The Alberta Child and Family Benefit (ACFB) is a tax-free financial program that supports low- and middle-income families with children under 18 years old.
How It Works:
The ACFB combines a base component and a working component to offer families additional financial assistance.
- Base Component: Available to all eligible families with children under 18 whether or not they earn employment income.
- Working Component: Additional support for families with employment income that exceeds $2,760/year. This amount grows by 15% for every additional dollar of income earned over this threshold until the maximum benefit is reached
Eligibility:
- be a parent of one or more children under 18
- be a resident of Alberta
- file your annual tax return
- meet the income criteria:
- household income under $27,024 for a full benefit
- household income under $45,285 for a partial benefit
How Much Can You Get:
For July 2024 to June 2025, the payments include:
- Base Component (per year):
- $1,469 ($122.41 per month) for the first child
- $735 ($61.25 per month) for the second, third, and fourth child each
- Working Component (per year):
- $752 for the first child
- $685 for the second child
- $410 for the third child
- $135 for the fourth child
Payment Schedule:
Payments are issued quarterly in August, November, February, and May.
How to Apply:
To apply for the Alberta Child and Family Benefit (ACFB), simply file your tax return annually. The benefit is automatically calculated by the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) based on your income and family details. Ensure your marital status, address, and banking information are up-to-date to avoid delays. No separate application is required; eligibility is determined when you meet the income thresholds as an Alberta resident.
Conclusion
The Alberta Child and Family Benefit (ACFB) offers targeted financial support to help reduce child poverty and promote stability. By providing tax-free payments tailored to income and family size, the ACFB empowers Alberta families to better manage expenses and invest in their children’s futures.
Whether you’re navigating rising costs or planning for the next stage of family growth, the ACFB can make a meaningful difference in creating a more secure and balanced life. Filing your tax return on time ensures you can access this valuable support.
References:
- Alberta Child and Family Benefit
https://www.alberta.ca/alberta-child-and-family-benefit#jumplinks-5
https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/services/child-family-benefits/provincial-territorial-programs/province-alberta.html
