The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) manages several federal benefits and credits for Canadians. These include the Canada Child Benefit, the GST/HST credit, and other related payments.
If you have questions about your benefits, need to update personal details, or want to report a change in family circumstances, you can contact the CRA by phone.
How Do I Contact the CRA for Child Benefits?
If you need help with the Canada Child Benefit or related programs, the CRA provides a dedicated benefits phone line. You can call this number to ask questions about payments, eligibility, or updates to your account.
Main CRA benefits phone number:
1-800-387-1193
This line handles questions related to:
- Canada Child Benefit (CCB)
- Child Disability Benefit
- GST/HST credit
- Related provincial and territorial benefit programs
When you call, you can speak to a CRA agent who will review your account and answer questions about your benefit payments.
What Is the CRA Benefits Phone Number?
The primary CRA benefits contact number for most Canadians is:
1-800-387-1193
This phone line connects you to the CRA benefits enquiries department. It covers several benefit programs, including the Canada Child Benefit and other federal credits.
If you live in certain northern territories, there is a separate phone number:
Yukon, Northwest Territories, and Nunavut:
1-866-426-1527
These numbers connect you directly with CRA representatives who handle benefit-related questions.
What Are the CRA Benefits Phone Hours?
CRA benefits phone lines operate during specific hours on weekdays. The standard hours are:
Monday to Friday
8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time
Saturday and Sunday
Closed
Public holidays
Closed
These hours apply to Canada Child Benefit enquiries and related programs.
CRA call centre hours may vary slightly depending on the service you are calling about.
Some automated services are available outside these hours.
Can I Contact the CRA About Benefit Payments by Phone?
Yes. CRA agents can help with many benefit-related tasks over the phone. When you call the benefits line you can:
- Ask about current or past benefit payments
- Report changes to marital status or family information
- Update personal details that affect benefit eligibility
- Ask why payments stopped or changed
- Discuss repayment if you received too much benefit money
These services are handled through the CRA benefits enquiry phone lines.
Many Canadians call the CRA when they need help with issues such as delayed Canada Child Benefit payments or incorrect payment amounts.
What Information Do I Need Before Calling CRA Benefits?
The CRA recommends having specific information ready before you call. This helps agents verify your identity and locate your account quickly.
You should have:
- Your Social Insurance Number (SIN)
- Your full name and date of birth
- Personal details about the children in your care if asking about child benefits
- Information from previous benefit payments or CRA letters
Having this information ready will make the call faster and easier for both you and the CRA agent.
If you are calling on behalf of someone else, you must be an authorized representative for that person’s account.
Is There a Phone Number for CRA Benefit Overpayments?
If you received too much Canada Child Benefit or another family benefit and need to arrange repayment, the CRA provides a separate phone number.
Benefit overpayment arrangements phone number:
1-888-863-8662
Service hours for this line are typically:
Monday to Friday
8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time
Saturday and Sunday
Closed
This number connects you with CRA agents who can help set up payment arrangements for benefit overpayments.
Can I Use an Automated Phone Service for CRA Benefits?
The CRA also offers automated phone services for certain benefit enquiries. These systems allow you to check information without speaking to a representative.
Using automated services, you can:
- Check benefit eligibility
- Find payment dates
- Estimate payment amounts
These automated systems are available most hours of the day except for short maintenance periods.
To access these services, you call the CRA phone system and follow the prompts for the specific benefit you want to check.
Is There Another Way to Contact CRA Benefits?
Although phone lines are available, the CRA also encourages Canadians to use online services when possible. Many benefit questions can be answered through secure online tools.
You can sign in to the CRA My Account portal to:
- View benefit payment dates
- Track application status
- Update personal information
- Send secure messages to the CRA