So, we're finally applying for the child benefit (baby is 13 months old - better late than never, right?), but it looks like we need to also fill out the 'Status in Canada/Statement of income form' where they want to know how much we earned during the 3 years prior to arriving to Canada. Does anyone know why???

I think it's because your current benefit is assessed on last year's income. If you are applying for a child 13 months old,then it will potentially be backdated, so they will want to assess your benefit on your earnings in the fiscal year before the child was born. Hope that makes sense!

Hi, thank you for the response. This makes sense, however, I thought that the benefit is not dependant on earnings, i.e. everyone gets the same amount regardless of how much they earn??

There are two different benefits:

Universal Childcare Care Benefit (UCCB) is the same for everyone: $100 a month per child under six (proposed to be increased to $160 a month). It is taxable income.

Canadian Child Tax Benefit (CCTB) is a tax-free payment that is based on family income. This is why they want to know prior year's income.

Are either tax benefit based on income threshold per family? With universal you would assume not... But I thought I read it was. You have to be in country 18 months also? My little one will be born in March and we will have been in country 18 months by June.. Just curious...

CCTB is means tested on family income, UCCB is not.

You are right that although a citizen or PR can claim these from day one a temporary resident has to wait 18 months. You or your spouse must be:

"temporary resident" (as defined in the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act) who has lived in Canada throughout the previous 18 months, and who has a valid permit in the 19th month (other than one that states "does not confer status"). If this is your situation, you should not apply before the 19th month."

Thank you JonboyE. I actually need to get in touch with you, so will email soon. Many thanks.