Canada Child Benefit Payment Increase Coming In Mid-2025

Last Updated On 15 March 2025, 9:59 PM EDT (Toronto Time)

In a significant boost for Canadian families, the Canada Child Benefit (CCB) is set to increase in mid-2025, starting July 2025, for the 2025-2026 benefit year.

This adjustment, projected at a 2.7% rise based on inflation, will see maximum monthly payments of up to $666 per child under 6 and $562 for those aged 6 to 17, providing much-needed financial relief amid rising living costs.

Here’s everything you need to know about this update, including what the CCB entails, eligibility details, new income threshold, application processes, 2025 CCB payment dates, and a brief overview of the Child Disability Benefit (CDB) payment.

What is the Canada Child Benefit?

The Canada Child Benefit (CCB) is a tax-free monthly payment administered by the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) to support families raising children under 18.

Launched in July 2016, it replaced earlier programs like the Universal Child Care Benefit, aiming to reduce child poverty and assist with everyday expenses such as food, clothing, and housing.

The CCB’s tax-free status and income-targeted design make it a cornerstone of Canada’s social support system, benefiting millions of households annually.

Full Details of the Mid-2025 Payment Increase

Starting July 2025, the CCB will see an inflation-adjusted increase of approximately 2.7%, reflecting the Consumer Price Index (CPI) trends from 2024.

This adjustment aligns with the CRA’s annual practice of indexing benefits to maintain their purchasing power.

The new maximum annual payments for the 2025-2026 benefit year will be:

Children under 6: $666.42 per month.
Children aged 6 to 17: $562.33 per month.

This increase, based on 2024 tax returns, will roll out automatically for eligible families, ensuring higher payments from mid-2025 onward.

The adjustment responds to economic pressures like inflation, offering families more support for essentials.

Eligibility Criteria for the CCB

To qualify for the CCB, you must meet the following requirements:

Residency: Be a Canadian resident for tax purposes, including citizens, permanent residents, protected persons (e.g., refugees), and certain temporary residents.
Care Responsibility: Live with the child and be primarily responsible for their care and upbringing.
Child’s Age: The child must be under 18 years old.

Eligibility for Temporary Residents and New Immigrants

Temporary Residents: Eligible if you’ve lived in Canada for at least 18 consecutive months and hold a valid permit in the 19th month (e.g., work or study permit), excluding permits marked “does not confer status.” This ensures temporary residents with established ties can access support.
New Immigrants: Permanent residents qualify immediately upon arrival, while other immigrants (e.g., refugees) may need to establish residency status. Retroactive payments are available for up to 10 years if eligibility was missed.

Eligibility hinges on filing annual tax returns, as the CRA uses your adjusted family net income (AFNI) to determine payments.

How Is The CCB Payment Calculated?

The CCB payment varies by income and the child’s age. Let’s understand calculations from July 2025 to June 2026:

Maximum Benefit:
- Under 6: $7,997 annually ($666.42 monthly).
- 6 to 17: $6,748 annually ($562.33 monthly).
Income Threshold: Families with an AFNI of $36,502 or less receive the full amount. Above this, benefits decrease gradually.

The CRA calculates the CCB using:

Base Amount: The maximum benefit per child, adjusted by age.
Income Reduction: For AFNI over $37,487 (up from previous $36,502), the benefit reduces at varying rates:
- For incomes between $37,487 and $81,222, a first reduction rate applies, such as 13.5% for certain family sizes.
- For incomes above $81,222, a second reduction rate, like additional 5.7%, further adjusts the benefit.

Use the CRA’s online calculator at Canada Child Benefit Calculator for a personalized estimate.

How to Apply for the CCB?

Applying is simple and can be done in several ways:

Online: Via CRA My Account at CRA My Account. Register, verify your identity, and submit details.
Mail: Complete Form RC66 (Canada Child Benefit Application) and, if needed, Form RC66SCH (Status in Canada/Income Information). Mail to your local tax centre with residency proof for late applications (over 11 months).
Newborns: Apply through provincial birth registration (e.g., online in Ontario or BC), often at the hospital. Processing takes about 8 weeks.

For fastest processing, use CRA My Account, especially for newborns via birth registration.

Late applicants must provide proof like a birth certificate or immigration documents. Once approved, payments begin the next month and may include retroactive amounts.

All The CCB Payment Dates 2025

Payments are typically issued on the 20th of each month, adjusted for weekends or holidays.

Here’s the 2025 schedule:

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

Change in CCB payment dates is only if the 20th falls on a weekend or statutory holiday, as per CRA guidelines.

Additional Child Disability Benefit (CDB)

The Child Disability Benefit (CDB) is an additional tax-free amount included in the CCB for families caring for a child under 18 eligible for the disability tax credit.

For the 2025-2026 benefit year, the annual CDB amount is $3,411, paid monthly with the CCB, providing support for extra costs associated with disabilities, such as medical expenses or specialized care.

Eligibility for CDB requires the child to qualify for the disability tax credit, assessed by the CRA based on medical certification.

This benefit ensures families receive targeted support, with the amount also indexed to inflation, increasing from $3,322 in 2024-2025 to $3,411 in 2025-2026, reflecting a 2.7% adjustment.

New CCB Changes Effective January 2025

A notable recent change, effective January 2025, is that CCB and CDB payments will continue for six months after a child’s death, providing financial support for funeral costs, as announced in MoneySense articles.

This policy shift acknowledges the additional burdens families face during such times, offering a compassionate extension.

Provincial benefits, like the BC Family Benefit, may be combined with CCB payments, with recent announcements in 2024 increasing support for low- and middle-income families, as seen in BC government releases.

The confirmed Canada Child Benefit increase in mid-2025, boosting payments to $7,997 for under 6 and $6,748 for 6 to 17, arrives as a timely enhancement for families.

With clear eligibility for residents, temporary residents, and new immigrants, a transparent calculation method, and accessible application options, the CCB remains a vital support system.

Paired with the CDB and a robust 2025 payment schedule, this increase solidifies Canada’s dedication to child welfare.

For more details, visit Canada Child Benefit Overview.

How much is CCB increase 2025?

Parents can receive up to maximum of the payment listed below based on the number of children and family income beginning in July 2025:

Under 6: $7,997 annually ($666.42 monthly).
6 to 17: $6,748 annually ($562.33 monthly).

What is the new income threshold for the maximum CCB benefit 2025?

Parents with an adjusted family net income (AFNI) below $37,487 qualify for the maximum benefit.

Payments decrease as income rises above this level.

Gagandeep Kaur Sekhon

Gagandeep Kaur Sekhon moved to Canada in 2010 on a study visa. She navigated through the ups and downs of her student life and gained her permanent residency in 2015. Today, she is a proud Canadian citizen residing in Calgary, Alberta. She is mother of 2 beautiful daughters and making her difference through writing and guidance at INC – Immigration News Canada.