Canada Child Benefit Payment | October 2025

Last Updated On 20 October 2025, 6:32 PM EDT (Toronto Time)

Canadian families are gearing up for the upcoming Canada Child Benefit (CCB) deposit—set for October 20, 2025.

Millions of parents across Canada will see this tax-free boost hit their bank accounts on Monday, October 20, 2025 — just in time for those surprise expenses.

Whether you’re juggling the one-income hustle, balancing daycare and work, or managing transitions as a new resident, this benefit can make a meaningful difference.

In this article we’ll cover everything you need to know: who qualifies (including temporary residents and new permanent residents), how much you might receive, when to expect it, and how to apply—so you don’t miss out.

What is the Canada Child Benefit?

The Canada Child Benefit (CCB) is not just another government subsidy—it’s one of the key pillars of Canada’s family-support system.

Introduced in 2016, the CCB replaced older programs (such as the Universal Child Care Benefit) and consolidated support into one monthly, tax-free payment for eligible families.

Its purpose? To reduce child poverty, ease the financial burden of raising children, and give families more breathing room.

Each July, the benefit amount is recalculated and indexed to inflation, based on the prior year’s adjusted family net income (AFNI) and changes in your number of children, their ages, or your residency status.

What’s more: if you’re eligible but apply late, the benefit is retroactive—you won’t lose out simply for applying later.

For the 2025–26 benefit year, the CCB is expected to deliver billions of dollars to millions of Canadian households.

Canada Child Benefit Payment Dates 2025-2026

Mark your calendar: the next CCB payment is scheduled for Monday, October 20, 2025.

Here’s what to expect:

• If you’re set up with direct deposit, the funds should appear in your account by the end of the business day on October 20.
• If you receive a cheque by mail, expect a slight delay as it travels through Canada Post—direct deposit remains the fastest method.
• If the payment date falls on a weekend or holiday, CRA typically issues it on the nearest prior business day.
• If the money doesn’t arrive on the scheduled date, wait five working days before contacting CRA.

Here are all the CCB payment dates 2025-26 CCB for planning ahead:

• October 20, 2025
• November 20, 2025
• December 12, 2025
• January 20, 2026
• February 20, 2026
• March 20, 2026
• April 20, 2026
• May 20, 2026
• June 19, 2026

Bookmark this schedule—it helps avoid last-minute stress and helps you plan your budget more confidently.

Who is eligible for the Canada Child Benefit?

Eligibility gets tricky for many—especially when you factor in residency, new arrivals, shared custody, and immigration status.

Here’s a breakdown simplified:

Core eligibility

You generally qualify for the CCB if you:

• Are a primary caregiver of one or more children under age 18 who live with you for at least part of the year.
• Are a resident of Canada for tax purposes (file your tax return annually).
• Provide up-to-date information to the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA).
• Are not incarcerated for more than 90 days in a row.
• File your taxes each year—even if your income is zero.

The benefit is inclusive: single parents, two-parent households, same-sex parents, and grandparents raising grandchildren—all qualify if the child lives with you and you meet the caregiver requirement.

Shared custody

If the child is shared between parents, both can apply—the CRA splits the payment based on your custody arrangement.

The key is to ensure your records are correct and up-to-date.

Temporary residents

If you are in Canada on a temporary status (for example, a work permit, study permit, or spousal sponsorship), you may still qualify:

• You must have lived in Canada for the previous 18 months on a valid permit and hold that permit into the 19th month.
• The permit cannot carry a clause like “does not confer temporary resident status.”
• You must file taxes as a resident.
• If eligible, you apply via Form RC66 (Canada Child Benefit Application) through the CRA.

New permanent residents

If you become a permanent resident (PR) after the tax year ends (for example, landing in August 2025):

• The CCB can begin the month after you land, but you need to apply.
• Some payments may be retroactive from July of that benefit year (if you apply within 11 months).
• You’ll use form RC151 (GST/HST Credit & Canada Carbon Rebate Application for Individuals Who Become Residents of Canada) as part of the process.
• In essence, the “newcomer penalty” has been reduced in recent years to allow PRs quicker access.

How much will the October 2025 payment be?

Your exact amount depends on your family’s income, the number and ages of eligible children, and whether they qualify for the Disability Tax Credit (which triggers the Child Disability Benefit).

Here are the key numbers:

• For the benefit year July 2025 to June 2026, maximum annual amounts are:
  • Child under age 6: $7,997 / year (≈ $666.41 / month)
  • Child ages 6-17: $6,748 / year (≈ $562.33 / month)
• These amounts are indexed to inflation, rising slightly each year.
• The actual payment is reduced (clawed back) when your adjusted family net income (AFNI) exceeds certain thresholds. For example, a family with one child under 6 and an AFNI of $50,000 might see about $578/month after reduction.
• For the October payment, you will receive the full monthly benefit (unless you have a newborn and the amount is prorated from the birth month).
• Some provinces offer additional “top-ups” (for example, British Columbia or Quebec)—you may receive extra amounts over and above the federal CCB.

Use the CRA’s online benefit estimator tool or your My CRA Account to check your exact figure (which will update when your 2024 tax return is processed).

How to apply for the CCB (and ensure you get the October 20 payment)

Below are three ways to apply—with practical tips to avoid delays.

Option 1: Apply through birth registration (for newborns)

• When your baby is born, in most provinces you’re given the option (or prompted) to complete the birth registration and consent to CRA sharing your information.
• Once the registration is processed, CRA uses it to set up your CCB application—typically within about 8 weeks.
• If you apply in October and everything is in order, you could see your first payment by December 2025.

Option 2: Apply online via My CRA Account

This is ideal if you are a new parent, a recent immigrant, or someone changing status (custody, marital status, etc.).
Steps:

1. Sign into My CRA Account (or register if you don’t have one—easiest if you have your SIN and a few personal details).
2. Navigate to Benefits and Credits → Child Information → click + Add to start your application.
3. Confirm your details: update contact info, marital status, and residency status (if you’re temporary or a new PR).
4. Enter the child’s details (name, date of birth, and SIN if they have one). If the child is newborn and has no SIN, then you may need to upload proof of birth (certificate).
5. Review and submit. You’ll see a confirmation screen—screenshot it for your records.
6. In the portal you can set up direct deposit, check status, and verify what CRA has on file.

Pro Tips:

• Set up direct deposit early—cheque mail-outs often lag.
• Ensure your permanent residence or temporary permit information is up to date (if applicable).
• Save your submission confirmation.
• Processing for online applications is faster than by mail—often 8–12 weeks.

Option 3: Apply by mail (for those without reliable internet access)

If your access is limited or you prefer paper:

• Download Form RC66 – Canada Child Benefit Application from CRA’s website.
• Fill out completely: your SIN, child’s details, address, custody/residence info, and banking info (or indicate cheque).
• Include required documents: birth certificate (if needed), permit for temporary residents, PR card or IMM-0008 for new permanent residents, and any shared custody agreements.
• Use registered mail; keep copies.
• Mailing may delay the payment by a few weeks—expect 11 weeks or more in some cases.

If your October 2025 payment doesn’t arrive on the 20th, what to do

If you were expecting the deposit on October 20 but don’t see it, follow this checklist:

1. Check My CRA Account: Verify your payment history, status, and that your banking info is correct.
2. Confirm direct deposit: Make sure CRA has your correct account details. If you set up cheque delivery, expect extra time.
3. Verify eligibility: Did you file your 2024 tax return? Have you updated your marital status, address, or number of children since then?
4. Review processing times: CRA suggests waiting at least five business days after the payment date before raising a concern.
5. Contact CRA: If still missing, call 1-800-387-1193 (have your SIN handy).
6. Check for missing documentation: For example, new immigrants or temporary residents may lack supporting documents. Fixing those can unlock retroactive payments.

The October payment is more than just another monthly deposit—it represents timely relief for families facing rising costs in 2025.

From clothing, school fees, and extracurricular activities to energy bills and groceries, the CCB helps fill the gap.

For newly arrived permanent residents or those who just hit the 18-month threshold on a valid temporary permit, this is a chance to catch up financially.

Since the CCB is tax-free, it doesn’t count as taxable income—meaning your benefit goes fully into your household budget without being clawed back by income tax.

October 20, 2025 isn’t just another date on the calendar—it’s an opportunity.

Whether you’re in your tenth year as a Canadian resident, a newcomer navigating the system, a parent balancing it all, or a temporary resident finally reaching eligibility—this payment can provide meaningful relief.

If you haven’t yet applied or updated your information, take action today.

Set up direct deposit, file your taxes, ensure your child’s status is registered, and mark your calendar.

Share this article with friends or family who might still be missing out—let’s make sure no eligible family is left behind.

➡️ Prepare, apply, and receive: the October CCB deposit is coming. Stay informed. Claim your benefit. Give your family a financial boost this fall.

Canada Child Benefit Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

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