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.
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:
| Child’s Age | New Monthly Payment | New Annual Payment |
|---|---|---|
| Under 6 years | $666.42 | $7,997 |
| 6 to 17 years | $562.33 | $6,748 |
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.
Here’s how:
- Apply online via CRA’s My Account portal
- Or use Form RC66 (Canada Child Benefits Application) to apply by mail
- 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:
| Month | Payment Date |
|---|---|
| January | January 20, 2025 |
| February | February 20, 2025 |
| March | March 20, 2025 |
| April | April 17, 2025 |
| May | May 20, 2025 |
| June | June 20, 2025 |
| July | July 18, 2025 |
| August | August 20, 2025 |
| September | September 19, 2025 |
| October | October 20, 2025 |
| November | November 20, 2025 |
| December | December 12, 2025 |
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
How much is the new CCB for under 6?
$666.42 monthly or $7,997 yearly.
When does the CCB increase start?
In July 2025 for the 2025–2026 benefit year.
Do I need to reapply for the increase?
No, the increase is automatic for eligible families.
What is the Child Disability Benefit amount?
$3,411 per year for 2025–2026.
How is the CCB calculated?
Based on adjusted family net income and child count.
