Dictionary, Census of Population, 2021
Federal child benefits

Definition

This category refers to federal child benefits received by parents or guardians with dependent children during the reference period.

For the 2021 Census, this includes the one‑time payment of $300 per child issued to Canada Child Benefit recipients as of April 2020. This one‑time federal child benefit payment was aimed at providing income support to families in 2020 during the COVID‑19 pandemic.

For the 2021 Census, the reference period for income data is the calendar year 2020, unless otherwise specified.

Statistical unit(s)

• Person

Classification(s)

• Not applicable

Reported in

2021 (100% data).

Reported for

Population aged 15 years and over in private households

Question number(s)

Variable derived based on administrative tax and benefit records received from the Canada Revenue Agency.

Responses

Positive dollar value or nil

Remarks

See 'Remarks' under total income.

This variable is a component of child benefits. See also income sources.

For more information, please refer to Appendix 2.4 Components of income in 2020.

For additional information about COVID‑19 benefits, data collection method, coverage, reference period, concepts, data quality and the intercensal comparability of the income data, please refer to the Income Reference Guide, Census of Population, 2021.