ACFB Changed for Good! Possible Increase and New Eligibility to Take Effect. In Canada, several programs are running to provide financial support to lower and middle-class families. In Alberta, there is the Alberta Child and Family Benefit (ACFB). This program offers monetary assistance to eligible families with low income who have one or more children who are under 18 years old. To learn about the changes in Alberta Child and Family Benefit, keep reading the following article below.
ACFB Changed for Good!
The Alberta Child and Family Benefit is a provincial supplement to the federal Canada Child Benefit. This program is launched by the government of Canada to provide financial support to eligible lower and middle-income families with children of age under 18 in the province of Alberta. To provide targeted child benefits to families in need in Alberta, the ACFB collaborates with the federal CCB.
Some key factors about the ACFB are:
- This program has replaced the previous Alberta Child Benefit and Alberta Family Employment Tax Credit Programs.
- It is administered by the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) on behalf of the government of Alberta.
- It is made up of two components: a base amount and a working income supplement.
- It is paid on a quarterly basis, with 4 payments per year.
- It is separate from the Federal Canada Child Benefit and is entirely funded by the provincial government.
New Eligibility Criteria for ACFB
- Citizenship and Residency: The individual must be a citizen or permanent resident of Alberta.
- Family Status: The individual must be a parent of one or more children whose age should be under 18.
- Tax Return: In order to get the ACFB payment, you must file a tax return.
- Income Threshold: This payment is only available for those who are lower or middle-class citizens. For this, you have to meet the income requirements set by the government of Canada.
Alberta Child and Family Benefit (ACFB) Payment Amount
Families with children under the age of 18 are eligible to receive the tax-free Alberta Child and Family Benefit (ACFB). You may be entitled to receive the following amounts:
Base Component
| No. of Children | Amount Per Month | Maximum Base Amount | Total Maximum Base Amount |
| For the first child | $122.41 | $1,469 | $1,469 |
| For the second child | $61.25 | $735 | $2,204 |
| For the third child | $61.25 | $735 | $2,939 |
| For the fourth child | $61.25 | $735 | $3,674 |
Working Income Component
| No. of Children | Amount Per Month | Maximum Working Amount | Total Maximum Working Amount |
| For the first child | $62.66 | $752 | $752 |
| For the second child | $57.08 | $685 | $1,437 |
| For the third child | $34.16 | $410 | $1,847 |
| For the fourth child | $11.25 | $135 | $1,982 |
ACFB Payment Dates
| Month Name | Payment Dates for 2024 | Payment Dates for 2025 |
| February | 27 February 2024 | 27 February 2025 |
| May | 27 May 2024 | 27 May 2025 |
| August | 27 August 2024 | 27 August 2025 |
| November | 27 November 2024 | 27 November 2025 |
How do I apply for the ACFB?
Applying for the Alberta Child and Family Benefit is a very simple process. To apply, follow the instructions given below:
- File Income Tax Returns: It is mandatory for the parents or guardians to file a personal income tax return every year. The ACFB amount and eligibility will be determined by the Canada Revenue Agency using the family net income amount from their tax returns. It is advised to file the tax returns even if you have a little money to get other benefits.
- Automatic Enrolment: Eligible families are automatically enrolled in the ACFB program after the filing of their tax returns.
- Eligibility Confirmation: After the procedure of tax returns, individuals can verify their eligibility and view ACFB details by logging into CRA My Account online or contacting CRA.
- Information Update: Always keep your information updated to avoid delay in the benefit payments. To guarantee accurate payments, do not forget to update your address, direct deposit information, marital status, and family details with the CRA whenever anything changes. Families do not need to reapply every year if they are filing out income tax returns annually and are meeting the eligibility criteria of ACFB.
FAQs
Is the ACFB payment taxable?
No, you need not pay taxes on your ACFB payments. But, you need to file your income tax return annually to continue receiving your ACFB payments.
What should I do if I didn’t receive my ACFB payment for which I was qualified?
If you haven’t received your ACFB payment for which you were qualified, then you must contact the CRA to confirm your eligibility and payment details.