced by 4% of income over $94,483 until reaching zero
The benefit calculation follows this formula: Annual benefit = Maximum amount – (4% × income exceeding threshold).
This graduated approach ensures that support reaches broadly while concentrating resources on lower-income families.
Also, the single-parent supplement adds up to $500 annually for qualifying households. This extra support recognizes that single parents face unique financial pressures when managing childcare and employment simultaneously.
For families with shared custody arrangements, each parent receives half the benefit amount they would receive with full custody. This calculation applies when custody is shared with another person under formal arrangements.
When Are BC Family Benefit Payments Issued in 2025?
Payments of family benefits in British Columbia arrive on the 20th of most months, with exceptions for weekends and holidays.
Specifically, BC Family Benefit payments arrive on these dates throughout 2025:
- January 20
- February 20
- March 20
- April 17
- May 20
- June 20
- July 18
- August 20
- September 19
- October 20
- November 20
- December 12
That said, you can expect to receive the benefits in 2 ways:
Direct Deposit: Payments appear in your bank account on the scheduled date, labelled as “Canada Pro Deposit” on your statement. This label often combines both federal and provincial portions into one transaction.
Cheque: If not registered for direct deposit, cheques are mailed on payment dates but may take up to 10 business days to arrive.
For families whose combined payments are under $240 annually, payments arrive as a single lump sum in July rather than monthly installments. This threshold applies to families with very high incomes receiving minimal benefit amounts.
Why Did the BC Family Benefit Decrease in July 2025?
The BC Family Benefit decreased in July 2025 because the temporary 25% bonus program that ran from July 2024 to June 2025 ended as scheduled. During the bonus period, maximum benefits reached $2,188 for the first child, compared to the current $1,750; you can see below for more details:
| Benefit Period | First Child Max | Second Child Max | Additional Children | Income Threshold |
| July 2024-June 2025 (Bonus) | $2,188 | $1,375 | $1,125 each | $35,902 |
| July 2025-June 2026 (Regular) | $1,750 | $1,100 | $900 each | $29,526 |
| Difference | -$438 (-20%) | -$275 (-20%) | -$225 (-20%) | -$6,376 |
The bonus program expanded eligibility to 66,000 additional families by raising income thresholds temporarily. Approximately 70% of BC families received enhanced benefits during this period. Families experienced an average increase of $425 over the 12-month bonus period. (Source)
Can I Get the B.C. Family Benefit if I Move?
If you’re planning a move, it’s important to know how it will affect your B.C. Family Benefit.
When you move to B.C., your eligibility begins after you file your taxes as a resident, and payments will start once the CRA processes your return with your new address; they cannot be backdated.
Conversely, if you move out of the province, you must notify the CRA immediately to stop the payments, as any amount received after you leave will have to be repaid. While your federal Canada Child Benefit will continue nationwide, the provincial B.C. benefit will cease.
To prevent payment disruptions or overpayments, the most crucial step is to update your address and specific move date with the CRA before you move. Also include your specific move dates to ensure accurate benefit calculations and avoid overpayment situations.
Keep in mind that temporary absences like long vacations don’t affect your eligibility, as long as you remain a B.C. resident for tax purposes.
What Documentation Do I Need for BC Family Benefits?
Essential documents for BC Family Benefit eligibility include your T1 Income Tax and Benefit Return, Canada Child Benefit registration confirmation, and proof of BC residency. Additional documentation depends on your specific situation and changes in family circumstances.
Special circumstances requiring extra documentation include:
- Birth certificates establishing your child’s age
- Adoption papers for adopted children
- Immigration documents verifying Canadian status
- Custody agreements for separated parents.
Keep these records accessible but don’t submit unless specifically requested. The CRA contacts you directly if verification is needed.
Remember to update information immediately when circumstances change, including address, marital status, custody arrangements, or number of children. Because delays in updating cause payment errors requiring correction and potential repayment obligations.
Can Families Continue Receiving Benefits After a Child’s Death?
Families continue receiving BC Family Benefit payments for 6 months following a child’s death for deaths occurring after 2024. Budget 2025 introduced this compassionate provision to support families during bereavement without immediate financial disruption.
The continuation happens automatically without requiring additional application. Regular payment amounts continue for the full 6-month period regardless of when the death occurs in the benefit year. For instance, families experiencing loss in March 2025 continue receiving payments through September 2025. This provision applies only to deaths after December 31, 2024.
Families should notify the CRA of the child’s death while understanding that benefits continue temporarily. Other child benefits may have different continuation rules requiring separate consideration.
How to Avoid B.C. Family Benefit Scams
The government will never contact benefit recipients through text messages. Legitimate CRA communications arrive exclusively through My Account secure mail or registered post.
That said, common scam tactics include urgent payment demands, benefit suspension threats, and requests to update banking information through provided links. These messages exploit parental concerns about losing crucial support.
So, you should protect yourself by recognizing these warning signs:
- Unsolicited texts mentioning benefit changes
- Requests for immediate action or payment
- Links to non-government websites
- Poor grammar or threatening language
- Requests for personal information already on file
If you recognize any of the above, report suspicious messages to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre at 1-888-495-8501.
When you are uncertain about the legitimacy of communication, please contact CRA directly at 1-800-387-1193. Representatives will verify genuine correspondence and confirm your current benefit status.
If you want to find out child and family benefits in other provinces, take a look at the list below:
- Prince Edward Island Child Benefit
- Newfoundland and Labrador Child Benefit
- New Brunswick Child Tax Benefit
- Nunavut Child Benefit
- Nova Scotia Child Benefit
The bottom line
The BC Family Benefit remains a crucial support for families in British Columbia, despite recent changes. With bonus payments ended and amounts returned to standard levels, understanding your eligibility and payment calculations becomes even more important for household budgeting.
FAQs related to the British Columbia Family Benefit
Is the BC Family Benefit the same as the Canada Child Benefit?
No, they are separate programs. The BC Family Benefit is a provincial program that supplements the federal Canada Child Benefit. You receive both payments combined in one monthly deposit labeled "Canada Pro Deposit."
Can I get the BC Family Benefit if I'm a temporary resident?
Yes, temporary residents qualify if they've lived in Canada for at least 18 consecutive months and have a valid permit by the 19th month. You must also meet all other eligibility requirements including filing taxes and residing in BC.
Do foster parents qualify for the BC Family Benefit?
Foster parents can receive benefits if they meet standard eligibility criteria and have the required placement documentation from the Ministry. The benefit calculation follows the same rules as biological or adopted children.
Is the BC Family Benefit taxable income?
No, the BC Family Benefit is completely tax-free. You don't report it as income on your tax return, and it doesn't affect your eligibility for other income-tested programs.
What happens to my benefits if my child turns 18?
British Columbia Family Benefit stop the month after your child's 18th birthday. The CRA automatically adjusts your payments without requiring notification from you.
Do I get the BC Family Benefit during parental leave?
Yes, parental leave doesn't affect your eligibility. The benefit is based on your previous year's tax return income, not your current employment status.
Can separated parents both receive the BC Family Benefit?
Only with formal shared custody arrangements. Each parent receives 50% of the benefit amount if they share equal custody and both meet eligibility requirements independently.
What if my income dramatically drops this year?
BC Family Benefits are based on last year's tax return, not current income. A significant income drop in 2025 will increase your benefits starting July 2026 when the CRA uses your 2025 tax information.
