Universal Child Care Benefit (UCCB)

What is the Universal Child Care Benefit (UCCB)? Who receives the Universal Child Care Benefit? How do I apply for the Universal Child Care Benefit payments? When are the Universal Child Care Benefit payments being sent? What happens if I do not receive my Universal Child Care Benefit payment on the 20th day of a month? How much will the Universal Child Care Benefit payments be and how will they be paid? Will I continue receiving the Canada Child Tax Benefit under 7 year old supplement if I have a child under the age of 7 years? Can I access my Universal Child Care Benefit payment information through My Account?

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1. What is the Universal Child Care Benefit (UCCB)?
The Universal Child Care Benefit is a new initiative designed to assist Canadian families, as they seek to balance work and family life, by supporting their child care choices through direct financial support. The UCCB payment is to be paid on behalf of children under the age of 6 years in instalments of $100 per month per child.

2. Who receives the Universal Child Care Benefit?
To receive the UCCB, all the following conditions must be met.

• Canadian citizen;
• "permanent resident" (as defined in the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act);
• "protected person" (as defined in the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act); or
• "temporary resident" (as defined in the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act) who has lived in Canada throughout the previous 18 months, and who has a valid permit in the 19th month (other than one that states "does not confer status"). If this is your situation, you should not apply before the 19th month.

3. How do I apply for the Universal Child Care Benefit payments?
The enrolment for the Universal Child Care Benefit will be processed through the Canada Child Tax Benefit application. If you already receive the CCTB, you will not be required to re-apply in order to receive the Universal Child Care Benefit (UCCB). You may download the Canada Child Tax Benefit application form or obtain a copy by contacting the Canada Revenue Agency at 1-800-959-2221. You may also order a copy of the form through our online ordering service.

4. When are the Universal Child Care Benefit payments being sent?
The Universal Child Care Benefit payments will be made on or about the 20th of each month starting July 2006.

5. What happens if I do not receive my Universal Child Care Benefit payment on the 20th day of a month?
If you do not receive your Universal Child Care Benefit payment on the 20th of the month, please allow 10 working days for delivery. If you have not received your payment after the 10 working days have expired, please contact the Canada Revenue Agency at 1-800-387-1193.

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6. How much will the Universal Child Care Benefit payments be and how will they be paid?
The Universal Child Care Benefit will be a monthly payment of $100 per eligible child under the age of 6. The initial July 2006 payment will be issued by cheque. In the future, recipients will have the option to ask that their Universal Child Care Benefit payments be deposited directly into their financial institution account.

7. Will I continue receiving the Canada Child Tax Benefit under 7 year old supplement if I have a child under the age of 7 years?
Effective July 2006, for the 2005 base year, the Canada Child Tax Benefit under 7 supplement ($20.75 per month) will cease to be paid for all children under the age of 6 years because it is being replaced by the Universal Child Care Benefit (UCCB) ($100 per month). However, children that are 6 years old between July 2006 and June 2007 will continue to receive the Canada Child Tax Benefit under 7 supplement until the month of their seventh birthday or June 2007, whichever comes first. Effective July 2007, the Canada Child Tax Benefit under 7 supplement will cease to exist and will no longer be paid.

8. Can I access my Universal Child Care Benefit payment information through My Account?
You will be able to view your Universal Child Care Benefit payment details through CRA's secure online service My Account on the day that the payment is issued. You need to register for an epass to access My Account.