Even better, the first payment reflecting this increase will arrive early on July 18, 2025, as the usual 20th falls on a Sunday, ensuring funds reach families before the weekend.
This timely adjustment, paired with a 2.7% increase in benefits, provides critical relief to parents and guardians facing soaring costs for groceries, childcare, and school supplies. In this detailed guide, we break down the 2025 Canada Child Benefit (CCB) increase, who qualifies, how much you may receive, and how to apply.
Whether you’re a parent or a newcomer to the system, understanding how the CCB supports Canadian families can help you better manage your household budget.
What Is the Canada Child Benefit (CCB)?
The Canada Child Benefit is a tax-free monthly payment issued by the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) to help families with the cost of raising children under the age of 18.
Introduced in 2016, the CCB replaced earlier programs like the Universal Child Care Benefit, aiming to reduce child poverty and support basic needs like food, clothing, childcare, and education.
Because the CCB is income-tested, lower- and middle-income families receive the largest payments. However, some higher-income households may still receive partial support. The program applies to:
- Canadian citizens
- Permanent residents
- Protected persons
- Certain temporary residents (with a minimum 18-month stay)
Since its launch, the CCB has helped significantly lower child poverty rates across the country.
CCB 2025 Increase: What’s New This Year?
For the 2025–2026 benefit year (July 2025 to June 2026), the CCB increases by 2.7%, matching the Consumer Price Index (CPI) rise. This boost reflects higher food and rent costs, which rose 3.1% and 4.2% respectively year-over-year.
New Maximum Annual Benefit Amounts:
| Child’s Age | Annual CCB (2025) | Monthly Equivalent |
|---|---|---|
| Under 6 years | $7,997 | $666.41 |
| Age 6 to 17 | $6,748 | $562.33 |
Compared to 2024’s maximums ($7,787 and $6,570), this means:
- $210 more per year for children under 6
- $178 more per year for children aged 6 to 17
The first payment with this increase arrives early—on July 18, 2025, because July 20 falls on a Sunday.
Upcoming CCB Payment Dates (2025)
| Month | Payment Date |
|---|---|
| July | July 18, 2025 |
| August | August 20 |
| September | September 19 |
| October | October 20 |
| November | November 20 |
| December | December 12 |
Payments typically arrive on the 20th of each month, unless rescheduled for weekends or holidays. Direct deposit is strongly encouraged to avoid delays, especially during possible postal disruptions.
Who Is Eligible for the Canada Child Benefit?
To qualify for the CCB, applicants must meet the following conditions:
Eligibility Requirements:
- Residency: Be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, protected person, or temporary resident (with 18 months of residency and a valid permit in the 19th month)
- Primary caregiver: You must be primarily responsible for the care and upbringing of a child under 18
- Child’s residency: The child must live with you more than 50% of the time
Custody and CCB Eligibility
Custody status affects how much of the benefit you can receive:
| Custody Type | Benefit Allocation |
|---|---|
| Shared (40–60%) | Each parent receives 50% of the payment |
| Full (>60%) | One parent receives 100% of the payment |
| Less than 40% | Not eligible for payments |
| Temporary custody | Apply during the care period |
For married or common-law couples, CRA assumes the female parent is the primary caregiver unless specified otherwise. In same-sex households, only one parent should apply.
Special Provisions in 2025
A new rule in 2025 allows families to continue receiving CCB payments for up to six months after the death of a child. This support helps cover funeral or transitional costs and offers families much-needed financial space during grief.
How Much CCB Can You Receive in 2025?
The amount of your CCB depends on your Adjusted Family Net Income (AFNI) from 2024, the number of children, and their ages.
Maximum Benefit Amounts (2025–2026):
| Child’s Age | Annual Payment | Monthly Payment |
|---|---|---|
| Under 6 | $7,997 | $666.41 |
| Aged 6 to 17 | $6,748 | $562.33 |
If your AFNI is $37,487 or less, you qualify for the full amounts.
How Income Impacts Your CCB
For families earning over $37,487, the benefit is reduced using a sliding scale.
| Number of Children | AFNI Range | Reduction Formula |
|---|---|---|
| 1 child | $37,487–$81,222 | 7% of amount over $37,487 |
| 1 child | Over $81,222 | $3,061 + 3.2% of income over $81,222 |
| 2 children | $37,487–$81,222 | 13.5% of amount over $37,487 |
| 2 children | Over $81,222 | $5,904 + 5.7% of income over $81,222 |
| 3 children | — | Reductions increase by percentage |
Family A
- 2 kids (1 under 6, 1 age 10), AFNI = $60,000
- Max benefit = $7,997 + $6,748 = $14,745
- Reduction = 13.5% of $22,513 = $3,039.26
- Final CCB = $11,705.74 per year ($975.48 monthly)
Family B
- 1 child under 6, AFNI = $90,000
- Max benefit = $7,997
- Reduction = $3,061 + 3.2% of $8,778 = $3,341.90
- Final CCB = $4,655.10 annually ($387.93 monthly)
Estimating Your CCB
Use the CRA Child and Family Benefits Calculator to estimate your CCB based on:
- AFNI
- Number of children
- Children’s ages
Visit: CRA Child and Family Benefits Calculator
This tool helps families plan their finances and understand how income changes can affect payments.
How to Apply for the Canada Child Benefit
For most families, the CCB is automatically applied based on tax return information. However, if you’re a new parent or have custody changes, you may need to submit a new application.
Steps to Apply:
- File your annual taxes (even with low or no income)
- Use CRA My Account or submit Form RC66
- Update your information regularly (marital status, dependents, address)
- Register for direct deposit to avoid payment delays
Contact CRA at 1-800-387-1193 or log into your CRA My Account for support.
Impact of the CCB on Canadian Families
A study in the Journal of Political Economy found that the CCB reduced child poverty by:
- 11% in single-mother families
- 17% in two-parent families
And this, without reducing labour force participation.
The 2025 increase continues this momentum. While some parents note the added $21 per child per month may not fully offset food inflation, it still provides relief.
How to Maximize Your CCB Benefits
To receive the maximum benefit:
यह भी पढ़े:
Canada Child Benefit Just Increased, See If You’re Getting Up to $1250 Per Child This Month
- File taxes on time for the previous year (2024)
- Update CRA immediately for changes in income or family structure
- Use direct deposit to avoid delays
- Confirm your eligibility if you’re a newcomer or have shared custody
- Estimate benefits using CRA’s calculator