B.C. Child Opportunity Benefit
Budget 2019 replaces the B.C. Early Childhood Tax Benefit with a new B.C. Child Opportunity Benefit (BCCOB) effective October 1, 2020.
The B.C. Child Opportunity Benefit provides a tax-free monthly payment to families with children under the age of 18.
The maximum B.C. Child Opportunity Benefit is:
- $1,600 for a family’s first child
- $1,000 for a second child
- $800 for each subsequent child under the age of 18
If the family net income is more than $25,000 but less than $80,000, the B.C. Child Opportunity Benefit is reduced by 4% of the portion of family net income over $25,000. However, the B.C. Child Opportunity Benefit for a family with family net income between $25,000 and $80,000 is not less than:
- $700 for the first child
- $680 for the second child
- $660 for each subsequent child under the age of 18
For families with a family net income of $80,000 or more, the remaining B.C. Child Opportunity Benefit is reduced by 4% of the portion of family net income over $80,000 until it is reduced to zero.
The $25,000 and $80,000 thresholds will be indexed to inflation in future years.
The B.C. Child Opportunity Benefit is combined with the federal Canada Child Benefit into a single monthly payment.
Read our frequently asked questions to learn more about the B.C. Child Opportunity Benefit.
Annual Benefit Calculation
For October 2020 to June 2021, families may be able to receive 1/12 of the annual benefit each month.
Use our benefit estimator to help you estimate your total B.C. Child Opportunity Benefit amount.
From July to September 2020, the existing B.C Early Childhood Tax Benefit will continue to be paid out monthly.
Starting in October 2020, the B.C. Child Opportunity Benefit will replace the B.C. Early Childhood Tax Benefit and be paid out monthly.
Applying for the Benefit
The Canada Revenue Agency will administer the B.C. Child Opportunity Benefit program for the province effective October 1, 2020.
The Canada Revenue Agency will use the information from your Canada Child Benefit registration to determine your eligibility for the B.C. Child Opportunity Benefit. If your child is registered for the Canada Child Benefit, they will be automatically registered for the B.C. Child Opportunity Benefit.
If your child is not registered for the Canada Child Benefit, you’ll need to apply for the Canada Child Benefit. The Canada Revenue Agency will use the information from your Canada Child Benefit application to determine your eligibility for the B.C. Child Opportunity Benefit. If you’re eligible, the amount of the payments will be calculated automatically by the Canada Revenue Agency based on information from the personal tax returns you (and your spouse or common-law partner) have filed.
Legislation
The following legislation applies to the B.C. Child Opportunity Benefit program:
