Les allocations familiales — un soutien important pour les jeunes familles.
1. Two stackable allowances
In Quebec, families with children receive two stackable allowances:
- The Canada Child Benefit (CCB) — federal
- The Quebec Family Allowance — provincial, paid by Retraite Québec
2. The Canada Child Benefit (CCB)
The CCB is a monthly and non-taxable amount paid for each child under 18. The amount depends on your net family income. Check current figures on the Canada Revenue Agency website.
3. The Quebec Family Allowance
The Quebec Family Allowance is added on top of the CCB. It includes:
- A base amount per child
- A single-parent supplement
- A school supplies supplement paid in July
4. How to register
For the CCB: file your tax return every year. That's what triggers automatic payment.
For the Quebec Family Allowance: registration is automatic for most families, but newcomers must apply to Retraite Québec.
4 bis. Both allowances at a glance
The two allowances are distinct and stackable. Compared on the key parameters:
A family of 4 with $60,000 income typically receives $9,000-$12,000/year combined. Both allowances are progressive — amounts decrease above the thresholds shown.
| Parameter | CCB (federal) | Family Allowance (Quebec) |
|---|---|---|
| Level of government | Federal (CRA) | Provincial (Retraite Québec) |
| Maximum / child (under 6) | ~$7,800/year | ~$3,000/year |
| Maximum / child (6 to 17) | ~$6,600/year | ~$3,000/year |
| Threshold for maximum | Income under $36,500 | Income under $54,000 |
| Taxable | No | No |
| Frequency | Monthly (~20th) | Monthly (~20th) |
| Registration | Triggered by tax return | Auto for most · Application for newcomers |
| First payment | ~8 weeks after complete file | ~8 weeks after complete file |
5. When do payments start?
The first payment arrives about 8 weeks after a complete application. Monthly payments are deposited directly into your bank account (around the 20th of the month).
6. Subsidized childcare
Quebec offers subsidized daycares at a reduced rate. Register as soon as possible at La Place 0-5. Waiting lists are long, especially in Montreal.
To compare the monthly cost of a place in a CPE and a private daycare, tax credit included, use our daycare cost estimator.
7. Frequently asked questions
The most common questions on family allowance: amounts based on income, shared custody rules, allowance during maternity leave, signing up before baby's SIN arrives, and payment suspensions.
How much will I receive based on family income?
Both allowances are progressive:
- CCB (federal): a maximum of about $7,800/year per child under 6 and $6,600/year per child 6-17 when family income is under $36,500.
- Family Allowance (Quebec): adds about $3,000/year maximum per child for families under $54,000.
A family of 4 with $60,000 income typically receives $9,000-$12,000/year combined.
How does it work with shared custody?
In shared custody (each parent has the child between 40% and 60% of the time): both parents receive 50% of the allowance, calculated based on their respective income.
Each parent must declare the situation separately to Retraite Québec and the CRA. If one parent has more than 60% of custody, that parent receives 100% of the allowance.
Will I continue to receive the allowance during maternity leave?
Yes — the family allowance and QPIP/maternity benefits are independent. The allowance continues based on the previous year's tax return.
A lower income because of leave will INCREASE your allowance the following year (after you file taxes), since the calculation is retrospective.
Can I register before receiving baby's SIN?
Yes — file the family allowance application as soon as you declare the birth at the Directeur de l'état civil. The CCB application is integrated into the birth declaration form via the Automated Benefits Application.
The baby's SIN arrives 4 to 6 weeks after birth, but it is not required to start. Allowances are paid retroactively if there's a delay.
Why have my allowances been suspended?
Common causes:
- Tax return not filed on time (the most frequent — file every year, even with zero income)
- Residency status changed (PR card expired)
- Child reached 18
- Address change not updated
- Shared-custody arrangements modified
Check My Account at Retraite Québec or the CRA to see the specific reason.
8. Official sources
For official information:
By phone: Retraite Québec at 1 800 667-9625; Canada Revenue at 1 800 387-1194.
9. See also
Related guides may be useful:
- Get your RAMQ health insurance card — child RAMQ enrolment happens in parallel.
- New baby paperwork in Quebec — the first registrations that trigger the allowance.
- Employment Insurance in Quebec — QPIP parental benefits stack with family allowances.
Author's Note: These allowances really change young families' lives. Don't miss any months. Phone services exist in both French and English — don't hesitate to ask for help.
