Canadian parents are getting some good news this December—a $300 Child Benefit Adjustment is on the way. But here’s the catch: to make sure you actually receive the money on time, you’ll need to verify your details before December 15.
This one-time top-up is meant to help families cover rising costs like food, school supplies, winter clothing, and everyday expenses. With inflation still putting pressure on household budgets, this extra support could make a real difference. Here’s a full breakdown of who qualifies, what steps you need to take, and how to make sure your payment isn’t delayed.
Overview
The $300 Child Benefit Adjustment is part of Canada’s efforts to strengthen family support during tough economic times. While the base Canada Child Benefit (CCB) already provides monthly payments to eligible parents, this new payment is a one-time bonus to help with rising living costs.
To get it, though, the government is asking families to review and confirm their household and child information. If anything is outdated or inaccurate, it could delay or reduce your benefit amount.
Purpose
This adjustment is designed to give parents some breathing room during the expensive winter season. With higher grocery prices, school fees, and childcare costs, many families are struggling to stay ahead. That’s where this $300 top-up comes in.
But this isn’t just a free handout—you must take action. The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) requires updated details to ensure you qualify and that the right amount is deposited into your account.
Requirements
To receive the full $300 payment, you’ll need to meet a few basic requirements. These ensure the payment goes to the correct household and that children listed on the benefit are still eligible.
Key Conditions:
- Be a Canadian resident with an active CCB file
- Confirm your marital status, income, and address
- Verify your child’s age, custody, and dependent status
- Respond to any CRA requests for extra documents
- Log in to your MyCRA account to complete updates
If any of this information is outdated, the payment may be delayed—or you could receive less than expected.
Steps
To keep things simple, the CRA is offering a clear path for families to complete verification. All you need is your MyCRA login, access to your personal records, and a few minutes to double-check everything.
Here’s what to do:
- Log in to your MyCRA Account
- Confirm your household details—income, address, marital status
- Check your dependent information—child age, custody updates
- Review and update your bank account for direct deposit
- Submit changes before December 15
If you’ve moved recently, changed jobs, or updated your relationship status, it’s especially important to log in and make those changes.
Checklist
Use the table below to ensure you’re ready:
| Requirement | Description |
|---|---|
| Update Personal Info | Confirm address, income, and marital status |
| Verify Child Details | Ensure dependents are listed and still eligible |
| Review Banking Info | Avoid deposit issues by confirming account info |
| MyCRA Account | Use to log in, update, and upload documents |
| Deadline | All steps must be done before December 15 |
Eligibility
The CRA has updated how it reviews eligibility for this adjustment. Even if you’re already getting the CCB, you still need to verify your current situation.
These changes can affect your eligibility:
- A child moving into a new age group (e.g. turning 6 or 12)
- New custody arrangements or guardianship changes
- Income changes that move you above or below certain thresholds
- Marriage, divorce, or changes in common-law status
By keeping your file up to date, you protect your payments—and avoid CRA holding or reducing your benefit.
Guidelines
The government has made it clear: they want the money to reach the right families. To do that, they’ve laid out official verification guidelines.
These focus on:
- Confirming the identity of parents and guardians
- Verifying dependent children listed in your file
- Updating digital account settings
- Submitting supporting documents, if requested
If you receive a letter or notice from CRA asking for info, respond immediately to avoid delays.
The sooner you act, the better your chances of seeing that $300 in your account by December 15.
FAQs
When is the $300 child benefit paid?
It will be deposited on December 15.
Do I need to apply for the adjustment?
No, but you must verify your info on MyCRA.
What if my child recently turned 6 or 12?
Update their info to avoid benefit changes.
What documents might CRA ask for?
Proof of custody, income, or ID may be needed.
Will late updates delay payment?
Yes, updates after Dec 15 may delay or reduce payment.
