NWT Child Benefit
NWT Child Benefit
The NWT Child Benefit is a tax-free payment to help low- and modest-income families with the cost of raising children under 18. It is combined with the federal Canada Child Benefit and paid together, with the full amount going to families with the lowest income and a partial benefit for higher incomes.
Useful Tips for Applying
Apply for the Canada Child Benefit and file your taxes every year so the NWT Child Benefit is paid automatically. Families with net income under $30,000 receive the full benefit (for example, $815 per child aged 6 to 17), and families with income between $30,000 and $80,000 receive a partial benefit. The benefit is combined with the federal payment.
Who May Qualify
You may qualify if you are an NWT resident with a child under 18, file your taxes, and your net family income is under $80,000. Families with income under $30,000 receive the full benefit; those between $30,000 and $80,000 receive a partial benefit.
Required Documents
Your Canada Child Benefit application and your filed annual income tax return, since the NWT Child Benefit is calculated automatically from your net family income.
How to Apply
Apply for the Canada Child Benefit through the CRA. You must file your annual income tax return; the NWT Child Benefit is calculated automatically based on your net family income.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
A common mistake is not applying for the Canada Child Benefit, which is required. Another is not filing your tax return, since eligibility depends on your family net income. People also miss that families with income between $30,000 and $80,000 receive a partial benefit, not just those under $30,000.
Preparing an application?
The Application Helper walks you through each question on this benefit's form in plain language.
Application denied?
If your application is turned down, the Appeals Guide explains filing deadlines, escalation levels, and where to find free legal and advocate help.
Accessible Compass is an independent guide — we are not a government agency and do not process applications or approve benefits. We provide general information only, not legal, medical, or financial advice. Program rules may change. Always confirm with official government sources.
