New Canada Child Benefit Payment Increase Coming in Mid-2025

Canadian families are set to receive more financial support in 2025 as the Canada Child Benefit (CCB) undergoes its latest enhancement. The federal government has announced a significant increase to the benefit, aiming to help families cope with the rising cost of living and improve financial stability for households across the country.

What’s Changing in 2025?

The maximum annual CCB payment will rise by 4.7% compared to 2024, providing up to $350 more per child annually. For the 2025 benefit year, eligible families can expect the following amounts:

• Children under 6 years old: $7,787 per year ($648.91 per month)
• Children aged 6 to 17: $6,570 per year ($547.50 per month)

These adjustments reflect the government’s efforts to offset inflation and ensure the benefit keeps pace with the increasing costs of raising children in Canada.

Who Is Eligible for the CCB in 2025?

To qualify for the CCB, you must:

• Live with and be primarily responsible for a child under 18
• Be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, protected person, or temporary resident who has lived in Canada for the past 18 months
• Reside in Canada for tax purposes

The benefit is income-tested, meaning families with higher incomes will receive reduced payments. For the 2025 benefit year, households with an adjusted net income below $36,502 in 2023 will qualify for the maximum payment. Benefits gradually decrease for families earning above this threshold.

When Will the Increased Payments Start?

The enhanced CCB payments will begin in July 2025. The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) will distribute the increased amounts as part of the regular monthly payment schedule for 2025. Families who already receive the CCB do not need to take any additional steps to receive the increased payment, as the adjustment will be applied automatically.

How Are CCB Payments Distributed?

The CRA releases CCB payments on the following dates in 2025:

• 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

Most families are automatically enrolled in the CCB when they register their child’s birth or apply for other child benefits. However, those who are not automatically enrolled can apply online through their CRA My Account or by mailing in Form RC66, Canada Child Benefits Application.

Why Is the CCB Important?

The Canada Child Benefit plays a vital role in supporting Canadian families. It helps cover the costs of raising children, reduces child poverty, and provides financial stability for low- and middle-income households. The 2025 increase underscores the government’s commitment to addressing the challenges families face amid rising inflation and living expenses.

Additional Benefits and Support

In addition to the base CCB, eligible families may also receive additional benefits. One such benefit is the Child Disability Benefit, which provides up to $2,985 per year ($248.75 per month) for each child who qualifies for the Disability Tax Credit. This support is crucial for families caring for children with disabilities, helping to cover specialized expenses such as medical care and therapy.

Families may also benefit from related provincial and territorial programs. Many provinces and territories offer additional child benefit payments or tax credits that are coordinated with the federal CCB. These programs vary by region, so families are encouraged to check with their local government for more information on what’s available.

How to Apply for the CCB

Applying for the Canada Child Benefit is a straightforward process. Most families are automatically enrolled when they:

• Register their child’s birth with their province or territory
• Apply for other child benefits

However, if you are not automatically enrolled, you can apply in one of two ways:

• Online: Through the CRA My Account portal on the Canada Revenue Agency’s website.
• By Mail: By completing and mailing Form RC66, Canada Child Benefits Application.

Once your application is processed, you will begin receiving payments based on the established schedule.

Maximizing Your CCB Benefits

To ensure you receive the maximum benefit amount, it’s important to follow these guidelines:

• File your taxes on time: The CCB is based on your family’s previous year’s income, so filing your taxes annually ensures your benefit amount is accurate and up-to-date.
• Keep your information updated: Notify the CRA of any changes to your personal or financial situation, such as a new address, marital status, or income changes.
• Report changes promptly: Significant changes in income or family circumstances can affect your benefit amount. Reporting these changes quickly helps avoid delays or adjustments to your payments.

By staying informed and proactive, families can make the most of the Canada Child Benefit and other related programs.

Conclusion

The 2025 increase in the Canada Child Benefit is a significant step forward in supporting Canadian families. With higher payment amounts, clear eligibility criteria, and a streamlined application process, the CCB continues to be a vital resource for families across the country. For more information on the CCB, including application details and payment schedules, visit the Canada Revenue Agency website.

Conclusion

The 2025 increase in the Canada Child Benefit marks a significant enhancement in financial support for Canadian families. With higher payment amounts, simplified eligibility criteria, and an efficient application process, the CCB continues to be a cornerstone of financial stability for families nationwide. This boost in payments reflects the government’s commitment to helping families navigate rising living costs and ensuring a better quality of life for children across Canada.

FAQ

What is the Canada Child Benefit (CCB)?

The Canada Child Benefit is a tax-free monthly payment made to eligible families to help with the cost of raising children under 18 years of age.

How much will CCB payments increase in 2025?

The maximum annual CCB payment will increase by 4.7% in 2025, providing up to $350 more per child annually. Children under 6 will receive $7,787 per year ($648.91 per month), and children aged 6–17 will receive $6,570 per year ($547.50 per month).

Am I eligible for the CCB in 2025?

To qualify, you must live with and be primarily responsible for a child under 18, be a Canadian citizen or eligible resident, and reside in Canada for tax purposes. The benefit is income-tested, with maximum payments available to families with an adjusted net income below $36,502 in 2023.

When will the increased CCB payments start in 2025?

The enhanced payments will begin in July 2025 as part of the regular monthly payment schedule. Families already receiving the CCB do not need to take any additional steps to receive the increased amount.

How do I apply for the CCB?

Most families are automatically enrolled when they register their child’s birth or apply for other child benefits. If not automatically enrolled, you can apply online through your CRA My Account or by mailing Form RC66, Canada Child Benefits Application.

What additional benefits are available alongside the CCB?

Eligible families may also receive the Child Disability Benefit and provincial or territorial child benefits. These programs provide extra support for families with children who have disabilities or for low-income households.

How can I stay updated on CCB changes?

Visit the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) website for the latest updates on CCB payments, eligibility, and application processes. You can also sign up for CRA alerts to stay informed about benefit changes.