The Nova Scotia Child Benefit (NSCB) is a tax-free monthly payment for low- and modest-income families with children under 18. It is fully funded by the Nova Scotia government, but the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) pays it in the same deposit as your Canada Child Benefit (CCB). From July 2026 to June 2027, it pays up to $127.08 a month for each child.
How much you’ll get (July 2026 to June 2027)
The CRA works out your NSCB each July from your adjusted family net income on the previous year’s tax returns. For July 2026 to June 2027, that’s your 2025 return plus your spouse’s or common-law partner’s.
There are two income levels:
| Number of children | Family net income under $26,000 | Family net income $26,000 to $33,999 |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $127.08 a month | $127.08 a month |
| 2 | $254.17 a month | $190.63 a month |
| 3 | $381.25 a month | $254.17 a month |
| Each extra child | add $127.08 | add $63.54 |
In the lower income range, every child gets the full $127.08. In the higher range, the first child still gets $127.08, and each other child gets half that, $63.54. At a family net income of $34,000 or more, there is no NSCB.
Examples
- A single parent with three children and a family net income of $22,000 gets the full rate for each child: $381.25 a month, or $4,575 a year.
- A couple with two children and a family net income of $30,000 gets $127.08 for the first child and $63.54 for the second: $190.63 a month.
The CRA’s child and family benefits calculator shows your NSCB and CCB together.
Who qualifies
You can get the NSCB if:
- You live in Nova Scotia.
- You have a child under 18 living with you, and you are mainly responsible for their care.
- You qualify for the Canada Child Benefit.
- You and your spouse or partner file your taxes every year, even if you had no income.
- Your adjusted family net income is under $34,000.
If you share custody, each parent gets 50% of the provincial amount they would get if the child lived with them all the time.
How to get it
Families do not have to apply for the NSCB. The CRA checks whether you qualify when you apply for the CCB and file your taxes.
- Apply for the CCB. When your baby is born, tick the box to apply for benefits on the birth registration form. You can also apply through CRA My Account, or by mail with Form RC66.
- File your taxes by April 30 every year, and make sure your spouse or partner does too.
- Keep your details up to date with the CRA, including your address, bank account, marital status and custody.
Our Canada Child Benefit guide walks through the CCB application step by step.
What changed in 2026
The NSCB rate of $127.08 a month per child, and the $26,000 and $34,000 income levels, apply for July 2026 to June 2027. The CCB itself was recalculated and indexed in July 2026, so your total monthly deposit may have changed even if your NSCB did not. In July 2026, the federal GST/HST credit was renamed the Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit.
Payment late, missing or different?
Your NSCB comes in your CCB deposit. If nothing arrives, wait 5 working days after the payment date, check the payment status in CRA My Account, then call CRA benefits at 1-800-387-1193.
Common reasons for a missing or smaller payment:
- You or your spouse or partner didn’t file last year’s taxes.
- Your address or bank account changed and the CRA doesn’t have the new one.
- Your family income crossed $26,000, which lowers the amount for your second and later children, or reached $34,000, which ends it.
- A child turned 18, or your custody arrangement or marital status changed.
Watch out for scams. The CRA will never ask you to pay a fee, buy gift cards or give your password by text or email to receive a benefit. If a message seems off, don’t click the link. Call the CRA yourself.
Other help you might be missing
- Canada Child Benefit: the main federal payment, and the one the NSCB rides along with.
- Nova Scotia Affordable Living Tax Credit: for July 2026 to June 2027, up to $255 a year for an individual or couple, plus $60 for each child, reduced by 5% of family net income over $30,000. You get it by filing your taxes.
- Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit: the renamed GST/HST credit, paid every three months.
- Canada Workers Benefit: a federal tax credit for low-income workers.
- Nova Scotia Income Assistance: monthly help if your family has little or no income.
- Our benefits checkup can point you to others.
Common questions
When is the Nova Scotia Child Benefit paid?
On the same day as the Canada Child Benefit, usually the 20th of the month. The calendar at the top of this page shows each payment date.
Do I have to apply for the Nova Scotia Child Benefit?
No. If you get the CCB and file your taxes, the CRA works out your NSCB automatically.
Is the Nova Scotia Child Benefit taxable?
No. It’s tax-free, so you don’t report it as income.
What is the income limit for the Nova Scotia Child Benefit?
Your adjusted family net income must be under $34,000. Below $26,000, you get the full $127.08 a month for every child.
Why is my Nova Scotia Child Benefit lower for my second child?
If your family net income is between $26,000 and $34,000, the second and later children get half the rate, $63.54 a month each.