The Government of Canada is making it easier for families to receive benefits for newborns.
On Wednesday, National Revenue Minister Diane Lebouthillier and Minister of Health and Social Services for the Government of the Northwest Territories Glen Abernethy announced that NWT residents can now apply for the Canada Child Benefit (CCB) program and other child benefits with the Automated Benefits Application service.
Minister Abernethy said the plan service is another step to help providing parents the necessities needed for parenthood.
“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… 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.”
Parents can now apply for the benefit program by consenting on their child’s birth registration form. The form can be found health care facilities throughout the Northwest Territories. According to the Government of Canada and Government of the Northwest Territories, the information will be sent to the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) through a secure network. The CRA will then 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 service is available in all provinces, with the Northwest Territories being the first territory to receive the service. The Government of Canada says plans are in place for both Yukon and Nunavut to be offered the service in the near future.
