Jenny
Canadian households will receive welcome news this summer, as the Canada Child Benefit (CCB) is getting a 2.7% boost for the 2025–2026 benefit year. This increase aims to address inflation and rising living costs, including food, rent, and education expenses.
What’s more, families can expect the first increased payment early—on July 18, 2025—instead of the usual 20th, as that date falls on a Sunday.
Understanding the Canada Child Benefit (CCB)
The Canada Child Benefit is a tax-free monthly payment issued by the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) to assist families raising children under the age of 18.
Introduced in 2016, the CCB replaced earlier programs and targets low- and middle-income families with larger payments, although partial benefits may still be available for higher-income households.
Eligibility extends to:
- Canadian citizens
- Permanent residents
- Protected persons
- Qualified temporary residents
Since its implementation, the CCB has played a key role in reducing child poverty across the country.
CCB Increase & Early Disbursement in 2025
For the upcoming benefit year (July 2025 – June 2026), the CCB will rise by 2.7%, based on the Consumer Price Index (CPI). This reflects increased prices in food (3.1%) and rent (4.2%), helping families keep pace with cost-of-living hikes.
Updated Annual Maximums
| Child Age Group | Annual CCB (2025) | Monthly Equivalent |
|---|---|---|
| Under 6 years old | $7,997 | $666.41 |
| 6 to 17 years old | $6,748 | $562.33 |
These are increases from last year’s figures of $7,787 and $6,570, respectively—an annual gain of $210 for younger children and $178 for older ones.
2025 CCB Payment Schedule
Here are the upcoming CCB payment dates for the remainder of 2025:
- July 18
- August 20
- September 19
- October 20
- November 20
- December 12
To ensure timely receipt, the CRA urges families to enroll in direct deposit, particularly in the event of postal service interruptions.
Who Qualifies for the CCB?
You’re eligible for the CCB if:
- You’re a resident (citizen, permanent or protected person, or qualified temporary resident with 18+ months of stay).
- You’re primarily responsible for the care of a child under 18.
- The child lives with you more than half the year.
Custody Rules
- Shared custody (40–60%): Both parents receive 50% of the benefit.
- Full custody (>60%): One parent gets 100% of the benefit.
- Temporary care: Benefits apply for the duration of care, with reapplication needed upon change.
Special provisions allow same-sex parents or non-primary mothers to apply with proper documentation.
CCB Benefit Amounts Based on Income
The actual amount you receive depends on your Adjusted Family Net Income (AFNI) from 2024, number of children, and their ages.
2025 Maximums
| Child Age Group | Annual Amount | Monthly Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Under 6 | $7,997 | $666.41 |
| 6–17 years | $6,748 | $562.33 |
If your AFNI is $37,487 or below, you’ll receive the full benefit for each child.
How Income Impacts Your Payments
Higher incomes result in a gradual reduction of your CCB. Here’s a simplified breakdown:
| Children | AFNI Range | Reduction Formula |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $37,487 – $81,222 | 7% of income over $37,487 |
| Above $81,222 | $3,061 + 3.2% of income over $81,222 | |
| 2 | $37,487 – $81,222 | 13.5% of income over $37,487 |
| Above $81,222 | $5,904 + 5.7% of income over $81,222 | |
| 3 | $37,487 – $81,222 | 19% of income over $37,487 |
| Above $81,222 | $8,310 + 8% of income over $81,222 |
Examples
Family A: Two children, AFNI $60,000
Total max benefit = $14,745
Reduction = 13.5% of $22,513 = $3,039.26
Annual CCB = $11,705.74, or $975.48/month
Family B: One child under 6, AFNI $90,000
Max = $7,997
Reduction = $3,061 + (3.2% of $8,778) = $3,341.90
Annual CCB = $4,655.10, or $387.93/month
Use the CRA’s Child and Family Benefits Calculator to estimate your own benefits.
Applying for the CCB
Most families are automatically enrolled when they file taxes. New applicants or those with changed circumstances can apply through CRA My Account or submit Form RC66.
Tips
- File taxes annually even with low income.
- Update marital status, income, address, or number of children promptly.
- Opt for direct deposit to avoid delays.
Why the CCB Matters
The CCB has had a measurable impact on reducing child poverty. A 2018 study noted an 11% drop for single-mother families and 17% for two-parent households.
In 2025, the new increase offers meaningful assistance:
- Two-child families may gain $388 extra annually—helpful for school supplies, groceries, or daycare fees.
However, some parents say it’s not enough. One single mother remarked that “$21 extra per child doesn’t cover skyrocketing food prices.”
Still, the CCB remains essential, especially for newcomers, low-income families, and diverse households, as it ensures all children receive foundational support.
How to Maximize Your CCB
To get the most from your CCB:
- Submit your taxes early
- Keep your CRA information current
- Use direct deposit
- Review your eligibility annually
- Estimate with CRA tools
The Canada Child Benefit increase for 2025, coupled with the early July 18 payment, offers critical support for Canadian families.
With rising costs in essentials, this timely financial boost helps ease pressure on parents while continuing the government’s mission to fight child poverty.
Though modest for some, the benefit remains a vital tool for building a stable future for Canada’s youth.
FAQs
When is the first increased CCB payment in 2025?
The first enhanced CCB payment will be issued on July 18, 2025, moved up from July 20 due to the weekend.
Who is eligible for the Canada Child Benefit?
Eligibility includes Canadian citizens, permanent residents, protected persons, and some temporary residents living in Canada for 18 months.
How much can I receive per child under the 2025 CCB?
You may receive up to $7,997 per child under 6, and $6,748 per child aged 6–17, depending on income.