Canada Child Benefit Payment | August 2025

Last Updated On 16 August 2025, 10:19 AM EDT (Toronto Time)

As summer winds down and families gear up for back-to-school expenses, the Canadian government is delivering a timely financial boost through the Canada Child Benefit (CCB).

On August 20, 2025, parents across the country will see the next round of CCB payments hit their bank accounts, offering critical support to manage the rising costs of raising children.

With a recent 2.7% increase for the 2025–26 benefit year, this tax-free monthly payment is designed to ease the financial burden on families, whether you’re buying school supplies, covering extracurricular activities, or simply keeping up with daily expenses.

This comprehensive guide dives into everything you need to know about the August 2025 Canada Child Benefit payment, including how much you could receive, who qualifies, and how to apply.

Whether you’re a new parent or a seasoned caregiver, this article is packed with actionable insights to help you navigate the CCB program and make the most of this essential support.

What is the Canada Child Benefit?

The Canada Child Benefit (CCB) is a cornerstone of Canada’s support system for families, providing tax-free monthly payments to help cover the costs of raising children under 18.

Administered by the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA), the CCB was introduced in 2016 to replace the Universal Child Care Benefit, consolidating various child-related benefits into a single, streamlined program.

The CCB is tailored to each family’s circumstances, with payment amounts based on:

• Adjusted Family Net Income (AFNI): Your household’s total income, adjusted for certain deductions and repayments.
• Number of Children: The more children under your care, the higher your potential benefit.
• Children’s Ages: Payments are higher for children under 6 and slightly lower for those aged 6 to 17.
• Disability Status: Families with children eligible for the Child Disability Benefit receive additional support.
• Provincial or Territorial Top-Ups: Some regions, such as British Columbia, Ontario, and the territories, offer supplementary payments.

The CCB’s flexibility makes it a vital resource for families of all income levels, from low-income households receiving the maximum benefit to higher-income families still qualifying for partial payments.

With the recent 2.7% increase for the 2025–26 benefit year, families may notice a slight bump in their monthly deposits, reflecting adjustments for inflation and rising living costs.

Who Qualifies for the Canada Child Benefit?

Eligibility for the CCB is straightforward but requires meeting specific criteria. To qualify, you must:

1. Be a Resident of Canada: You must live in Canada and be a resident for tax purposes.
2. Have Valid Immigration Status: Eligible individuals include Canadian citizens, permanent residents, protected persons, those registered under the Indian Act, or temporary residents with valid status for at least 18 months.
3. Be the Primary Caregiver: You must be primarily responsible for the care and upbringing of a child under 18. In shared custody situations, payments can be split 50/50 between parents.
4. File Taxes Annually: Both you and your spouse or common-law partner (if applicable) must file tax returns every year, even if your income is zero, to maintain eligibility.

Unlike some government programs, the CCB has no strict income cutoff. Even higher-income families may qualify, though their payments are reduced based on their Adjusted Family Net Income (AFNI).

This inclusive approach ensures that a wide range of families can benefit from the program, making it one of Canada’s most accessible support systems.

How Much Can You Expect from the CCB in 2025?

The amount you receive from the CCB depends on several factors, including your income, the number of children in your care, their ages, and any disability-related benefits.

For the 2025–26 benefit year, the CRA has increased maximum payments by 2.7% to keep pace with inflation.

Here’s a breakdown of the maximum monthly payments as of July 2025:

• Children Under 6: Up to $666.41 per child (or $7,996.92 annually).
• Children Aged 6 to 17: Up to $562.33 per child (or $6,747.96 annually).
• Child Disability Benefit: Up to $284.25 per child (or $3,411 annually) for children eligible for the Disability Tax Credit (DTC).

Families with an AFNI below $37,487 qualify for the full amounts listed above.

If your income exceeds this threshold, your payments are reduced based on a sliding scale (more on this below).

Additionally, some provinces and territories provide supplementary payments, which can add up to $300 per child per month, depending on your location.

How Income Affects Your CCB Payments

The CCB is designed to provide the most support to lower-income families, with payments gradually decreasing as income rises.

The Adjusted Family Net Income (AFNI) is calculated as follows:

• Family Net Income: The total income reported on Line 23600 of your tax return, plus your spouse or common-law partner’s income (if applicable).
• Adjustments: Subtract any Universal Child Care Benefit (UCCB) or Registered Disability Savings Plan (RDSP) income received, and add any repaid amounts.

If your AFNI exceeds $37,487, your CCB payments are reduced according to the following formulas:

Number of Children	AFNI Range	Reduction Formula
1 Child	$37,487–$81,222	7% of income over $37,487
1 Child	Above $81,222	$3,061 + 3.2% of income over $81,222
2 Children	$37,487–$81,222	13.5% of income over $37,487
2 Children	Above $81,222	$5,904 + 5.7% of income over $81,222
3 Children	$37,487–$81,222	19% of income over $37,487
3 Children	Above $81,222	$8,310 + 8% of income over $81,222
4+ Children	$37,487–$81,222	23% of income over $37,487
4+ Children	Above $81,222	$10,059 + 9.5% of income over $81,222

Example Scenarios

To illustrate how these calculations work, let’s look at two hypothetical families:

Family A: Two Children, AFNI of $60,000

• Children: One child under 6 ($7,996.92 annually) and one child aged 10 ($6,747.96 annually).
• Total Maximum Benefit: $14,744.88 per year.
• AFNI Excess: $60,000 – $37,487 = $22,513.
• Reduction: 13.5% of $22,513 = $3,039.26.
• Adjusted Benefit: $14,744.88 – $3,039.26 = $11,705.62 annually (or $975.47 monthly).

Family B: One Child Under 6, AFNI of $90,000

• Maximum Benefit: $7,996.92 annually.
• AFNI Excess: $90,000 – $37,487 = $52,513; and $90,000 – $81,222 = $8,778.
• Reduction: $3,061 + (3.2% of $8,778) = $3,061 + $280.90 = $3,341.90.
• Adjusted Benefit: $7,996.92 – $3,341.90 = $4,655.02 annually (or $387.92 monthly).

Provincial and Territorial Top-Ups

In addition to federal payments, several regions offer supplementary benefits that can significantly increase your monthly CCB deposit. These include:

• British Columbia: Up to $133.33 per child per month.
• Ontario: Up to $149.33 per child per month.
• New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, P.E.I., and Newfoundland and Labrador: Varying amounts, typically up to $100 per child.
• Yukon, Northwest Territories, and Nunavut: Up to $300 per child, depending on specific programs.

To get an accurate estimate of your total CCB payment, including provincial top-ups, use the CRA’s CCB Payment Calculator.

How to Apply for the Canada Child Benefit

Applying for the CCB is straightforward, especially for new parents. Here’s how to get started:

1. Apply at Birth: In most provinces and territories, you can register for the CCB when you register your child’s birth.
   • By consenting to share your information (including your Social Insurance Number) with the CRA, your application is processed automatically—no extra forms required.
2. Apply Later: If you didn’t apply at birth, you can submit an application through:
   • CRA My Account: Log in to your account, navigate to the “Apply for child benefits” section, and follow the prompts.
   • Paper Application: Complete Form RC66 (Canada Child Benefit Application) and mail it to your nearest tax centre.
3. File Your Taxes Annually: To maintain eligibility and ensure accurate payments, both you and your spouse or common-law partner must file your 2024 tax return, even if you had no income. Late or missing tax returns can delay or pause your CCB payments.
4. Provincial/Territorial Benefits: When you apply for the CCB, the revenue agency automatically checks your eligibility for provincial or territorial child benefits, so you don’t need to submit separate applications.

Pro Tip: Apply as soon as possible after your child is born or you become their primary caregiver to avoid delays.

Payments can take up to 11 weeks to process, but once approved, you may receive retroactive payments for up to 12 months.

Using the Canada Child Benefit Calculator

Not sure how much you’ll receive? The official CCB Payment Calculator is a user-friendly tool that provides a personalized estimate based on your family’s circumstances.

To use it, you’ll need to input:

• Your Adjusted Family Net Income (AFNI).
• The number of children under your care.
• The ages of your children.
• Whether any children qualify for the Disability Tax Credit.
• Your province or territory of residence (to account for top-up programs).

The calculator generates an estimate of your monthly and annual CCB payments, including any provincial supplements.

It’s an excellent way to plan your budget and understand how changes in income or family size might affect your benefits.

Access the Calculator: Visit the CRA’s official website and search for the “Canada Child Benefit Calculator” to get started.

Canada Child Benefit Payment Dates for 2025–2026

The CCB is typically paid on the 20th of each month, unless that date falls on a weekend or holiday, in which case the payment is issued on the nearest business day before.

The August 2025 payment is scheduled for Wednesday, August 20. Here are the remaining CCB payment dates for 2025-2026:

• September 19, 2025 (Friday)
• October 20, 2025 (Monday)
• November 20, 2025 (Thursday)
• December 12, 2025 (Friday)
• January 20, 2026 (Tuesday)
• February 20, 2026 (Friday)
• March 20, 2026 (Friday)
• April 20, 2026 (Monday)
• May 20, 2026 (Wednesday)
• June 19, 2026 (Friday)

Mark these dates on your calendar to plan your finances effectively.

If you don’t receive your payment on the scheduled date, contact the CRA to check for issues, such as missing tax returns or outdated banking information.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

The Canada Child Benefit is more than just a monthly payment—it’s a vital tool for Canadian families navigating the financial challenges of raising children.

With the August 20, 2025, payment just days away, now is the perfect time to ensure your application is up to date, your taxes are filed, and your banking information is correct.

The recent 2.7% increase for the 2025–26 benefit year, combined with provincial top-ups and disability benefits, makes the CCB a powerful resource for families of all income levels.

Take advantage of the CRA’s CCB Payment Calculator to estimate your payments, and explore additional benefits like the Child Disability Benefit if applicable.

By staying proactive and informed, you can maximize your CCB payments and use them to create a brighter future for your children.

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