What happens to Canada Child Benefit payments if you leave the country?

Canada Child Benefit (CCB) is an unconditional monthly payment provided by the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) to families with children under the age of 18. The amount of the payment is based on the family's average annual income, the number of children, and their ages. However, eligibility for CCB is based not only on income but also on your status as a resident of Canada for tax purposes. Therefore, a long-term departure from Canada without notifying the CRA may result in the termination of payments, overpayments, demands for repayment, and penalties.

1. Residency for tax purposes and the CCB

The CRA considers a person to be a Canadian tax resident if they:

  • Live in Canada for at least 183 days in a calendar year, or
  • Have “substantial ties” to Canada (own home, family, bank accounts, driver's license, etc.).

For CCB, any grounds for tax residency are sufficient: children or parents must be physically present in Canada and maintain these substantial ties. When all guardians cease to be residents, payments automatically stop.

2. Criteria for termination of payments upon departure

  1. Date of departure. The CCB is paid for the previous month. If you left on May 12, the last payment for May will arrive in June. Subsequent payments will stop because you no longer meet the residency criteria as of June.
  2. Loss of substantial ties. Even if you spend more than 183 days in Canada, not having a home or family members in the country may indicate that you have renounced your residency.
  3. Non-resident guardians. If one parent remains in Canada with the children and maintains residency ties, payments may continue for that part of the family.

3. Notifying the CRA and required forms

3.1 My Account online portal

The easiest way is to log in to My Account on the CRA website and change your residency status, indicating your date of departure and new address abroad.

3.2 Form RC66 “Canada Child Benefits Application”

If you do not have access to your online account, you will need to complete RC66 with your new information:

  • Section “Residency Information”: select “Non-resident” and indicate the date of departure
  • Update the address of the child(ren) and contact person in Canada (if applicable)
  • Sign and send to the CRA

3.3 Notification period

The CRA recommends that you notify them no later than four weeks after your departure date. This will help you avoid unnecessary overpayments and penalty interest.

4. Consequences of late or incomplete notification

  1. Overpayments. The CRA may continue to pay CCB if it does not receive notification. Any overpayments will have to be repaid.

  2. Interest on arrears. When refunding overpayments, the CRA charges interest at the rate applicable to tax debts.

  3. Penalties. Intentional failure to provide information is punishable by fines and criminal liability (in cases of fraud).

  4. Repayment requirements. The CRA sends a Notice of Debt detailing the amount and payment deadline.

5. Exceptional circumstances

5.1 Temporary absences of up to six months

  • Possible agreement with the CRA: if the absence is related to medical treatment, education, or a short-term business trip, payments may continue.
  • A letter of explanation and supporting documents (medical certificates, letter from the university, etc.) must be submitted in advance.

5.2 Separation of families or guardians

  • If the children remain with one of the resident parents, that parent must become the primary recipient of the CCB.
  • The CRA must be notified of the change: the person responsible for receiving payments must be changed and payments must be recalculated based on that guardian's income.

5.3 Studying abroad

  • Similar to temporary departures: educational institutions must be accredited.
  • Official confirmation of enrollment and study program must be submitted.

6. Returning to Canada and resuming payments

  1. Notification. Upon return, you must update your status in My Account or submit an RC66, indicating the date of your return.
  2. Tax return. Confirm your reinstatement of residency with your annual tax return.
  3. Initial reinstatement. The CCB is reinstated one month after your return date. If you returned on September 20, your first payment will resume in November (for October).

7. Practical tips

  • Keep all supporting documents: tickets, rental agreements, certificates, so that you have proof of your departure and return dates.

  • Appoint a representative in Canada: a relative or friend who will keep your mail and provide copies of letters from the CRA.

  • Keep an eye on CRA notifications: they are sent even to foreign addresses if you have not updated your information.

  • Calculate a budget in case of delays: payments may be delayed by one to two months.

Even a short trip outside Canada can complicate your Canada Child Benefit. However, notifying the CRA in a timely manner, clearly recording the dates and reasons for your absence, and completing the paperwork correctly will ensure minimal overpayments and quick resumption of payments upon your return. By following the recommendations above, you can maintain your family's entitlement to support regardless of where you are.