How the CCB works for First Nations, Métis, and Inuit families — amounts, eligibility, filing requirements, and maximizing your payments
The Canada Child Benefit (CCB) is one of the most important financial supports available to Canadian families with children under 18. For Indigenous families — including First Nations, Métis, and Inuit — the CCB provides significant monthly payments that can meaningfully improve household financial stability. This guide explains how the CCB works for Indigenous families in 2025.
These are the maximum amounts for the July 2024 – June 2025 benefit year. Actual amounts depend on your adjusted family net income (AFNI) and number of children. The benefit is tax-free and paid monthly.
All Canadian residents who are the primary caregiver of a child under 18 can receive the CCB. This includes:
This is one of the most important points for First Nations families on-reserve: even if your income is fully exempt under Section 87 of the Indian Act, you still need to file a tax return to receive the CCB. The CRA calculates CCB amounts based on your net income as reported on your return — and exempt income is reported separately and reduces your net income, which can actually increase your CCB amount.
Filing your return is not optional if you want to receive the CCB. File every year, even if you owe no taxes.
Both parents in a two-parent household must file income tax returns every year for the CCB to continue. If either parent fails to file, CCB payments will be stopped. For First Nations families with exempt income, this means filing a return and using Form T90 (Income Exempt Under the Indian Act) to report and document your exempt income.
In addition to the base CCB, qualifying families may receive:
The Canada Learning Bond (CLB) provides up to $2,000 in free RESP contributions for children from low-income families — no contributions required. Eligibility is based on family income and number of children. Many Indigenous families qualify. Apply through an RESP provider as soon as possible after your child is born — missed years of CLB cannot be retroactively claimed after the child turns 18.
If parents share custody of a child, each parent receives 50% of the CCB they would receive if they were the sole caregiver. Both parents must file returns. Shared custody arrangements must be reported to the CRA.
| Family Situation | CCB Impact |
|---|---|
| Two-parent family, both file returns | Primary caregiver receives full CCB |
| Single parent, files return | Full CCB based on solo income |
| Section 87 exempt income | Report exempt income; lower AFNI = higher CCB |
| Shared custody | Each parent receives 50% of calculated benefit |
| Child with disability (DTC eligible) | Base CCB + Child Disability Benefit |
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Open KOHO Free — Code 45ET55JSYASet up direct deposit with the CRA to receive your CCB payments directly in your bank account on payment dates (typically around the 20th of each month). You can set up direct deposit through CRA My Account online, through your bank's online banking portal, or by calling the CRA at 1-800-387-1193.
The Canada Child Benefit is one of the most significant financial supports available to Indigenous families with children. File your tax return every year, keep your information updated with the CRA, and make sure both parents in a two-parent household are filing — this ensures your family receives every dollar you are entitled to.