How to apply for financial assistance for families with children?

Canada is considered one of the most supportive countries in the world for families with children

And Alberta adds its own programs to federal initiatives. A wide range of financial assistance is available to Calgary residents, from basic child benefits to specialized childcare subsidies. Below is a detailed overview of all types of support, eligibility requirements, and application procedures.

Federal family support programs

Canada Child Benefit (CCB) — basic child benefit

CCB is the largest family support program in Canada. It is a tax-free monthly payment for families with children under 18.

Maximum amounts for 2025:

• Up to 6 years old: CAD 7,437 per year (CAD 619.75 per month)
• 6-17 years old: CAD 6,275 per year (CAD 522.91 per month)

Eligibility requirements:

• Living with the child and having primary responsibility for their upbringing
• Residency in Canada for tax purposes
• Status as a citizen, permanent resident, protected person, or temporary resident (minimum 18 months of residence)
• Filing an annual tax return

How to apply:

• At the birth of the child — through birth registration at the hospital (automatic);
• Online — through My Account at canada.ca/my-cra-account;
• By mail — form RC66 Canada Child Benefits Application.

Canada Workers Benefit (CWB) — support for working families

Tax credit refund for low-income working families:

Maximum amounts for 2024:

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• Single persons: up to CAD 1,590
• Families: up to CAD 2,739

Eligibility:

• 19 years of age or older, or under 19 years of age under certain conditions;
• Canadian residency for the year;
• earned income.

Alberta provincial programs

Alberta Child and Family Benefit (ACFB)

A provincial program that provides additional support to low- and middle-income families.

Amounts for July 2025 - June 2026:

Basic component:

• First child: CAD 1,499 (CAD 124.91 per month)
• Second child: CAD 749 (CAD 62.41 per month)
• Third/fourth child: CAD 749 each

Employment component (for families with employment income above CAD 2,760):

• First child: CAD 767 (CAD 63.91 per month)
• Second child: CAD 698 (CAD 58.16 per month)
• Third child: CAD 418 (CAD 34.83 per month)
• Fourth child: CAD 138 (CAD 11.50 per month)

Income threshold:

• The basic component decreases after CAD 27,565 and disappears at CAD 46,191
• The working component decreases after CAD 46,191

Application: automatic upon filing a tax return and qualifying for CCB. Payments are made in August, November, February, and May.

Childcare subsidies

New payment structure (from April 1, 2025)

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Alberta has introduced a fixed payment for childcare before kindergarten:

• Full time (100+ hours per month): CAD 326.25 (≈15 CAD per day)
• Part-time (50–99 hours): 230 CAD per month

This change replaces the previous income-based subsidy system.

Subsidies for school-age children (grades 1–6)

Eligibility requirements:

• Family gross income up to CAD 90,000
• Child in full-day kindergarten or grades 1–6
• Licensed after-school care program

Subsidy amounts vary based on income, grade, and number of hours.

Calgary municipal programs

Fair Entry — a single point of access to subsidies

Income thresholds for 2025:

• 1 person: CAD 31,264
• 2 people: CAD 38,922
• 3 people: CAD 47,851
• 4 people: 58,096 CAD

Included programs:

Calgary Transit Low Income Monthly Pass

Three-tier fare system:

• Group A: 5.90 CAD/month
• Group B: 41.30 CAD/month
• Group C: CAD 59.00/month (regular pass — CAD 115)

Recreation Fee Assistance

• Children/youth: 90% discount up to CAD 100
• Adults: 90% discount up to CAD 50
• Swimming pools and fitness centers: 75% discount

Other:

• Property Tax Assistance
• Seniors Services Home Maintenance

Application: online at fairentry.calgary.ca or in person.

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Food programs for children

School Nutrition Program

The program provides daily meals for 58,000 students. Agreement with the federal government — CAD 42 million for 3 years (starting in March 2025).

Calgary Meals on Wheels — school programs

• Hot Soup Program: free soup twice a week.
• Student Nutrition Program: for schools with children at risk of malnutrition.

Specialized programs for vulnerable families

• CUAET: additional support through Ukrainian Evacuee Emergency Financial Support.
• CIWA: over 50 programs for immigrant women.

Step-by-step guide to applying for basic programs

Step 1: Canada Child Benefit

• apply at birth
• complete RC66 or online
• attach documents
• processing time — up to 8 weeks

Step 2: Alberta Child and Family Benefit

• automatic with tax return

Step 3: Fair Entry

• income documents
• submit an application
• receive a card
• use for discounts

Step 4: Child care subsidies

• for kindergarten — automatically
• school age — through the Child Care Subsidy system

Documents required for registration

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Basic package:

• children's birth certificates
• documents confirming status
• SIN
• bank information

Proof of income:

• NOA from CRA
• Alberta Works/AISH certificates
• T4, pay stubs
• bank statements (if self-employed)

Additional:

• rental/mortgage agreement
• divorce/custody documents

Payment terms and amounts

Common mistakes and how to avoid them

• Late submission of CCB — submit immediately after birth
• Unupdated address — notify CRA
• Failure to file a return — even if you have no income
• Incorrect account number — check before direct deposit

Resources and contacts in Calgary

• CCIS — free tax clinics
• ISC — consultations
• Calgary Public Library — online resources
• 211 Alberta — 24-hour information line

Contacts:

• CRA: 1-800-387-1193 (CCB)
• Alberta Supports: 1-877-644-9992
• Fair Entry: 3-1-1

Conclusion

Calgary's family financial support system combines federal, provincial, and municipal programs into a comprehensive network of assistance. Key elements include:

• Canada Child Benefit
• Alberta Child and Family Benefit
• New Child Care Payment System
• Fair Entry

With the right documentation, a family with two children can receive over $15,000 per year, making life much easier for parents in Calgary.