Application Process for Canada Child Tax Benefit

On May 12, 2009 the Minister of National Revenue announced that the Canada Revenue Agency (the “CRA”) is simplifying the application process for the Canada Child Tax Benefit (CCTB) to make it easier for recipients to confirm their living arrangements and marital status for eligibility purposes.

In the context of a breakdown of a marriage or relationship, it can be difficult to obtain cooperation or information from a spouse or common-law partner to support a benefit recipient’s claim.  These changes acknowledge that reality and will allow a benefit recipient to submit two letters from independent third parties to demonstrate that they now live at a residential address different from their former spouse.  In the past, benefit recipients’ claims could be delayed while the CRA waited for information validating a change of marital status from the former spouse or common law partner. 

Further information and the entire press release can be found at www.cra.gc.ca/cctb.