Child grant is an allowance provided to qualifying families to support the care of their children. The grant's purpose is to help parents/guardians meet the basic needs of their children, including food, education, healthcare, and clothing. The amount of the child grant varies from country to country, and in this article, we take a look at how much child grant is provided by different countries, the eligibility criteria, and the application process.
Child Grant in the United States
The United States does not have a national child grant, but it offers the Child Tax Credit program. Under this program, families can receive up to $2,000 per child under the age of 17 on their tax return. The amount of the credit decreases as income increases, and families with no tax liability can still receive up to $1,400 per child as a refund.
Eligibility Criteria
- The child must be under the age of 17 at the end of the tax year.
- The child must be a U.S. citizen, U.S. national, or a resident alien.
- The child should have lived with the taxpayer for more than half of the year.
- The taxpayer must have a valid Social Security number.
Application Process
Families can apply for the Child Tax Credit when filing their taxes. They need to complete Form 8812, Child Tax Credit, and include it with their tax return. The credit is not available for taxpayers using the Married Filing Separately status.
Child Grant in the United Kingdom
The United Kingdom offers the Child Benefit program, which provides tax-free payment to eligible families to help with the cost of raising children. The payment amount depends on the number of children in the family and the income of the family. For example, families can receive £21.05 per week for the first child and an additional £13.95 per week for each additional child.
Eligibility Criteria
- The child must be under the age of 16 (or under 20 if they are still in education or training).
- The child must live with the parent/guardian.
- The parent/guardian must be responsible for the child.
Application Process
Families can apply for Child Benefit as soon as the child is born or moves to the United Kingdom. They need to complete a Child Benefit claim form (CH2) and send it to the Child Benefit Office. Families can receive payments until the child reaches the age of 18 (or 20 if they are still in education or training).
Child Grant in Canada
Canada offers the Canada Child Benefit, which is a tax-free payment to qualifying families to help with the cost of raising children. The payment amount depends on several factors, including the number of children in the family, the age of the children, and the family's income. For example, families can receive up to $6,833 per year for each child under the age of six and up to $5,765 per year for each child between the ages of six and 17.
Eligibility Criteria
- The child must be under the age of 18.
- The child must reside with the parent/guardian.
- The parent/guardian must be a resident of Canada for tax purposes.
- The parent/guardian must file their taxes every year.
Application Process
Families can apply for the Canada Child Benefit by completing the Canada Child Benefits Application form (RC66) and sending it to the Canada Revenue Agency. They can also apply online through their CRA My Account. The payment is typically deposited into the family's bank account every month. Families need to update their information regularly to ensure they receive the correct payment amount.
Conclusion
Child grant programs vary from country to country and provide much-needed support to qualifying families to help them raise their children. Families should research and understand the eligibility criteria and application process to apply for child grant programs available in their country.
