The Automated Benefits Application service in the Northwest Territories will make applying for benefits for newborns easier

YELLOWKNIFE, March 21, 2018 /CNW/ - The Government of Canada is committed to improving services to help Canadians receive the benefits to which they are entitled.

Today, the Honourable Diane Lebouthillier, Minister of National Revenue, and the Honourable Glen Abernethy,  Minister of Health and Social Services, Government of the Northwest Territories, announced that residents of the Northwest Territories can now apply for the Canada child benefit (CCB) and other child benefits with the Automated Benefits Application service for the registration of a newborn. In January 2018 alone, the CCB supported 7,780 children in the Northwest Territories with payments totalling $2,596,000.

As of now, parents of newborns can apply for benefits by simply providing their consent on the birth registration form available in health care facilities throughout the Northwest Territories. This information will be sent to the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) through a secure network. The CRA will process the application and determine eligibility for benefits such as the Canada child benefit, the Northwest Territories child benefit, and the child portion of the GST/HST credit.

The Automated Benefits Application service is another demonstration of the Government of Canada's commitment to partnering with provinces and territories to help Canadian families. The service is currently available in 10 provinces and the Northwest Territories, with plans to offer the service in Yukon and Nunavut in the future.

Quotes

"New parents want to spend more time with their newborn and less time on paperwork. Our new partnership with the Government of the Northwest Territories will allow us to move from a paper-based process to one that is quick, easy and secure. This new initiative will provide those parents with a more streamlined and efficient way to obtain the credits and benefits to which they are entitled."

 The Honourable Diane Lebouthillier - Minister of National Revenue

"The Automated Benefits Application Services will make it easier for parents of newborns to apply for all child benefit programs, which includes the Northwest Territories child benefit. To implement the service, the Northwest Territories Birth Registration Statement has been updated to include an option that allows parents to apply for these benefits. This service makes it possible for parents to receive their benefit payments sooner which supports our mandate areas of reducing the cost of living and fostering healthy families."

The Honourable Glen Abernethy, Minister of Health and Social Services   

Quick Facts

• Applying early for the Canada child benefit ensures that parents receive the child benefit and credit payments they are entitled to, on time and in the right amount.
• Those without access to the Automated Benefits Application service can apply for Canada child benefits through the CRA's My Account or by completing Form RC66, Canada Child Benefits Application.
• In order to maintain the integrity of the tax and benefit system, in some cases, the CRA will review eligibility for Canada child benefits. The CRA may request proof that the applicant is primarily responsible for the care and upbringing of the child. This is not needed when applying, but may be requested later.
• You must keep all your tax documents for at least six years. The six-year period starts at the end of the last tax year to which the records relate.
• As of July 2018, the Canada child benefit will be enhanced to keep up with the increased cost of living. For a single parent of two children earning $35,000 annually, a strengthened CCB will contribute $560 in the 2019-20 benefit year toward the cost of raising their children.
• Direct deposit allows Canadians to receive their benefit payments faster. The CRA recommends signing up for direct deposit prior to giving birth in order to reduce delays in receiving your Canada child benefit payments.
• It's possible to sign up for direct deposit online, through My Account or the MyCRA mobile web application, by mail and by phone. Caisse Desjardins members can also sign up for direct deposit online through the Desjardins website.

Associated Links

Automated Benefits Application 
Having a child: benefits and credits 
NT Birth Registration

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SOURCE Canada Revenue Agency