Canada Child Benefit (CCB) Increase in Mid-2025 – Are you Eligible?

Starting in July 2025, Canadian families will see an increase in their Canada Child Benefit (CCB) payments. This adjustment accounts for inflation and is designed to provide more financial support to parents raising children.

For the 2025-2026 benefit year, the updated monthly payments will be:

• Up to $666 for each child under six years old
• Up to $562 for each child between six and seventeen years old

This increase of 2.7 percent is part of the government’s effort to ensure families can manage rising costs. Payments will be automatically adjusted based on 2024 tax returns, so parents do not need to take any action.

Canada Child Benefit

The Canada Child Benefit is a tax-free monthly payment administered by the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA). It provides financial assistance to families with children under the age of 18, helping them cover essential expenses such as food, housing, clothing, and childcare. Introduced in July 2016, the program replaced previous child benefit systems to create a more income-targeted approach. The benefit is calculated based on adjusted family net income, meaning that families with lower incomes receive higher payments, while those with higher incomes see a gradual reduction in the amount they receive.

How Much Will CCB Increase in 2025?

Beginning in July 2025, the maximum benefit amounts per child will be:

• $7,997 per year ($666.42 per month) for children under six years old
• $6,748 per year ($562.33 per month) for children aged six to seventeen

These payments will be indexed to inflation, ensuring that families continue to receive adequate support. The adjustment is based on 2024 tax returns, and parents do not need to submit any new applications to receive the updated amounts.

Who is Eligible for CCB?

To qualify for the Canada Child Benefit, parents or guardians must meet the following criteria:

• Be a Canadian resident for tax purposes
• Be primarily responsible for the care and upbringing of the child
• Have a child under the age of 18
• File annual tax returns, as payments are determined based on family income

Newcomers to Canada, including permanent residents, protected persons, and certain temporary residents, may also be eligible. Temporary residents must have lived in Canada for at least 18 consecutive months and hold a valid permit in their 19th month. In some cases, retroactive payments may be available for up to ten years if eligibility was missed in previous years.

How is the CCB Payment Calculated?

The amount a family receives under the Canada Child Benefit depends on their adjusted family net income, the number of children in the household, and their ages.

For families with an income of $37,487 or less, the full benefit amount is provided. For incomes above this threshold, payments are gradually reduced. The reduction rates for the 2025-2026 benefit year are as follows:

• A 13.5 percent reduction for incomes between $37,487 and $81,222
• An additional 5.7 percent reduction for incomes above $81,222

These reductions ensure that families with lower incomes receive the most support while gradually decreasing payments for higher-earning households. Parents can use the Canada Child Benefit Calculator on the CRA website to estimate their expected payments.

How to Apply for CCB?

Families can apply for the Canada Child Benefit through one of the following methods:

• Online via CRA My Account for the fastest processing time
• By mailing Form RC66 (Canada Child Benefit Application) along with required documents
• Through birth registration, available in some provinces, such as Ontario and British Columbia, where parents can apply directly when registering their newborn’s birth

If applying late, parents may need to provide proof of residency, immigration status, and the child’s birth certificate. Once approved, payments begin the following month, and retroactive payments may be issued if eligible.

CCB Payment Dates for 2025

The Canada Child Benefit is paid on the 20th of each month unless that date falls on a weekend or holiday.

The payment schedule for 2025 is as follows:

• January 20
• February 20
• March 20
• April 17
• May 20
• June 20
• July 18
• August 20
• September 19
• October 20
• November 20
• December 12

Additional Child Disability Benefit (CDB)

The Child Disability Benefit (CDB) is an additional tax-free amount included in CCB payments for families with children who qualify for the disability tax credit. For the 2025-2026 benefit year, the maximum CDB amount is $3,411 annually, paid alongside the CCB each month. This benefit is designed to help families with additional costs related to medical care, assistive devices, and specialized support. To qualify, a child must be approved for the disability tax credit by the CRA.

New CCB Changes Effective January 2025

A major update to the Canada Child Benefit program took effect in January 2025, allowing CCB payments to continue for six months following the passing of a child. This policy change provides additional financial support to grieving families during difficult times. Certain provincial benefits, such as the BC Family Benefit, may also be combined with the CCB to provide additional support for families in need.

Final Thoughts

The upcoming Canada Child Benefit increase in July 2025 is an important families continue to receive the financial support they need. With higher payments, automatic adjustments, and expanded support for families facing hardship, the CCB remains a vital part of Canada’s child welfare system. Families with lower incomes will receive the highest benefit amounts, while payments will gradually decrease for higher earners. Eligibility remains based on residency, income, and tax filings, and applications can be submitted online, by mail, or through birth registration.