New Canada Child Benefit Payments To Be Sent On April 17
Disclaimer: The following is provided for general informational purposes only. The Canada Child Benefit (CCB) is administered by the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA). Sohi Law Group does not provide benefit application services. If you are involved in a family law matter where CCB entitlement is affected by custody or parenting arrangements, please contact our office for legal advice.
Canadian families are set to receive their next Canada Child Benefit (CCB) payment earlier than usual this spring. The April 2025 payment will be issued on Thursday, April 17, instead of the usual 20th of the month, due to the Easter holiday weekend.
The CCB is a cornerstone program for Canadian families, providing tax-free monthly payments to help offset the costs of raising children. Designed to support low- and middle-income families, the benefit amounts vary based on household income, the number of children, and their ages.
What is the Canada Child Benefit?
The Canada Child Benefit (CCB) is a tax-free monthly payment available to eligible families with children under the age of 18. It aims to help families cover the expenses of childcare, education, and other necessities. Unlike other government benefits, the CCB does not count as taxable income, making it a valuable resource for families across the country.
Who is Eligible for the CCB?
To qualify for the CCB, applicants must meet specific criteria. They must reside in Canada for tax purposes and be either Canadian citizens, permanent residents, protected persons, or temporary residents who have lived in Canada for at least 18 months. Additionally, they must be the primary caregiver of a child under 18 who lives with them full-time.
Families in shared custody arrangements are also eligible, with payments split based on the percentage of time each parent cares for the child. This aspect can be significant in family law disputes, as accurate custody arrangements directly affect entitlement.
However, foster parents and those receiving the Children’s Special Allowances are generally not eligible for the CCB.
April 2025 Payment Details
The April 2025 CCB payment will be deposited on Thursday, April 17, 2025. This earlier date is due to the Easter holiday, which falls on the weekend of April 19-21. Typically, CCB payments are made on the 20th of each month, but when this date coincides with a weekend or statutory holiday, the payment is issued on the preceding business day.
For the 2024-2025 benefit year, the maximum monthly payments are:
- $648.91 for each child under the age of 6.
- $547.50 for each child aged 6 to 17.
How Are CCB Payments Calculated?
The amount of CCB a family receives is determined by three key factors: the number and ages of their children, their adjusted family net income (AFNI) from the previous tax year, and whether any children qualify for the disability tax credit.
Families with an AFNI of $36,502 or less are eligible for the full CCB amount. For incomes between $36,502 and $81,222, payments are reduced at a lower rate. Higher-income households, with AFNI exceeding $81,222, face steeper reductions in their benefit amounts.
For example, a family with two children under the age of 6 and an AFNI of $40,000 could expect to receive a reduced payment, while a family with the same number of children but an AFNI of $35,000 would receive the full $1,297.82 per month ($648.91 per child).
Future Increases in CCB Payments
Starting in July 2025, the CCB will be adjusted annually for inflation. This change will increase the maximum benefit amounts to $666.42 per month for children under 6 and $562.33 per month for children aged 6 to 17. This adjustment ensures that the benefit keeps pace with the rising cost of living, providing families with additional financial support as inflation impacts household expenses.
How to Apply for the CCB
Applying for the CCB is a straightforward process managed directly through the CRA. Parents can apply in three ways:
- Through birth registration: Parents can apply for the CCB when they register their child’s birth.
- Online through CRA My Account: Parents can submit their application and child information securely.
- By mail: Families can complete Form RC66 (Canada Child Benefits Application) and mail it to the designated tax center.
Note: These steps are provided for reference only, as outlined by the CRA. Families should consult the CRA website for the most up-to-date instructions.
For late applicants, retroactive payments may be available if the application is submitted with appropriate documentation.
Maintaining Eligibility for the CCB
To continue receiving the CCB, families must meet ongoing eligibility requirements. This includes filing annual tax returns for both parents, even if there is no income to report. Additionally, families must notify the CRA of any changes in their circumstances that could affect their benefit amount. These changes include:
- Address or residency status changes.
- Marital status updates.
- Changes in custody arrangements.
- The death of the recipient or child.
In family law, custody changes can directly impact CCB payments, so keeping both the CRA and legal counsel informed is important.
Key Features of the CCB
- Tax-Free Payments: The CCB is not subject to income tax.
- Provincial Top-Ups: Some provinces and territories offer supplementary benefits in addition to the federal CCB.
Upcoming CCB Payment Schedule for 2025
Payments will be issued on the following dates:
- May 20, 2025
- June 20, 2025
- July 18, 2025
- August 20, 2025
- September 19, 2025
- October 20, 2025
- November 20, 2025
- December 12, 2025
As with the April payment, any date that falls on a weekend or statutory holiday will be adjusted to the preceding business day.
Understanding CCB Eligibility in Depth
- Residency Requirements: Applicants must reside in Canada for tax purposes.
- Primary Caregiver Status: The primary caregiver must be the person responsible for the upbringing of the child.
- Filing Obligations: Both parents must file annual tax returns.
- Shared Custody Arrangements: Payments are divided according to the percentage of time each parent cares for the child. This is a common issue in family law disputes.
- Foster Parents and Special Allowances: Foster parents are not eligible if they receive the Children’s Special Allowances.
- Retroactive Payments: Available with proper documentation.
- Accuracy: Applications must be accurate to avoid delays.
Conclusion
The Canada Child Benefit is a vital program designed to support Canadian families in raising their children. With the April 2025 payment arriving earlier on April 17, families can better plan their finances. The upcoming inflation adjustments starting July 2025 further enhance the program’s value.
For families navigating custody arrangements or separations, CCB eligibility and payment division can become part of broader family law considerations. In those circumstances, legal advice may be needed to ensure parenting arrangements and benefit entitlements are fairly addressed.
If you are dealing with custody or parenting disputes that affect CCB eligibility or payments, Sohi Law Group can assist.
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