Raising children in today’s economy is no easy task. From rising grocery bills to child care and school costs, Canadian families are feeling the financial strain. Thankfully, the Canada Child Benefit (CCB)—a tax-free monthly payment designed to help with the cost of raising children—has just received a significant boost for the 2025–26 benefit year.
Beginning July 2025, eligible families will see higher monthly payments, reflecting Canada’s ongoing commitment to easing financial pressures for parents and caregivers. Here’s a complete breakdown of the new payment rates, eligibility criteria, and how this year’s increase could affect your household.
What’s New in the 2025 Canada Child Benefit Update?
Starting in July 2025, the CCB maximum annual payment rises to:
- \$7,998 per child under age 6
- \$6,749 per child aged 6 to 17
This represents a \$200 increase per child over last year, keeping the benefit in line with inflation and cost-of-living increases. Families with multiple children may see thousands of dollars in additional support over the year.
Example: How Much Can You Receive?
Let’s say you have:
- One child under age 6
- One child aged 6 to 17
- A net family income of \$65,020
In this scenario, you could receive over \$11,030 in CCB payments during the 2025–26 benefit year—completely tax-free.
The exact amount depends on several factors, including your adjusted family net income, number of children, and their ages.
Who Is Eligible for the Canada Child Benefit?
To qualify for the CCB, you must meet the following criteria:
- Live with a child under 18
- Be the child’s primary caregiver
- Be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or hold eligible immigration status
- File an annual tax return, even if you have no income
The CCB is income-tested, which means families with lower incomes receive higher benefit amounts. Payments are recalculated each July based on the previous year’s tax return.
CCB Payment Chart for 2025–26
| Child’s Age | Maximum Annual CCB |
|---|---|
| Under 6 years | \$7,998 |
| 6 to 17 years | \$6,749 |
Families with a net income of \$37,489 or less may receive the full amounts. As income increases above this threshold, benefit amounts are reduced gradually.
How Payments Are Issued and Indexed
The CCB is:
- Paid monthly
- Tax-free
- Indexed to inflation, so it rises each year with the cost of living
You’ll receive your payments on a predictable monthly schedule, and any changes in your personal or financial situation—such as a new child, a divorce, or relocation—should be reported to the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) immediately.
Additional Support for Children With Disabilities
If your child qualifies for the Disability Tax Credit, you may also be eligible for the Child Disability Benefit (CDB)—an extra \$3,411.30 per year on top of the regular CCB.
This support aims to help cover the additional expenses many families face when caring for a child with a disability.
Provincial and Territorial Top-Ups
Some provinces offer their own benefits on top of the federal CCB, including:
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- Ontario Child Benefit
- Alberta Child Benefit
- British Columbia Early Childhood Tax Benefit
These provincial payments often coordinate with the CCB, offering added support based on your income and family situation.
The Impact: Why This Increase Matters
More than 3.5 million families and over 6 million children receive support through the CCB each year. This benefit has played a critical role in reducing child poverty since it was introduced in 2016.
The 2025 increase brings much-needed relief for families struggling with:
- Rising food prices
- Escalating housing costs
- Child care and education expenses
By keeping the benefit indexed to inflation, the federal government ensures that families don’t lose purchasing power as the economy changes.
Strategic Tips: How to Maximize Your CCB
- Always file your taxes on time – Even if you have zero income, filing ensures you remain eligible.
- Keep your CRA account up to date – Report address, marital status, or custody changes quickly.
- Apply as soon as your child is born – Many provinces allow parents to apply for CCB when registering the birth.
- Understand your adjusted net income – Reducing taxable income (e.g., RRSP contributions) may increase your CCB.
- Track your payments – Use your CRA online account to monitor benefit amounts and deposit dates.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: How do I apply for the Canada Child Benefit?
If you’re a new parent, you can apply online via your CRA My Account or by filling out Form RC66. In many provinces, birth registration forms allow you to apply simultaneously for the CCB.
Q2: When will I receive the increased 2025 payment?
The new benefit amounts begin July 2025, based on your 2024 tax return. Ensure your return is filed by the CRA deadline to avoid delays.
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Q3: Is the Canada Child Benefit taxable?
No. The CCB is a completely tax-free payment and does not count as income when calculating other federal or provincial benefits.
Q4: Do I qualify for the Child Disability Benefit?
You may qualify if your child is approved for the Disability Tax Credit. If so, you can receive up to \$3,411.30 more annually, depending on income.
Q5: What if I or my partner owned property or moved to Canada recently?
As long as you meet the eligibility rules and file taxes, newcomers and recent arrivals to Canada can still apply. Immigration status and tax history play a key role in determining eligibility.
