Canada’s $1200 Per Child Grant Confirmed, Check Who Qualifies and How to Claim Before It’s Too Late

If you’ve heard about a \$1,200 per child payment in Canada and wondered if your family can get it—good news: there is a real, one-time \$1,200 grant, but it’s provincial and tied to education savings.

It’s called the B.C. Training & Education Savings Grant (BCTESG), and eligible families in British Columbia can claim a one-time \$1,200 deposit into a child’s Registered Education Savings Plan (RESP).

At the same time, all Canadian parents should also review other programs such as the Canada Child Benefit (CCB), Canada Education Savings Grant (CESG), and Canada Learning Bond (CLB)—which together can add thousands of dollars per child annually.

What Exactly Is the “\$1,200 Per Child” Benefit?

The \$1,200 refers specifically to the BCTESG, a one-time grant for B.C. residents.

To qualify, your child must:

• Be born in 2006 or later
• Have an application submitted after their 6th birthday and before their 9th birthday
• Be a resident of B.C. at the time of application (along with the parent/guardian)

The grant goes directly into an RESP—and no personal contribution is required to receive it.

Key BCTESG Facts:

• Amount: \$1,200 one-time per eligible child
• Application window: Between ages 6–9 (before turning 9)
• Application method: Through a participating RESP provider such as a bank, credit union, or investment firm

What About the Federal Canada Child Benefit (CCB)?

Even if you don’t live in B.C., you can still receive the CCB, a monthly, tax-free payment that helps parents with the cost of raising children under 18.

For July 2025 – June 2026, the maximum annual CCB is:

• Up to \$7,997 for each child under age 6
• Up to \$6,748 for each child aged 6–17

These amounts are income-tested and paid monthly by the CRA.

Remaining 2025 CCB Payment Dates:
August 8, September 10, October 10, November 10, December 10

Education-Savings Boosts Every Parent Should Know

Beyond the BCTESG, the federal government offers two key RESP-linked incentives available nationwide:

Canada Education Savings Grant (CESG):

• Basic CESG: 20% match on the first \$2,500 you contribute to an RESP each year (up to \$500 annually; lifetime max \$7,200 per child)
• Additional CESG: Extra 10%–20% match on the first \$500 for qualifying low-to-moderate-income families

Canada Learning Bond (CLB):

• For qualifying lower-income families
• \$500 in the first year + \$100 per year until age 15 (max \$2,000)
• No contribution required—just open an RESP

Quick 2025 Program Comparison

Program	Who Can Get It	Amount	Key Eligibility Notes
BCTESG (B.C. only)	B.C. resident child born 2006+	\$1,200 one-time (into RESP)	Apply between ages 6–9; child & parent must be B.C. residents
CCB (federal)	Families in all provinces/territories with kids <18	Up to \$7,997 (<6) or \$6,748 (6–17) per year	Income-tested; monthly payments
CESG (federal)	Anyone with RESP	20% on first \$2,500/year + extra match for lower incomes	Requires RESP contributions
CLB (federal)	Lower-income families	\$500 first year + \$100/year (max \$2,000)	No contribution required

How to Claim the \$1,200 BCTESG (B.C. Residents)

1. Open an RESP for your child (if you don’t have one already).
2. Confirm eligibility – child born in 2006 or later, age 6–8, both child and parent are B.C. residents.
3. Visit a participating RESP provider and request the BCTESG application form.
4. Provide identification and SINs for both parent and child.
5. Track the deposit – watch for the \$1,200 to be credited to your RESP.

Smart Stacking: Turning \$1,200 into Much More

• Pair with CESG: Once the RESP is open, your contributions can earn a 20% match each year.
• Add the CLB: If eligible, the CLB can boost your RESP by up to \$2,000 without any contribution.
• Use CCB funds: Direct part of your monthly CCB into RESP contributions to unlock more CESG.

Common Mistakes That Could Cost You

• Missing the BCTESG age window: After your child turns 9, the grant is lost forever.
• Not opening an RESP: Without it, you can’t access BCTESG, CESG, or CLB.
• Assuming the \$1,200 is nationwide: It’s B.C.-only—other provinces have different programs.
• Skipping CRA direct deposit: Avoid cheque delays by signing up online.

Final Word for Parents

If you live in British Columbia, the BCTESG is a simple, one-time opportunity to jump-start your child’s education fund. Apply on time, combine it with federal programs like the CESG and CLB, and use monthly CCB payments strategically to grow your RESP.

With smart planning, that \$1,200 can grow into several thousand dollars by the time your child heads to college or university.

FAQs

Q1: Is the \$1,200 grant available across Canada?
No, the BCTESG is available only to eligible families in British Columbia.

Q2: My child is 7—can I still get the \$1,200?
Yes, as long as you apply before your child’s 9th birthday and meet all eligibility rules.

Q3: How much CCB could I receive in 2025?
Up to \$7,997 annually for children under 6, and up to \$6,748 annually for children aged 6–17, depending on family income.

Q4: Do I need to contribute to get the \$1,200 BCTESG?
No, the BCTESG does not require contributions, but having an RESP is mandatory.

Q5: Can I combine BCTESG with other education savings programs?
Yes, you can stack BCTESG with CESG, CLB, and even CCB-funded RESP contributions for greater savings.