CCB to Extend 6 Months After Child’s Death

The Canada Child Benefit (CCB) program has undergone a significant change this year, particularly regarding payments after the death of an eligible child. Previously, CCB payments stopped the month after a child’s passing, and parents were required to notify the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) promptly. However, starting in January 2025, eligible parents or legal guardians will continue receiving CCB payments for six months following the child’s death. The same extension applies to the Child Disability Benefit, which is typically issued alongside the CCB.

This policy change stems from advocacy efforts and previous discussions in the federal government. In 2021, an e-petition presented to then-Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland highlighted the financial burden grieving families face, arguing that funeral and burial costs should be considered part of raising a child. The petition called for a two-month extension of CCB payments to help with these expenses. While Freeland acknowledged existing federal benefits for parents of deceased or seriously ill children, the government ultimately decided on a more generous six-month extension.

This new measure, exceeding the original two-month request, reflects the government’s commitment to supporting grieving families. In addition to this change, the maximum annual CCB amount is also set to adjust in July, as part of the program’s regular updates. These modifications aim to provide greater financial relief to families facing hardship while ensuring the CCB remains aligned with evolving needs.

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