The Canada Child Benefit (CCB) is a tax-free monthly payment administered by the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) to assist eligible families in covering the costs of raising children under 18 years of age.
Payments are recalculated each July based on the previous year’s income and are indexed to inflation.
CCB Payment Dates: June to December 2025
The CRA issues CCB payments on the following dates for the remainder of 2025:
| Month | Payment Date |
|---|---|
| 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 |
Note: If the scheduled payment date falls on a weekend or holiday, payments are issued on the last business day before the 20th.
CCB Payment Amounts for July 2024 – June 2025
For the benefit period from July 2024 to June 2025, the maximum annual CCB amounts are:
- $7,787 per child under 6 years ($648.91 per month)
- $6,570 per child aged 6 to 17 years ($547.50 per month)
These amounts are available to families with an adjusted family net income (AFNI) of $36,502 or less.
CCB Reduction Based on Income
CCB payments are reduced as AFNI increases beyond $36,502. The reduction rates vary based on the number of children:
- One child:
- 7% of income over $36,502 up to $79,087
- Then, $2,981 plus 3.2% of income over $79,087
- Two children:
- 13.5% of income over $36,502 up to $79,087
- Then, $5,749 plus 5.7% of income over $79,087
- Three children:
- 19% of income over $36,502 up to $79,087
- Then, $8,091 plus 8% of income over $79,087
- Four or more children:
- 23% of income over $36,502 up to $79,087
- Then, $9,795 plus 9.5% of income over $79,087
Note: The reduction calculations are applied to the combined maximum benefit for all eligible children.
Eligibility Criteria for CCB
To qualify for the CCB, you must:
- Live with a child under 18 years of age
- Be primarily responsible for the child’s care and upbringing
- Be a resident of Canada for tax purposes
- You or your spouse/common-law partner must be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, protected person, or a temporary resident who has lived in Canada for the previous 18 months
- File annual income tax returns, even if you have no income
Shared Custody and CCB
In shared custody arrangements, each parent receives 50% of the payment they would have received if they had full custody. The amount is calculated based on each parent’s individual AFNI.
Provincial and Territorial Programs
The CRA administers additional child and family benefits on behalf of provinces and territories, such as:
- Alberta Child and Family Benefit
- BC Family Benefit
- Ontario Child Benefit
- Nova Scotia Child Benefit
- Newfoundland and Labrador Child Benefit
Eligibility and payment amounts for these programs vary and are based on information provided in your CCB application.
The Canada Child Benefit provides essential financial support to families raising children. Understanding the payment schedule, eligibility criteria, and how income affects benefit amounts ensures you receive the support you’re entitled to.
Stay informed and keep your information up to date with the CRA to continue benefiting from this program.
FAQs
How can I apply for the Canada Child Benefit?
You can apply for the CCB through the CRA’s My Account online service, by mailing a completed Form RC66, or when registering the birth of your child in some provinces.
What should I do if my marital status changes?
Inform the CRA of any changes to your marital status as it can affect your CCB payments. You can update your status through My Account, by phone, or by submitting Form RC65.
When will I receive my first CCB payment after applying?
If you apply online, you should receive your first payment within 8 weeks. If you apply by mail, it may take up to 11 weeks.