Federal and provincial governments offer various benefits, usually in the form of financial aid, to support people with housing, old age, education and training, family needs, and medical and disability needs. Many of these benefits are directed toward families with low incomes.
An example of this is the Alberta Child and Family Benefit (ACFB), which financially helps low-income Albertans with the costs of raising a family.
If you live in Alberta, check out if you’re eligible for the ACFB, how much you can get and when you can expect to be paid.
Key Points
- The Alberta Child and Family Benefit (ACFB) provides financial assistance to lower and middle-income families with children under 18.
- Families can receive anywhere from $1,410 to $3,525 per year (base component) based on the number of children in the home.
- As long as you file your income taxes and qualify for the Canada Child Benefit (CCB), you’ll automatically be considered for the ACFB.
Alberta Child and Family Benefit (ACFB) Overview
| ACFB Maximum Quarterly Payment Base Amount | – 1 child: $352.50/quarter – 2 children: $528.75/quarter – 3 children: $705/quarter – 4+ children: $881.25/quarter |
| ACFB Eligibility | – Live in Alberta – Have at least 1 child under 18 – File your income taxes – Meet income criteria |
| ACFB Payments dates | Payments are made in 4 installments: August, November, February, and May. |
| ACFB Application | No application is required. You’re automatically considered for the benefit when you file your income taxes and qualify for the Canada Child Benefit (CCB). |
When Will You Receive Your Alberta Child And Family Benefit (ACFB) Payment?
The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) pays eligible ACFB recipients on the Government of Alberta’s behalf. The CRA will mail or directly deposit ACFB payments into recipients’ bank (potentially under the name FPT Canada) accounts in 4 installments. Your first payment will arrive in August, given that you file your income tax return on time.
ACFB payments are made either by mailed cheque or through direct deposit.
Do note that these payments are separate from the CCB payments.
ACFB Payment Dates 2024
| First Payment | August |
| Second Payment | November |
| Third Payment | February |
| Fourth Payment | May |
Additionally, recipients eligible for any amounts under $10 in a quarter might have payments consolidated and paid less frequently.
What Is The Alberta Child And Family Benefit (ACFB)?
The Alberta Child and Family Benefit (ACFB) provides financial assistance to lower and middle-income families with children under 18. The ACFB is a relatively new program that consolidated the Alberta Child Benefit (ACB) and the Alberta Family Employment Tax Credit (AFETC).
This new consolidated program began in July 2020 to streamline administration and maximize benefits for low-income Albertans.
Do you have a disability? Then you may qualify for the tax disability credit.
Are You Eligible For The Alberta Child And Family Benefit (ACFB)?
Albertans wishing to apply for the ACFB must meet the following eligibility requirements:
- Have one or more children under 18
- Reside in Alberta
- File a tax return
- Meet income criteria
What Is The ACFB Income Criteria?
Families with an income below $25,935 will receive the maximum ACFB payment. If your income is between $25,935 and $43,460, you may receive a partial payment. If your adjusted household net income exceeds $43,460, your ACFB amount is reduced.
Have you considered Alberta’s Aids To Daily Living (AADL) program?
How Much Can You Get Through The ACFB?
The amount of money you’re eligible for under the ACFB program depends on your family’s income level and how many children under 18 you have. The program has two components:
- Base component: The base amount is available to families with children regardless if they earn any employment income.
- Working component: Families with children may receive an extra benefit if their family employment income exceeds $2,760. The ACFB benefit received increases at a rate of 15% (up to the working component maximum) for every additional dollar earned over that amount. This is meant to encourage families to continue working.
Maximum ACFB Payments
Your maximum amount depends on the number of children you have, and which component of the program you fall under:
| Number of Children | Base Component Maximum Amount (Annual) | Working Component Maximum Amount (Annual) |
| 1 | $1,410 | $722 |
| 2 | $2,115 | $1,379 |
| 3 | $2,820 | $1,772 |
| 4+ | $3,525 | $1,902 |
Use this child and family benefits calculator to find out how much of the benefit you qualify for.
Note: The base component and working component benefits are reduced once household income exceeds $25,935. You may receive a partial benefit if your net income falls between $25,935 and $43,460.
Have you received payments with the name Canada PRO?
How Do You Apply For The ACFB?
Albertans are automatically considered for the ACFB when they file their annual tax returns. If you qualify for the federal government’s Canada Child Benefit (CCB), you automatically qualify for the ACFB.
If you qualify for the CCB but have not yet applied, you can apply in one of the following ways:
When You Register The Birth Of Your Child
You can apply for the CCB when you register the birth of your child with the province or territory that you live in. This is typically done on paper at the hospital or birthing centre where the child is born, though some provinces require online registration.
To register this way, you’ll need to provide your consent and your Social Insurance Number (SIN). Processing time for CCB when you apply this way is roughly 8 weeks.
Online
If you have a CRA My Account set up, you can apply for CCB online through this personal account. Simply log in, click on “Benefits and credits” in the navigation menu, find “Child information”, and click on + Add. Then, you’ll need to confirm your contact information, citizenship, and marital status, and input your child’s information. You can also submit the required documents online if asked.
Processing time for CCB when you apply this way is approximately 8 weeks.
By Mail
You can also manually fill out Form RC66, Canada Child Benefits Application and mail the form, along with any required documents, to your local tax centre. Processing time for CCB when you apply by mail is about 11 weeks.
What Happens If The CRA Reassesses Your Eligibility And Qualifies You For A Lower Payment?
Your eligibility and payment qualification might change if your household scenario changes. For example, you might be eligible for a greater benefit if you have more children or your income changes.
If you qualify for a greater benefit, the CRA will pay you the difference with an additional payment. If you qualify for a smaller benefit, the CRA will send you a letter indicating your obligation to pay back any amount received over your year’s entitlement.
Contact the CRA at 1-800-959-2809 for more information on how to return any owed benefit amounts.
How Is The ACFB Treated For Tax Purposes?
You do not have to pay taxes on your ACFB payments. However, you must file your income tax return every year to continue receiving ACFB payments. As the amount you qualify for is based on your family’s net income. This applies even if you have no income or your income is tax-exempt.
Other Benefits And Financial Supports In Alberta
As mentioned, the ACFB is meant to help financially support low-income families with children. But other benefits and financial support programs are also available in Alberta, including the following:
Alberta Income Support
The Income Support program provides financial assistance to low-income families to help cover the cost of necessities, like food, shelter, and clothing. Payments are made monthly. The amount of each payment is based on your needs, household size, income, and ability to maintain employment.
Alberta Adult Health Benefit
The Alberta Adult Health Benefit program provides health benefits for low-income Alberta residents who are pregnant or have long-term health requirements, such as prescription medication, dental care, diabetes supplies, and optical care.
Emergency Needs Allowance
Low-income Alberta residents who are currently Income Support recipients or who work but don’t have enough money to cover an emergency may qualify for the Emergency Needs Allowance. This short-term, one-time emergency payment can cover costs such as food, clothing, shelter, transportation, child care, and other pressing needs.
Final Thoughts
The Alberta Child and Family Benefit is a great resource to help lower-income Albertans manage their day-to-day family expenses. The program also offers financial incentives to start or continue working. As long as you’re already qualified for the CCB, you’ll automatically be eligible for the ACFB with no further action required on your part.
