Some parents receiving the Canada Child Benefit (CCB) say they were surprised this week when they did not get their regular payments.
 

As of this month, the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) has begun recovering any overpayments of the Child Benefit that it says were paid during the COVID-19 pandemic.

In some cases, according to the CRA, CCB funds have not been collected between May 2020 and this month.

Jodi Waite, 43, from London, Ontario, told CBC: "I woke up and checked my account like most parents do on the twentieth, and I had zero, it’s a big deal for us."

Waite and her partner have six children, three of whom qualify for the Child Benefit.

It is worth noting that the CCB is a monthly tax-free payment delivered to eligible families with children under 18 years old.

Among other things, it depends on the number of children, marital status, and income.

The Waite family usually collects $833, but her CRA account shows she owes $3,724.97.

Therefore, she did not receive the regular monthly CCB payment issued on March 20.

According to Waite, she does not owe the CRA $3,724.97, so she plans to file a complaint, saying that this amount is based on an incorrect date when she and her partner moved in together.

Waite said she had no idea that her Child Benefit account would decrease.

Adding, "It’s kind of scary because a week ago, I checked my CRA and it said I was still receiving my March payment."

On the other hand, a CRA spokesperson told CBC that excess Child Benefit payments are being recovered.

Silvy Branch said, "The first Child Benefit payment affected by this measure was the March 2023 payment."

Adding, "If an account review shows that an individual has received overpayments of the Child Benefit, the CRA sends a notice of the required repayment including a remittance voucher to inform the individual of the outstanding balance.

Explaining, "The CRA may withhold all or part of future Child Benefit payments, or income tax refunds, or GST/HST credits until the outstanding balance is paid."

Like many other Canadian families, the Waite family depends on Child Benefit funds.

Waite explained that "if you have children, you rely on this money every month, and not having it will be a real disappointment, as there will be many people struggling, not just me."
 

On the other hand, the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) says it will work with people on this matter.

On another note, Keira Lynn Audet, 26, from London and another mother, said her family will be affected by the government's recovery of overpaid Child Benefit payments.

Audet, who usually receives nearly $800 for her two-year-old daughter, also said: "They took about 60 percent of the amount."

Audet, who does not have daily access to a computer and is expecting her second child in November, added "They said they sent a letter and everything, but I didn’t receive any letter."

"I have no idea why, but now they say they overpaid me."

Audet’s outstanding debt was initially about $1,300, but it has now dropped to $900 after the CRA took nearly half of her March cheque.

She said she depends on the Child Benefit to buy diapers, groceries, and other bills.

Audet also said: "I am stressed especially because I am also preparing to have a new baby."

Adding, "How will I get a car seat? How will I get their stroller? How will I get all their needs and things along with also ensuring the needs of my daughter now when they keep taking more and more?"

The branch said the CRA will work with people on a case-by-case basis. "If a taxpayer believes that using their benefits and/or credits to repay their debts has caused significant financial hardship, they should contact the CRA directly to discuss their options at

1-888-863-8662, even if they already have a repayment plan in place."