$124 + $64 ACFB Payment 2025: Alberta Benefit Dates & Eligibility Guide

In 2025, many Albertans are anticipating the continuation of important financial supports designed to assist low- and modest-income families and individuals. One such support is the Alberta Child and Family Benefit (ACFB), which provides monthly payments intended to help cover the costs associated with raising children. The payment structure for 2025 includes a $124 base amount plus an additional $64 supplement, aimed at providing meaningful relief to eligible families.

This guide offers a comprehensive overview of the Alberta Child and Family Benefit payment details for 2025, including payment dates, eligibility criteria, and how families can access these funds to better support their children’s needs.

What Is the Alberta Child and Family Benefit?

The Alberta Child and Family Benefit is a provincial program aimed at providing financial assistance to families with children under the age of 18. The benefit helps cover essential expenses such as food, clothing, school supplies, and other day-to-day costs of raising children.

The benefit is income-tested, which means the amount a family receives depends on their household income and the number of children they have. The combination of the $124 base payment and the additional $64 supplement is designed to maximize support for those who need it most while phasing out for families with higher incomes.

Who Is Eligible for the ACFB Payments?

Eligibility for the Alberta Child and Family Benefit is primarily determined by income and family status. To qualify, families must meet several key conditions:

• Be residents of Alberta for tax purposes.
• Have at least one child under the age of 18 living with them.
• File a valid income tax return with the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) each year.
• Have a net family income below the designated threshold set by the Alberta government.

Both parents or guardians must file their tax returns to ensure eligibility is properly assessed. This is important because the benefit calculation uses family income reported on tax filings.

How Much Can Families Expect to Receive?

The $124 + $64 payment refers to two components of the Alberta Child and Family Benefit:

• A base monthly payment of $124 for eligible families with children under 18.
• An additional monthly supplement of $64 aimed at supporting low-income families with extra needs.

Combined, these payments offer up to $188 per month per eligible child, helping to reduce financial pressure and improve child well-being. However, the exact amount received may vary depending on the family’s total income, number of children, and other factors.

The benefit is structured to phase out gradually as family income rises. This ensures support is targeted at families most in need while maintaining fiscal responsibility.

How and When Are Payments Made?

The Alberta government typically issues ACFB payments monthly. In 2025, the payments are expected to follow a regular schedule, with deposits made directly into recipients’ bank accounts. The exact payment dates may vary slightly but usually occur near the end of each month.

Families should expect to see deposits or cheques corresponding to the ACFB payment on or around these dates each month:

• January through December 2025, typically between the 20th and 25th of each month.

These payments are automatic for eligible families, and no separate application is required beyond filing annual income tax returns.

How to Apply for the Alberta Child and Family Benefit

Unlike some other benefit programs, the ACFB does not require a separate application form. Eligibility is determined automatically based on information filed with the Canada Revenue Agency and the Alberta government.

To ensure eligibility and receive payments without delay, families should:

• File their annual income tax returns on time, even if income is low or zero.
• Ensure that all dependent children are properly claimed on tax returns.
• Keep contact and banking information up to date with CRA to facilitate direct deposit payments.

For newcomers to Alberta or families who have recently had a child, contacting provincial support services can help clarify how to establish eligibility.

Additional Supports and Benefits for Families in Alberta

The Alberta Child and Family Benefit is just one of several programs designed to assist families in need. Eligible families may also qualify for other financial supports such as:

• Canada Child Benefit (CCB), a federal program providing additional monthly payments for children.
• Alberta Family Employment Tax Credit (AFETC), which supports working families with low income.
• Other provincial programs offering childcare subsidies, health benefits, or housing assistance.

Combining these supports can help families better manage expenses and improve overall financial stability.

Impact of ACFB on Family Budgets

For many families in Alberta, the additional $124 base payment plus the $64 supplement represents a valuable boost to monthly household income. This assistance helps cover critical expenses such as nutritious food, educational materials, clothing, and extracurricular activities for children.

By reducing financial stress, the benefit also contributes to better health and social outcomes for children and families. It plays a vital role in Alberta’s broader efforts to reduce child poverty and promote equal opportunities.

Important Considerations for Recipients

While the Alberta Child and Family Benefit offers significant help, families should be mindful of a few key points:

• Benefit amounts may change if household income fluctuates, so it is important to keep tax information accurate and up to date.
• Changes in family circumstances, such as a child aging out or changes in custody arrangements, should be reported to ensure proper benefit calculations.
• The benefit is considered non-taxable income, so it will not affect other government benefits based on income.

Regularly reviewing statements and government notifications helps families stay informed about their benefit status.

Looking Ahead: What to Expect in Future Years

The Alberta government regularly reviews and updates its family benefit programs to respond to economic conditions and social needs. While the $124 + $64 payment structure is planned for 2025, changes could occur in subsequent years depending on budget priorities and program evaluations.

Families are encouraged to stay informed through official provincial channels and tax authorities to be aware of any updates or new supports that may become available.

How to Get Help and More Information

For questions about the Alberta Child and Family Benefit, payment schedules, or eligibility, families can access assistance through various government resources. These include:

• Alberta’s Ministry of Children’s Services or relevant provincial departments.
• The Canada Revenue Agency for tax-related inquiries.
• Community organizations that provide support with benefit applications and family services.

Seeking help early ensures families receive the full benefit of programs designed to support their well-being.

The Alberta Child and Family Benefit payments for 2025 offer meaningful financial relief to many families across the province. Understanding eligibility, payment schedules, and related supports empowers parents and guardians to make the most of available resources to provide a better life for their children.

If you are a family in Alberta with children under 18, make sure your tax returns are filed correctly to access these valuable benefits and stay up to date on all available supports.