The Canada Child Benefit (CCB) continues to play a vital role in supporting Canadian families by providing direct financial assistance to help with the rising cost of raising children. For 2025, the Government of Canada has confirmed that eligible families can receive up to $7,997 per child, depending on income and household size.
In this detailed guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about the CCB 2025, including who qualifies, how much you’ll receive, monthly payment dates, and how to track your benefit status through the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA).
What Is the Canada Child Benefit (CCB)?

The Canada Child Benefit is a tax-free monthly payment designed to help families with the cost of raising children under 18. Managed by the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA), it is one of the country’s most important family assistance programs.
The amount you receive is determined by:
- The number of children in your household
- Their ages
- Your family’s net income
The primary goal of the program is to reduce child poverty and provide financial stability for lower- and middle-income families.
For 2025, the maximum CCB amount has been confirmed at $7,997 per eligible child, offering much-needed financial relief to families navigating the challenges of inflation and rising living costs.
How the CCB Supports Canadian Families
The CCB remains a cornerstone of family support in Canada, helping millions of households each year. Since its introduction in 2016, it has been praised for:
- Providing consistent, predictable monthly income
- Helping parents cover education, food, clothing, and childcare costs
- Supporting low-income families and single parents
- Reducing child poverty rates across the country
With the 2025 benefit increase, the government continues to strengthen its commitment to child and family welfare.
Eligibility Criteria for the Canada Child Benefit 2025
To receive the Canada Child Benefit in 2025, families must meet the following conditions:
- Residency Requirement – You must be a resident of Canada for tax purposes and live with a child under the age of 18.
- Primary Caregiver – You or your spouse/common-law partner must be the primary caregiver, meaning you are responsible for the child’s daily care and upbringing.
- Income Requirement – Your family’s annual income will determine how much you receive. Families with lower incomes receive higher payments.
- Tax Filing – Both parents must file income tax returns annually, as the CCB is calculated based on the previous year’s tax information.
- Citizenship Status – You must be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, protected person, or temporary resident who has lived in Canada for at least 18 months.
Meeting these requirements ensures that your household remains eligible for the CCB and receives accurate payments throughout the year.
How Much You Can Receive Under CCB 2025
For the July 2025 to June 2026 benefit period, the maximum annual payment per child is $7,997. However, this figure varies based on income and the child’s age:
Child’s Age | Maximum Annual Payment (2025) | Monthly Equivalent |
---|---|---|
Under 6 years old | $7,997 | Approximately $666/month |
Aged 6–17 years | $6,785 | Approximately $565/month |
The higher amount for younger children reflects the increased childcare and early education costs faced by parents.
For families with higher incomes, the benefit gradually decreases after specific income thresholds. For example:
- Families earning below $35,000 usually receive the full amount.
- Families earning above $75,000–$90,000 may receive reduced payments.
Example: CCB Calculation for 2025
Let’s illustrate with two families:
- Family A: Household income of $40,000 with one child aged 4 → They receive close to the full $7,997.
- Family B: Household income of $120,000 with one child aged 10 → Their annual benefit may drop to around $4,200–$4,500, depending on deductions.
This sliding scale ensures that those who need it most receive the highest level of support.
CCB 2025 Payment Schedule
The Canada Child Benefit is paid monthly, typically around the 20th of each month. When the date falls on a weekend or public holiday, payments are issued on the nearest business day.
Official CCB 2025 Payment Dates:
- January 20, 2025
- February 20, 2025
- March 20, 2025
- April 20, 2025
- May 20, 2025
- June 20, 2025
- July 20, 2025
- August 20, 2025
- September 20, 2025
- October 20, 2025
- November 20, 2025
- December 20, 2025
If your payment is delayed, you can log into your CRA My Account to verify whether the deposit has been processed or if there’s an administrative delay.
How to Apply for the Canada Child Benefit
Applying for the CCB is straightforward, but accuracy is key to avoiding delays. Follow these steps:
- File Your Income Tax Return
- You and your spouse (if applicable) must file your 2024 tax returns. The CRA uses these to calculate your benefit amount.
- Apply Online or Through Mail
- Log in to your CRA My Account and go to the “Apply for Child and Family Benefits” section.
- Alternatively, fill out Form RC66 – Canada Child Benefits Application and mail it to your tax centre.
- Provide Required Documents
- Proof of birth for each child.
- Immigration or citizenship documents (if applicable).
- Updated address and marital status information.
- Wait for Confirmation
- Once processed, the CRA will issue a Notice of Determination, confirming your eligibility and monthly amount.
Tracking Your CCB Status and Payments
You can easily monitor your CCB payments and benefit history using the CRA My Account portal. Here’s how:
- Log in to CRA My Account.
- Select the “Child and Family Benefits” section.
- Check upcoming payments, current eligibility, and payment history.
This portal also allows you to update your personal details, such as marital status, number of dependents, or banking information, ensuring you never miss a payment.
Special Situations and Additional Benefits
Certain families may qualify for additional CCB top-ups or related support programs:
1. Disability Benefit Supplement
If your child is eligible for the Disability Tax Credit, you may receive an extra $3,173 annually per child under the Child Disability Benefit (CDB).
2. Rural or Remote Families
Some provinces offer provincial top-ups or supplementary benefits for families living in northern or remote communities with higher living costs.
3. Changes in Family Status
If you experience a separation, new marriage, or new child birth, update your information immediately. Failure to do so can delay or alter your payments.
4. Temporary Residents
Temporary residents can also qualify for CCB if they’ve lived in Canada for at least 18 months and hold a valid permit.
Common Issues and How to Resolve Them
If your CCB payment is delayed or incorrect, here are common causes and solutions:
- Tax Filing Delays: Ensure both parents file taxes on time.
- Bank Account Errors: Verify your CRA direct deposit details.
- Outdated Family Information: Update changes in dependents or marital status.
- Address Changes: Notify the CRA to prevent misdirected mail or cheques.
If issues persist, contact the CRA Child Benefit Helpline for assistance
Why Filing Taxes on Time Matters
Filing taxes each year is crucial to maintain CCB eligibility. The CRA recalculates your benefit every July based on your latest income return. Missing the deadline can pause or reduce your benefit until your taxes are processed.
For families relying on this support, it’s essential to file early and keep your CRA records accurate.
CCB and Its Role in Canada’s Future
The Canada Child Benefit remains one of the country’s most impactful social programs, credited with reducing child poverty by over 30% since its inception.
With inflation and economic pressures continuing into 2025, the CCB’s $7,997 per child cap ensures that families receive consistent help in meeting daily expenses.
As policymakers discuss future enhancements, experts predict that the CCB will remain central to Canada’s family income support system for years to come.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. How much is the Canada Child Benefit in 2025?
The maximum benefit for 2025 is $7,997 per child under 6 and $6,785 per child aged 6 to 17, depending on household income.
Q2. When are the Canada Child Benefit payments made?
Payments are made monthly, usually on the 20th of each month.
Q3. Is the CCB taxable?
No, the Canada Child Benefit is completely tax-free and does not affect other benefits or credits.
Q4. How do I apply for the CCB?
You can apply through your CRA My Account or by submitting Form RC66 via mail after filing your taxes.
Q5. What if my payment is delayed?
Check your CRA My Account to confirm payment status. If still missing after five business days, contact the CRA for follow-up.