Canada Child Benefit 2025 – Updates on Increases, Payment Schedule, Eligibility and Benefits

Starting in July 2025, Canadian families will see a welcome boost in their monthly Canada Child Benefit (CCB) payments. This 2.7% increase, indexed to inflation, is designed to help families keep up with rising costs for essentials like food, housing, clothing, and childcare.

It’s an automatic increase—no need to reapply—offering much-needed financial relief to millions of households raising children under 18.

The CCB, launched in 2016, replaced older programs like the Universal Child Care Benefit (UCCB). Its primary goal is to reduce child poverty and help families with the everyday costs of raising kids.

With this new increase, it continues to do just that, adapting to economic pressures without requiring extra steps from families.

Canada’s $628 Grocery Rebate Coming in June 2025 – Helping Households Beat Rising Food Costs

Boost

The Canada Child Benefit is a monthly, tax-free payment provided by the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA). It’s specifically for families with children under 18. What makes it stand out is that it’s income-tested, meaning families with lower incomes receive more support than those with higher incomes.

Introduced in 2016, the CCB was created to target support more effectively than past programs. Since then, it has become a crucial pillar in Canada’s fight against child poverty.

With inflation making day-to-day life more expensive, the government’s decision to increase the benefit mid-2025 comes at a crucial time. It ensures that the CCB continues to reflect real-world costs for Canadian families.

Increase

The 2025 increase kicks in automatically starting July, based on the family’s 2024 income. Here’s what the new maximum CCB amounts will look like:

CPP & OAS Payment Changes Coming in June 2025 – Key Updates for Retirees

For example, a family with two children under 6 will receive $1,332.84 per month, up from about $1,300. That difference adds up fast, especially when covering daily essentials.

Formula

CCB payments are calculated using a family’s Adjusted Family Net Income (AFNI) from the previous tax year. The amount depends on income and the number of children in the home. Families earning under a certain threshold receive the maximum benefit, while payments are reduced for those with higher incomes.

Factors

• Families earning $36,502 or less get the full amount.
• Incomes between $37,487 and $81,222 see a reduction of 13.5%.
• Above $81,222, the reduction rate shifts to 5.7%.

To find out exactly how much your family might receive, the CRA offers an online calculator to help estimate based on your specific situation.

Apply

Most families already receiving the CCB don’t need to do anything—payments will update automatically in July 2025. But for new parents or those not yet enrolled, applying is simple.

$2,400 Annual Canada Disability Benefit Announced – See If You Qualify and How to Apply

Here’s how:

1. Apply online via CRA’s My Account portal
2. Or use Form RC66 (Canada Child Benefits Application) to apply by mail
3. Include documents like your child’s birth certificate or immigration papers if needed

Once approved, you’ll receive payments starting the month after the application is processed. Even if you apply late, you may still qualify for back payments.

Dates

Payments are usually sent out around the 20th of each month. For 2025, here’s when to expect your CCB payments:

If a payment is late or missed, families can contact the CRA or check their online account for status updates.

Disability

Families with children eligible for the Disability Tax Credit (DTC) also receive the Child Disability Benefit (CDB). This is an additional, tax-free amount paid monthly to help offset the extra costs of caring for a child with a disability.

For 2025–2026, the CDB will increase to $3,411 annually, reflecting the same 2.7% inflation adjustment. The amount is included in your regular CCB payment.

CDB Eligibility

• The child must be approved for the DTC
• Families apply for the DTC through the CRA
• Once approved, CDB is added to monthly CCB payments automatically

This added support helps cover special therapies, medical equipment, and caregiving needs, reducing financial stress on families managing a child’s disability.

The upcoming increase to the Canada Child Benefit is more than just a numbers game—it’s a lifeline for families feeling the weight of rising prices. By adjusting the CCB and CDB to reflect inflation, the government ensures that these essential benefits remain effective in supporting Canadian families.

Whether you’re a new parent or have been receiving the benefit for years, this change means more help, without extra paperwork. The combination of higher payments and expanded support for children with disabilities strengthens Canada’s commitment to family well-being in an era of rising costs.

FAQs