No matter where you live, it’s pretty expensive to raise a child, let alone a whole family. According to Statistics Canada, the average cost of raising a child from birth till 17 is $350,000.
Luckily, several federal and provincial/territorial programs are available in Canada, including Nova Scotia. If you live in Nova Scotia, the Nova Scotia Child Benefit can provide you with extra funds to cover various child-related expenses.
Keep reading to learn what this financial benefit is and if you’re eligible to receive it.
Key Points
- The Nova Scotia Child Benefit (NSCB) is a financial aid program for low-income families with children under 18.
- To be eligible for the NSCB, you must have an income of 34,000 or lower.
- The NSCB payment is combined and paid out with the federally funded Canada Child Benefit (CCB). You’ll receive the payment by mail or direct deposit as one payment.
- You do not have to apply to be eligible for the NSCB. You’ll automatically be considered when you file your income tax return.
What Is The Nova Scotia Child Benefit (NSCB)?
Every province and territory offers different government benefits to individuals, parents, families and households. In Nova Scotia, lower-income families can receive financial aid through the Nova Scotia Child Benefit (NSCB) to help with the costs of raising a child.
Who Is Eligible For The Nova Scotia Child Benefit (NSCB)?
The Nova Scotia Child Benefit is available to families with low to moderate incomes and children who are under the age of 18 living at home.
Households with incomes below $26,000 to $34,000 can become eligible to receive all or a portion of the NSCB.
What Are The Nova Scotia Child Benefit (NSCB) Payment Dates?
The NSCB payment dates are the same as the CCB payment dates.
Note: If your family has only recently become eligible for these benefits or you file your taxes after the federal due date has passed. In that case, your tax return may need to be reassessed or retroactively corrected, which can lead to staggered payment delivery times.
| NSCB Payment Dates 2024 |
| January 19, 2024 |
| February 20, 2024 |
| March 20, 2024 |
| April 19, 2024 |
| May 17, 2024 |
| June 20, 2024 |
| July 19, 2024 |
| August 20, 2024 |
| September 20, 2024 |
| October 18, 2024 |
| November 20, 2024 |
| December 13, 2024 |
How Much Can You Get Under The NSCB?
Depending on your household composition and income, the amount you’ll qualify for will vary. Below, the table depicts how much you’ll get based on the number of children you have and your household income.
NSCB Payment Amounts 2024
| Household Income $0 – $25,999 Per Year | Household Income $26,000 – $33,999 Per Year | |
| 1 Child | – $127.08 monthly– $1,525 yearly | – $127.08 monthly– $1,525 yearly |
| 2 Children | – $254.17 monthly– $3,050 yearly | – $190.63 monthly– $2,287.50 yearly |
| 3 Children | – $381.25 monthly– $4,575 yearly | – $254.17 monthly– $3,050 yearly |
| Per Additional Child | – $127.08 monthly per extra child– $1,525 yearly per extra child | – $63.54 monthly per extra child– $762.50 yearly per extra child |
How To Apply For The Nova Scotia Child Benefit
Another great thing about the Nova Scotia Child Benefit is that your household/family does not need to apply for it or the Canada Child Benefit. Like many of the other financial benefits we have in our country, the Nova Scotia Child Benefit is handled by the Canada Revenue Agency.
As such, no one in your household has to apply to receive the NSCB or the combined Canada Child Benefit. Your household’s eligibility and payment dates are determined after you file your taxes.
Note: Your Nova Scotia Child Benefit may show up on your bank statement under the name Canada FPT.
Looking for information about the Newfoundland and Labrador Child Benefit?
Other Nova Scotia Government Programs For Children
As a resident of Nova Scotia, you may also qualify for other provincial government programs, such as:
Prescription Drug Coverage For Children
The Low Income Pharmacare For Children program provides coverage for your child’s prescription medications. Despite the actual market cost of the drug, eligible parents should not have to pay more than $5.00 for any prescription.
Families that normally receive financial aid from the government, like the Disability Support Program or income assistance, can qualify for this type of coverage too.
If you’d like to apply for the Low Income Pharmacare For Children program, just complete the proper forms, then mail or fax them to the Nova Scotia Department of Community Services. Before you apply, keep in mind that your household must already qualify for the Nova Scotia Child Benefit (NSCB) to become eligible for this program.
Nova Scotia Child Care Subsidy
The Nova Scotia Child Care Subsidy program covers a portion of your child care costs at eligible child care facilities. This benefit is available to families with children aged 12 and under. Families also must meet certain income and savings requirements to be eligible to receive the subsidy.
To apply for this subsidy, please visit the Novascotia.ca
Looking To Receive The NSCB?
Covering all your child’s financial needs can be extremely difficult if you don’t have the right support from the government or those around you. If you’re a resident of Nova Scotia with a low to modest income and one or more children under the age of 18, then chances are you can qualify for the Nova Scotia Children Benefit.
Nova Scotia Child Benefit FAQs
How much is the Nova Scotia child benefit?
Which province has the highest child benefit?
What can the NSCB be used for?
- School expenses (tuition, supplies, etc.)
- Childcare costs (daycare fees, healthcare, etc.)
- Cost of living (groceries, activities, etc.)
