Northwest Territories

NWT Child Benefit

Easy application

Need you to file taxes and apply separately

You do not need to apply for this benefit, but you need to file your tax return to get it.

The government will use the information in your tax return to decide if you will get the benefit.

The Northwest Territories (NWT) Child Benefit is a non-taxable benefit that is based on the number and ages of children in a family, as well as your family net income declared in the previous year’s income tax return.

The NWT Child Benefit is administered by the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) on behalf of the Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) and is included in your monthly Canada Child Benefit payment issued by the Government of Canada. Payments are typically issued on the 20th of each month.

The amount of NWT Child Benefit you receive is based on your net family income as well as the number and ages of the children in your care. Families with a net income under $30,000 will receive the full benefit. Families with a net family income between $30,000 and $80,000 may receive a portion of the NWT Child Benefit.

To estimate how much you may be eligible for, please use the CRA Child and Family Calculator. You will be required to enter specific information from your income tax return.

To be eligible for all or a portion of the NWT Child Benefit, you and your spouse (if applicable) must:

  • Be an NWT resident.
  • Be a parent or primary caregiver of one or more children under the age of 18 who live with you.
  • Have a family net income of less than $80,000 per year.
  • File an income tax return every year.

  • You do not need to apply for the NWT Child Benefit.
  • If you are already enrolled in the Canada Child Benefit program and meet the eligibility criteria listed above, you will automatically qualify for the NWT Child Benefit.

For more information on the Canada Child Benefit or to apply, please click here.

Last updated: August 5, 2021