The Alberta Child and Family Benefit (ACFB) is an initiative from Alberta's provincial government. It's provided as a means of helping lower-income families increase their level of economic security.
In 2015, child benefits were first introduced by the province of Alberta in the form of the Alberta Working Family Supplement. At the same time, the Alberta government introduced the Alberta Family Employment Tax Credit.
These programs were eventually combined to form the Alberta Child and Family Benefit. Below, you'll find details on eligibility, payment amounts, and more.
Who is eligible for the Alberta Child and Family Benefit?
The Alberta Child and Family Benefit offers direct financial assistance for low and middle-income families caring for children who are 18 years old and younger.
To qualify, your family must be a resident in the province of Alberta, and:
- Have a child under the age of 18
- Pay taxes
- Meet income requirements
How much is the ACFB?
Families that qualify for this benefit receive payments from the provincial government on a quarterly basis.
There are two components to the ACFB – the base component and the working component.
The base component
The base component is available to all lower-income families with children, whether or not they earn income from employment.
Under the base component, families who qualify will receive different amounts based on their income and the number of children they support.
These are the maximum annual amounts families can receive under the base component, from July 2024 to June 2025:
- Up to $1,469 for the first child
- Up to $2,204 for families with 2 children
- Up to $2,939 for families with 3 children, and
- Up to $3,674 for families with 4 or more children
These benefit amounts are reduced once the household income exceeds $27,024.
The working component
The working component is available to families earning employment income above $2,760 annually.
Like the base component, families who qualify for the working component will receive different amounts based on their income and the number of children they support.
These are the maximum annual amounts families can receive under the working component, from July 2024 to June 2025:
- Up to $752 for the first child
- Up to $1,437 for families with 2 children
- Up to $1,847 for families with 3 children
- Up to $1,982 for families with 4 or more children
These benefit amounts are reduced once the household income exceeds $45,285.
Some families are eligible to receive both components of the ACFB, while others (those not earning any employment income) are only eligible to receive one.
What are the Alberta Child and Family Benefit payment dates in 2025?
ACFB benefits are paid to eligible families 4 times a year, and recipients can choose whether they receive them via direct deposit or mail.
The ACFB payment dates for 2025 are:
February 27May 27August 27- November 27
Recipients who are signed up for direct deposit payments and haven’t received their benefits within 5 business days of the dates listed above should call 1-800-959-2809.
FAQ
What is the maximum amount I can get for the Alberta Child and Family Benefit?
Families with 4 or more children who qualify for maximum benefits under both the base component and working component of the ACFB are eligible to receive $5,656 per year, or $1,414 each quarter.
How do I apply for the Alberta Child and Family Benefit?
To apply for the ACFB, all you have to do is file your taxes and qualify for the Canada Child Benefit. You’ll automatically be considered for this benefit when the Canada Revenue Agency assesses your tax return.
What is the Alberta Child and Family Benefit eligibility criteria?
If a family lives in Alberta and has at least one child living at home is eligible for ACFB payments, as long as the children are under the age of 18. The adults must meet certain income requirements as well.
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