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Human Resources and Skills Development Canada

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Universal Child Care Benefit

The Universal Child Care Benefit (UCCB) provides financial assistance to all Canadian families with young children, regardless of where they live, whatever their family circumstances or preferences. Parents receive $100 a month for each child under six.

For some parents, this might mean using the benefit to pay for some of their child care fees. A parent who stays at home may want to use it on a preschool program or to purchase learning material, other parents may even wish to deposit all or part of the benefit in a Registered Education Savings Plan (RESP) or Registered Disability Savings Plan (RDSP).

The UCCB, which was introduced in July 2006, provides about $2.6 billion each year to 1.5 million families for 2 million preschoolers in Canada.

How does it work?

The Universal Child Care Benefit (UCCB), which is taxable in the hands of the lower-income spouse, is paid directly to parents. The UCCB is usually issued on the 20th day of each month, and one week earlier in December.

The Government of Canada recently strengthened the UCCB by improving the taxation to ensure that single-parent families receive tax treatment comparable to two-parent families. This change will provide up to $168 in tax relief for single parents with one child under the age of six.

Measures will be implemented to allow families with joint custody greater flexibility to split the monthly UCCB amount when a child lives in both households. This change will ensure that this benefit is paid out in a timely fashion to help parents meet the needs of their children.

For more information about the Universal Child Care Benefit, visit the Questions and Answers section.

How to apply for the UCCB

Applying is easy. Just remember this; you must be the primary caregiver of a child under six years of age on or after July 1, 2006, and be a resident of Canada. Other criteria may also apply depending on your circumstances.

Note that if your family is already receiving the Canada Child Tax Benefit, you will automatically receive the Universal Child Care Benefit.

If you do not currently receive the Universal Child Care Benefit and you wish to apply, you will need to apply through the Canada Revenue Agency website or a Service Canada Centre. For more information, you can also call 1-800-387-1193 or (TTY) 1-800-665-0354.

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Date Modified:
2011-11-30