In addition to the monthly Canada Child Benefit (CCB) payments, families in Alberta may be eligible to receive the Alberta Child and Family Benefit (ACFB).
ACFB is administered by the Canada Revenue Agency on behalf of the Alberta government, and payments are made quarterly in February, May, August, and November.
Other child-related benefits in Alberta include:
- Alberta Child Health Benefit
- Income Support (childcare and school expenses)
Alberta Child and Family Benefit Payment Dates
ACFB payments are issued by the CRA in four installments. For 2023, the remaining payment dates are as follows:
- February 27, 2023
- May 26, 2023
- August 25, 2023
- November 27, 2023
A cheque is either mailed to you or the funds are deposited in your bank account. The payment may appear as Canada FED.
If your ACFB payment is under $10 for the quarter, it may be combined and paid less frequently.
What is the ACFB?
The Alberta Child and Family Benefit was established in July 2020 when two other income support programs were combined into one.
It comprises the Alberta Child Benefit (ACB) and Alberta Family Employment Tax Credit (AFETC).
The program is aimed at helping low-and middle-income families better support their children and reduce child poverty.
ACFB payments are non-taxable and do not impact eligibility for other social assistance programs such as Assured Income for the Severely Handicapped (AISH). It also does not require recipients to have earned employment income.
That said, similar to the Canada Child Benefit; you must file your income tax return to be eligible for ACFB.
ACFB Eligibility Requirements
To be eligible for the Alberta Child and Family Benefit, you must:
- Be a resident of Alberta
- Have children under the age of 18
- Meet the income criteria
- File a tax return
Related: Alberta Seniors Benefit.
Alberta Child and Family Benefit Amount
As part of the Alberta Affordability Action plan to combat the effects of inflation and rising costs of living, ACFB payments are increasing by 6% in 2023 as follows:
- $1,330 up to $1,450 – one child
- $1,995 up to $2,193 – 2 children
- $2,660 up to $2,920 – 3 children
- $3,325 up to $3,632 – 4 or more children
How much ACFB will you get?
The Alberta Child and Family Benefit you receive depends on how many kids you have that are under 18 years of age, whether you have a working income, and your family’s net income.
It includes a “base component” that is paid whether or not you are employed, and a “working component” kicks in when income earned by your family exceeds $2,760.
For the July 2022 to June 2023 benefit period, you receive the following amounts (base component) if your income is $24,467 or less:
- First eligible child: $1,330 (or $110.83/month)
- Second eligible child: $665 ($55.41/month)
- Third eligible child: $665 ($55.41/month)
- Fourth eligible child: $665 ($55.41/month)
For family income levels between $24,467 and $41,000, you receive a partial benefit.
For the July 2022 to June 2023 benefit period, you receive the following amounts (i.e. working component) if your income exceeds $2,760:
- First eligible child: $681 (or 56.75/month)
- Second eligible child: $620 (or $51.66/month)
- Third eligible child: $371 (or $30.91/month)
- Fourth eligible child: $123 (or $10.25/month)
When your adjusted family exceeds $41,000, the working component for ACFB is reduced.
To summarize, the maximum ACFB you can receive per year is:
| Number of Children | Maximum Base Component | Maximum Working Component |
| 1 child | $1,330 | $681 |
| 2 children | $1,995 | $1,301 |
| 3 children | $2,660 | $1,672 |
| 4 or more children | $3,325 | $1,795 |
You can use this child and family benefits calculator to estimate how much your payments will be.
How To Apply For The Alberta Child And Family Benefit
You don’t need to apply separately for the ACFB. If you are already enrolled for CCB, your eligibility for ACFB is automatically assessed.
Make sure to file a tax return every year to remain eligible, whether you have earned employment income or not.
Here is some free tax return filing software you can use.
If you have questions about ACFB or payments, you can contact the CRA at 1-800-959-2809.
Is ACFB Increasing in 2023?
The Alberta Child And Family Benefit will increase by 6% in 2023.
Families with children under 18 and a household income below $180,000 will also receive an extra $100 per child for 6 months between January and June 2023, for a total of $600 per child.
This additional benefit is part of the Alberta Affordability Payment Plan.
Related:
- GST Payment Dates
- B.C. Child Opportunity Benefit
- Ontario Child Benefits
- Statutory Holidays in Canada
- Alberta Tax Rates and Income Brackets
Have questions about child benefits in Alberta? Leave them in the comments.
