Last Updated On 16 August 2025, 8:49 AM EDT (Toronto Time)

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Canadian families are set to receive a financial boost this summer with the Canada Child Benefit (CCB) increasing for the 2025-2026 benefit year.

Even better, the first payment reflecting this increase will arrive early on July 18, 2025, as the usual 20th falls on a Sunday, ensuring funds reach families before the weekend.

This timely adjustment, combined with the increased payment, offers critical relief for parents and guardians facing rising costs for groceries, childcare, and back-to-school essentials.

In this comprehensive guide, we explore the details of the CCB increase, its impact on Canadian households, eligibility criteria, and application processes.

Whether you’re a parent, guardian, or simply curious about this vital program, read on to discover how the CCB is shaping a brighter future for Canada’s children.

What Is the Canada Child Benefit?

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

Launched in 2016, it replaced programs like the Universal Child Care Benefit, aiming to reduce child poverty and cover costs for essentials such as food, clothing, childcare, and education.

The CCB is income-tested, ensuring greater support for lower- and middle-income families, though higher-income households may qualify for partial payments.

Its inclusive design supports Canadian citizens, permanent residents, protected persons, and certain temporary residents, making it a cornerstone of Canada’s social safety net.

Since its inception, the CCB has significantly reduced child poverty, and the 2025 increase, coupled with the early July payment, underscores its ongoing importance.

Details of the 2025 CCB Increase and Early Payment

For the 2025-2026 benefit year (July 2025 to June 2026), the CCB will increase by 2.7%, based on the Consumer Price Index (CPI) data from Statistics Canada.

This adjustment reflects rising costs in essentials like food (up 3.1% year-over-year) and rent (up 4.2%), helping families maintain purchasing power.

The new maximum annual amounts, based on your 2024 adjusted family net income (AFNI), are:

Children under 6 years: $7,997 annually, or approximately $666.41 per month.
Children aged 6 to 17: $6,748 annually, or approximately $562.33 per month.

These figures mark an increase from the 2024-2025 benefit year’s maximums of $7,787 for children under 6 and $6,570 for those aged 6 to 17, adding $210 and $178 annually, respectively.

The first payment with the increased amount is scheduled for July 18, 2025, moved up from the usual 20th due to the weekend.

This early disbursement ensures families receive funds before the typical date, a practical move given the timing of summer expenses.

Upcoming 2025 CCB payment dates

July 18
August 20
September 19
October 20
November 20
December 12

These consistent monthly payments, typically issued on the 20th unless adjusted for weekends or holidays, provide reliable support.

The CRA strongly recommends direct deposit to avoid delays, especially with potential disruptions like Canada Post strikes.

Who Is Eligible for the CCB?

The CCB’s eligibility criteria are designed to be inclusive, ensuring broad access to support. To qualify, you must:

Residency Status: Be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, protected person (with a positive Notice of Decision from the Immigration and Refugee Board), or a temporary resident who has lived in Canada for the previous 18 months with a valid permit in the 19th month (excluding permits stating “does not confer status” or “does not confer temporary resident status”).
Primary Responsibility: Be primarily responsible for a child under 18, which includes supervising daily activities, arranging childcare, and meeting medical and educational needs.
Child’s Residency: The child must live with you for more than half the year, with specific rules for shared custody.

Custody Arrangements

Custody impacts eligibility as follows:

Shared Custody (40%–60% time): Both caregivers can apply, with payments split based on time spent with the child.
Full Custody (>60% time): You qualify for the full benefit.
Less Than 40% Custody: You are not eligible.
Temporary Custody: Payments can be applied for during the care period, with reapplication required if circumstances change.

In households with married or common-law partners, the CRA assumes the female parent is primarily responsible unless a signed letter specifies otherwise.

For same-sex parents, only one parent should apply for all children to avoid duplicate claims.

Newcomers and temporary residents benefit from the program’s inclusivity, supporting Canada’s diverse population.

For example, a temporary resident with 18 months of residency can apply, ensuring their children access the same support as citizens.

Special CCB Provisions

A 2025 policy update allows CCB payments to continue for six months after a child’s passing to cover funeral costs, provided eligibility is maintained.

This compassionate change acknowledges the financial burden of loss, offering temporary relief.

For more details, visit: Canada Revenue Agency – Canada Child Benefit Overview.

How Much CCB Can You Get In 2025?

The amount of Canada Child Benefit you receive depends on your family’s adjusted family net income (AFNI) from the previous tax year (2024 for the 2025-2026 benefit year), the number of children you have, and their ages.

The CCB is designed to provide maximum support to lower- and middle-income families, with payments gradually reduced as income increases.

Here’s a breakdown of how it works and what you might expect.

Maximum Benefit Amounts In 2025

For the 2025-2026 benefit year, the maximum CCB payments are:

Children under 6: $7,997 per year, or about $666.41 per month.
Children aged 6 to 17: $6,748 per year, or about $562.33 per month.

If your AFNI is $37,487 or less, you’ll receive these full amounts for each eligible child.

For example, a family with two children—one under 6 and one aged 10—with an AFNI of $30,000 would get $14,745 annually ($7,997 + $6,748), or roughly $1,228.75 monthly.

How Income Affects Your CCB Payments?

If your AFNI exceeds $37,487, your CCB payment is reduced based on a sliding scale. The CRA calculates AFNI as follows:

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

The reduction depends on the number of children and your income level, as shown in the table below:

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, let’s look at two families:

Family A: Two children, AFNI of $60,000
- Children: One under 6 ($7,997), one aged 10 ($6,748).
- Total maximum benefit: $14,745 annually.
- AFNI exceeds $37,487 by $22,513.
- Reduction: 13.5% of $22,513 = $3,039.26.
- Adjusted benefit: $14,745 – $3,039.26 = $11,705.74 annually, or $975.48 monthly.
Family B: One child under 6, AFNI of $90,000
- Maximum benefit: $7,997.
- AFNI exceeds $37,487 by $52,513, and $81,222 by $8,778.
- Reduction: $3,061 + (3.2% of $8,778) = $3,061 + $280.90 = $3,341.90.
- Adjusted benefit: $7,997 – $3,341.90 = $4,655.10 annually, or $387.93 monthly.

Tools to Estimate Your CCB Benefit

The CRA’s Child and Family Benefits Calculator is a user-friendly tool to estimate your payments based on your income, number of children, and their ages.

Access it at: CRA Child and Family Benefits Calculator.

This tool helps you plan your budget and understand how changes in income might affect your CCB.

The income-tested structure ensures that families with lower incomes receive more support, aligning with the CCB’s goal of reducing child poverty.

However, even higher-income families may receive partial payments, making the program broadly accessible.

If your income changes significantly—due to job loss, a raise, or a new family member—update the CRA to adjust your payments accordingly.

Applying for the CCB

For most families, the CCB is automatically applied when you file your annual tax return, as the CRA uses this data to assess eligibility and calculate payments.

New applicants, such as those with a new child or recent changes in custody, can apply online via CRA My Account or by submitting Form RC66 (Canada Child Benefit Application).

Key steps include:

File Taxes Annually: Even if your income is low, filing ensures eligibility is assessed.
Update Information: Report changes in address, marital status, or number of children to avoid payment disruptions.
Direct Deposit: Sign up to receive payments promptly, especially with potential postal delays.

For assistance, contact the CRA at 1-800-387-1193 or visit CRA My Account.

Impact on Families and Child Poverty

The CCB has been a game-changer in reducing child poverty. A 2018 study in the Journal of Political Economy found it reduced poverty by 11% in single-mother families and nearly 17% in two-parent families, with no significant negative impact on labour supply.

The 2025 increase is expected to further this impact, helping families afford essentials amid rising costs.

For example, a family with two children could see an additional $388 annually, enough to cover a month’s worth of groceries or a child’s sports program.

However, some parents express concerns about the increase’s adequacy. A single mother from Toronto feels, “An extra $21 a month per kid helps, but it’s barely keeping up with food prices.”

This sentiment highlights the importance of accurate income reporting and understanding the reduction formula to maximize benefits.

The CCB also promotes inclusivity, supporting newcomers and temporary residents, and ensuring children in diverse households have access to necessities.

Social Planning Toronto’s 2022 report noted that 50.6% of single-parent families lived in poverty, underscoring the CCB’s critical role in addressing economic disparities.

How to Maximize Your CCB Benefits

To ensure you receive the full benefit:

File Taxes Early: Submit your tax returns on time to ensure accurate calculations for July.
Update CRA: Report changes in family status or income immediately via CRA My Account.
Use Direct Deposit: Avoid delays caused by postal issues.
Check Eligibility: Confirm your residency and custody status to avoid disputes.
Leverage Tools: Use the CRA’s calculator and contact support for personalized assistance.

The CCB’s 2025 increase and early July payment reinforce its role as a lifeline for Canadian families.

By reducing child poverty, supporting inclusivity, and easing financial pressures, the program fosters a brighter future for children.

The extra funds, though modest for some, can cover critical expenses, from school supplies to healthcare, ensuring children have the resources to thrive.

As Canada navigates economic challenges, the CCB remains a beacon of stability.

Its early July 18 payment, driven by the weekend adjustment, and the 2.7% increase highlight the government’s commitment to timely support.

For families, this means more than just money—it’s about opportunity, security, and hope.

For more information or to apply, visit Canada Revenue Agency or call 1-800-387-1193.

Stay informed and take advantage of this vital program to support your family in 2025 and beyond.

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.