Raising kids isn’t cheap, especially for low- to middle-income families. That’s why the Alberta Child and Family Benefit (ACFB) is such a vital support system. In 2025, eligible families can receive a combined $124 + $64 per month per child, issued quarterly by direct deposit. These payments are tax-free and aimed at helping cover essential costs like food, school supplies, and childcare.
Let’s break down exactly what these payments mean, how much you can expect, who qualifies, and when the money hits your bank account.
Table of Contents
Overview
The $124 + $64 Additional ACFB Payment refers to two components:
- Base Component: ~$124/month per child
- Working Component: ~$64/month per child (for working families)
Since ACFB is paid quarterly, families receive three months’ worth of payments at once, not monthly.
| Component | Monthly Value | Quarterly Payment |
|---|---|---|
| Base Component | $124 | $372 |
| Working Component | $64 | $192 |
| Total Per Child | $188 | $564 |
That’s up to $564 per child every three months—a meaningful amount for families managing tight budgets.
Eligibility
To qualify for the 2025 ACFB payments, families must meet a few basic requirements:
- Be a resident of Alberta
- Have one or more children under 18
- File an annual income tax return, even if there’s no income
- Meet family income thresholds
- Working component eligibility requires some earned income
Tip: If your family earns no income, you can still qualify for the base component, but not the working one.
Payment Dates
ACFB payments are issued four times per year, spaced evenly across the calendar. For 2025, here are the confirmed payment dates:
| Quarter | Payment Date |
|---|---|
| Q1 | February 27, 2025 |
| Q2 | May 27, 2025 |
| Q3 | August 27, 2025 |
| Q4 | December 27, 2025 |
Payments appear as “Canada PRO Deposit” on your bank statement. If you’re not signed up for direct deposit, a paper cheque will be mailed — but that may take extra time.
Amounts
Your total annual benefit depends on how many children you have and your family income. Below is the maximum yearly benefit for each component:
| Children | Base Component | Working Component | Total Max Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | $1,499 | $767 | $2,266 |
| 2 | $2,248 | $1,465 | $3,713 |
| 3 | $2,997 | $1,883 | $4,880 |
| 4+ | $3,746 | $2,021 | $5,767 |
Example: A working family with 2 kids could receive up to $928 every quarter and $3,713 over the year.
Uses
Let’s face it — raising kids is expensive. Here’s how families commonly use their ACFB payments:
- Groceries and healthy meals
- Kids’ clothing and school supplies
- Childcare or after-school programs
- Utility bills or rent
- Gas and public transportation
For families living paycheck to paycheck, missing out on these payments could mean having to choose between buying groceries or paying the power bill.
Facts
Why does the Alberta government provide this benefit? The ACFB is part of a broader effort to reduce child poverty and ensure families can meet basic needs. The program supports both working and non-working parents, but offers a little extra for those earning income.
While $124 and $64 per child may not seem like much monthly, those figures quickly add up to thousands per year — especially when combined with other federal benefits like the Canada Child Benefit (CCB).
FAQs
When is the next ACFB payment?
The next ACFB payment is on February 27, 2025.
How much is the ACFB per child?
Up to $188/month per child, paid quarterly.
Do I qualify if I don’t work?
Yes, but you only receive the base component.
How do I get the ACFB payment?
Payments are made via direct deposit or mailed cheque.
Is the ACFB payment tax-free?
Yes, all ACFB payments are completely tax-free.
