Canadian families can expect a meaningful financial boost beginning July 2025, as the federal government has confirmed a mid-year increase to the Canada Child Benefit (CCB). This adjustment, based on the Consumer Price Index (CPI), reflects a 2.7% inflation-linked hike for the 2025–2026 benefit year.
The revised payment structure will increase the monthly maximum to $666.42 per child under 6 and $562.33 per child aged 6 to 17. These changes, determined from 2024 tax filings, come at a time when household expenses continue to rise due to economic inflation and elevated living costs.
Since its launch in 2016, the CCB has been a vital part of Canada’s strategy to reduce child poverty and support child-rearing expenses. The 2025 update reinforces the government’s intent to maintain the real value of benefits through annual adjustments.
Canada Child Benefit Payment Increase Coming In Mid-2025
The CCB is a tax-free monthly payment administered by the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA). It is designed to help families manage the cost of raising children below the age of 18. The benefit replaced older programs such as the Universal Child Care Benefit and Canada Child Tax Benefit, consolidating support into a single, income-tested system.
A distinguishing feature of the CCB is that it provides greater assistance to low- and middle-income families. The amount a family receives depends on several factors, including their adjusted family net income (AFNI), the number of children in the household, and the children’s ages. It is recalculated each year following the submission of income tax returns.
The CCB also integrates additional support mechanisms, such as the Child Disability Benefit (CDB), for families with children who qualify for the Disability Tax Credit (DTC).
Revised Payment Structure Effective July 2025
From July 2025 onward, the CCB payment rates will be adjusted to reflect inflation over the previous year. This ensures that the benefit retains its value relative to rising costs of living, especially in essential areas like housing, food, transportation, and child care.
| Age Group | Monthly Payment | Annual Total |
|---|---|---|
| Children under 6 | $666.42 | $7,997.04 |
| Children aged 6–17 | $562.33 | $6,747.96 |
These values represent the maximum amounts payable to families with income below the CCB reduction threshold. Payments are reduced progressively for families earning above this level, ensuring equitable distribution based on need.
The updated amounts will automatically take effect for all eligible families who have filed their 2024 income tax returns. No reapplication is necessary unless there has been a change in family status or residency.
Income Thresholds and Benefit Reductions
The amount of CCB a family receives is inversely proportional to their income. The CRA uses a tiered reduction system to scale down payments once a family’s adjusted income surpasses a certain limit. For the 2025–2026 benefit year, that threshold begins at $37,487.
Families with income below this threshold qualify for the full benefit. Those earning more will see their CCB reduced at a calculated percentage that depends on their income band and number of children.
| Income Range | Reduction Rate |
|---|---|
| $37,487 – $81,222 | 13.5% on the excess income |
| Above $81,222 | Additional 5.7% on the excess |
For example, a family with two children under 6 and a family income of $60,000 would experience only a modest reduction, still retaining the majority of the benefit. Meanwhile, higher-income families will receive significantly lower payments or none at all, depending on their earnings.
Eligibility Conditions for Receiving the CCB
To receive the Canada Child Benefit, applicants must meet a defined set of eligibility criteria set by the CRA. These requirements ensure that the benefit is provided only to those legally responsible for the child and who reside in Canada.
- The applicant must live with the child and be primarily responsible for their care.
- The child must be under 18 years of age.
- The applicant must be a resident of Canada for tax purposes.
- The applicant and their spouse (if applicable) must file income tax returns annually.
Permanent residents, Canadian citizens, protected persons (such as refugees), and eligible temporary residents (after meeting 18 months of continuous residence) may qualify. For newcomers to Canada, retroactive payments may be made if eligibility existed during a previous period but was not claimed.
It is critical that both parents, where applicable, file income tax returns to avoid payment delays or benefit denials.
How to Apply for the Canada Child Benefit
The application process for the CCB is straightforward and offers flexibility based on the applicant’s situation. Applicants are encouraged to apply as soon as they become eligible to avoid delays in receiving payments.
- Online through CRA My Account: This is the fastest and most efficient method. Once registered, applicants can access forms, update details, and track application progress.
- Through provincial birth registration services: In some provinces like Ontario and British Columbia, new parents can apply for the CCB at the time of registering their child’s birth.
- By mail using Form RC66: Paper applications are accepted and should be accompanied by identification documents, especially for non-residents or retroactive claims.
Processing time generally ranges between 4 and 8 weeks, depending on the method and completeness of documentation. Applicants submitting retroactive claims may also need to provide additional proof of residency or care responsibilities.
CCB Payment Calendar for 2025
Payments are typically issued by the CRA on the 20th of each month, unless it falls on a weekend or public holiday. In such cases, payments are processed on the nearest business day prior to the 20th.
Here is the confirmed payment schedule for the 2025 calendar year:
- January 20, 2025
- February 20, 2025
- March 20, 2025
- April 17, 2025
- May 20, 2025
- June 20, 2025
- July 18, 2025
- August 20, 2025
- September 19, 2025
- October 20, 2025
- November 20, 2025
- December 12, 2025
Delays may occur if there are issues with tax filings or updated family information. Parents are advised to keep their CRA account information current to ensure seamless payments.
Additional Support Through the Child Disability Benefit
Families caring for children with disabilities are eligible for further assistance through the Child Disability Benefit (CDB), which is paid in addition to the CCB. This benefit is intended to help cover the higher costs often associated with specialized care and medical support.
For the 2025–2026 benefit year, the annual CDB will increase to $3,411, up from $3,322 the previous year. This represents a 2.7% inflation-based adjustment, similar to the standard CCB.
To qualify, the child must be approved for the Disability Tax Credit (DTC). This involves a medical professional completing Form T2201, which must be reviewed and accepted by the CRA. Once approved, the additional amount is automatically added to the family’s monthly CCB.
Notable Policy Change Effective January 2025
Beginning in January 2025, a compassionate change will allow CCB and CDB payments to continue for six months following the death of a child. This extension is meant to provide financial support during the grieving period and to help cover funeral and related expenses.
This policy reflects a growing recognition of the emotional and financial challenges faced by families in times of loss. It marks a significant development in Canada’s child and family support framework.
Additionally, families may qualify for provincial supplements, such as the BC Family Benefit, which can be received in conjunction with the federal CCB. These benefits provide an extra layer of financial support to lower-income households and are administered through provincial channels.