Benefits and support for families

Moving to Canada as a family comes with many adjustments, and accessing the right support programs makes a significant difference. This guide explains the financial help available to families with children, how to register with healthcare providers, and where to find community resources to help you feel at home.

Canada Child Benefit: Monthly Financial Support

The Canada Child Benefit (CCB) is a tax-free monthly payment designed to help families with the costs of raising children under 18. It is one of the most valuable supports available and is administered by the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA).

Who is eligible and how much you can receive

You qualify for the CCB if you are a Canadian resident who is primarily responsible for caring for the child. Your payment amount depends on your adjusted family net income (AFNI), the number of children in your care, and their ages. The benefit is indexed to inflation and recalculated every July based on your previous year's tax return. For the current payment period, families with lower incomes receive the maximum benefit amount, while the payment gradually decreases as family income rises above a threshold.

How to apply

You can apply for the CCB in three ways. If your child is born in Canada, you can apply at the hospital using the Automated Benefits Application when you register your child's birth. You can also apply online through your CRA account if you have one already set up. If neither option works for you, complete Form RC66 (Canada Child Benefits Application) and mail it to your local tax centre. The CRA will process your application and send you a notice showing your monthly payment amount.

If you are a newcomer with children already in Canada, you will need to apply using Form RC66 along with Form RC66SCH (Status in Canada / Statement of Income) and submit proof of your family's citizenship or immigration status. Processing typically takes 8 weeks or less once the CRA has all required documents.

When payments arrive

Payments are made monthly on the 20th of each month (or the last business day before if the 20th falls on a weekend or holiday). You should receive your first payment after the CRA has processed your application, usually within 8 weeks. Set up direct deposit to your bank account for the fastest and most secure payment method.

Healthcare for Your Children: Registration and Dental Care

Getting a provincial health card

Every province and territory in Canada manages its own health insurance system. In Ontario, the plan is called OHIP (Ontario Health Insurance Plan); in British Columbia it is MSP (Medical Services Plan); and in Quebec it is RAMQ (Régie de l'assurance maladie du Québec). Each province has a different waiting period and application process.

Most provinces apply a three-month waiting period from the date you establish residence. For example, if you arrive on January 15, your coverage will typically begin on April 1. This means you may want to arrange private health insurance during your first three months in Canada. A few provinces, including Alberta and Saskatchewan, have eliminated or significantly shortened the waiting period for new residents.

To apply, visit your provincial government's health registration office in person. You will need proof of residency, government-issued identification, and documents proving your immigration status (such as your Confirmation of Permanent Residence from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada, or IRCC). Once you are approved, you will receive a provincial health card by mail. Bring this card every time you visit a doctor, hospital, or medical clinic.

Finding and registering with a family doctor

Once you have your provincial health card, you will want to register with a family doctor (also called a general practitioner or GP). A family doctor provides routine care for all family members and gives referrals to specialists when needed. Not all doctors are accepting new patients, so the process can take time.

Each province has a system to help you find a doctor. In Ontario, use Health Care Connect by calling 811 or registering online. In British Columbia, register with the Health Connect Registry. In Quebec, register on the Québec Family Doctor Finder (GAMF). You can also ask for recommendations from friends, contact community health centres, or consult immigrant-serving organizations in your area that may know doctors who speak your home language.

Some families choose a pediatrician (a specialist in children's health) instead of a family doctor, particularly if a child has special healthcare needs. A family doctor can treat all ages, while a pediatrician focuses only on children and young people.

Dental care for children

Dental care is not covered by provincial health insurance in Canada, so you will need to find a private dentist. Ask your family doctor or community settlement organization for referrals. Some employers offer dental benefits if you are working. Register your children with a dentist early and keep up with regular check-ups, as many schools and daycare programs require recent dental records.

Community Programs and Free Family Support

Libraries and settlement services

Public libraries across Canada are excellent free resources for families new to the country. Most libraries host newcomer programs, English conversation circles, storytimes for children in multiple languages, computer access, and information about local services. Many libraries partner with settlement organizations to offer one-on-one help with school registration, housing questions, healthcare navigation, and other settlement concerns.

Settlement services—funded by the federal, provincial, and municipal governments—are free programs designed specifically to help newcomers adapt to Canadian life. These services can include needs assessments, help filling out government forms (such as the Canada Child Benefit application), assistance finding employment, language classes, and connections to community programs for your family. Many settlement organizations also offer children's programs and youth support.

Community centres and recreation programs

Most towns and cities have community centres that offer affordable or free programs for families, such as swimming, sports, arts and crafts, music classes, and playgroups for young children. Check your city's recreation website or visit your local community centre in person to learn about what is available. Many programs have sliding-scale fees based on family income, and some offer fee waivers for low-income families.

Immunization and vaccinations

All provinces have free immunization programs for children following a provincial vaccination schedule. Immunizations are given at public health units, community health centres, and pharmacies. Keep your child's immunization record safe—you will need it when registering your child for school, daycare, summer camps, or sports programs. The CANImmunize app and website can help you track your child's vaccinations and find vaccination clinics near you.

Getting a Social Insurance Number (SIN)

Your children will need a Social Insurance Number (SIN) to access many government benefits, including the Canada Child Benefit. A SIN is a nine-digit number required to work in Canada and to receive government programs. You can apply on behalf of your children by providing your children's birth certificates and your immigration documents. Parents or legal guardians can apply for children under the legal age of majority (which varies by province).

You can apply for a SIN online through the Service Canada portal, in person at a Service Canada office (by appointment), or by mail. Online applications typically receive a response within 10–15 business days. In-person applications are processed on the spot. There is no fee to apply.

Enrolling children in school

Once you have settled and obtained your provincial health card, you can enroll your children in school. Contact your local school board office or visit schools directly to register. You will need birth certificates, your provincial health card numbers, proof of address, and proof of immunizations. Many settlement organizations offer help navigating the school enrollment process and understanding the Canadian school system.

Key Steps to Take After You Arrive

1. Apply for a provincial health card at the earliest opportunity (even though there may be a waiting period).
2. Obtain SINs for yourself and your children; you will need these for the Canada Child Benefit and other programs.
3. Apply for the Canada Child Benefit using Form RC66 or online through your CRA account.
4. Register your children with a family doctor (you may need to wait on a list, so register early).
5. Visit your local library to learn about free family programs, settlement services, and community resources.
6. Enroll your children in local recreation and community programs to help them settle in.
7. Set up tax file accounts with the CRA so you can receive benefit payments and manage your tax obligations.
8. File your income tax return every year, even if you have no income, to keep receiving CCB payments.

Where to Find Help

You are not alone in settling into Canada. Libraries, community centres, and government-funded settlement organizations throughout the country are ready to help families like yours navigate healthcare, education, benefits, and community life. Many provide interpreters and materials in your home language. Reach out to your nearest settlement service, library, or community centre—they exist specifically to help newcomers build a secure and welcoming life in Canada.