Separation or divorce

Life eventChecked October 2, 2026

A separation changes your family income for benefit purposes, which can increase what you receive. You must tell the CRA promptly.

Your checklist

Tell the CRA your marital status changed
Benefits are recalculated on your new family income.
CCB CGEB
Sort out custody and apply for CCB if children now live with you
Shared custody splits the CCB between parents.
CCB
Check provincial child benefits
They follow your new CCB record.
OCB BCFB ACFB Allocation famille
Check single-parent supplements
Some provinces pay more to single parents.
Allocation famille BCFB
Review housing help after moving
Rent help may become available on a single income.
RAP Rent Assist Allocation-logement

Timing

Notify the CRA by the end of the month after your status changes. You are considered separated after 90 days apart.

Province-specific notes

Quebec: Report the change to Retraite Québec too for Allocation famille.

Official sources

CRA: CCB amount and shared custody ↗

Last checked against these pages on October 2, 2026.

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BenefitCanada is independent and not affiliated with any government. This guide summarizes official sources in plain language; rules and amounts change, so always confirm on the official page before applying.