Kim
Starting July 2025, Canadian families will see a welcome boost to their monthly Canada Child Benefit (CCB) payments. The federal government has confirmed a 2.7% increase, designed to keep pace with inflation and rising household expenses.
This increase will take effect for the 2025–2026 benefit year, directly impacting millions of families across the country.
Let’s explore how much more you’ll receive, who qualifies, the new income thresholds, and what you need to do to ensure your payments are uninterrupted.
What Is the Canada Child Benefit (CCB)?
The Canada Child Benefit (CCB) is a tax-free monthly payment provided to families to help with the cost of raising children under 18. This benefit is income-tested, which means that families with lower incomes receive higher payments, while high-income households may receive reduced or no benefits.
The CCB replaced older programs and is recalculated every year based on your family’s net income from the previous tax year. For the 2025–2026 benefit year, your 2024 income tax return determines your eligibility and payment amount.
New CCB Rates Starting July 2025
The mid-year adjustment reflects a 2.7% increase due to inflation. The updated monthly and annual amounts are shown below:
| Child’s Age | Monthly CCB Payment | Annual CCB Total |
|---|---|---|
| Under 6 years | $666.42 | $7,997.04 |
| 6 to 17 years | $562.33 | $6,747.96 |
These values represent the maximum benefit amounts for families with incomes below the reduction threshold. Families earning above this threshold will receive reduced payments based on a tiered system.
CCB Reduction Thresholds & Income Bands
The CCB reduction starts once the adjusted family net income (AFNI) exceeds a certain level. For the 2025–2026 benefit year, the reduction begins at $37,487.
Here’s how the reduction system works:
| Income Range | Reduction Rate |
|---|---|
| $37,487 to $81,222 | 13.5% of the excess income |
| Above $81,222 | Additional 5.7% on the excess amount |
Example: A family with a $60,000 AFNI and two children under 6 will receive a slightly reduced amount but will still retain most of the benefit. Higher-income families may receive significantly less or no benefit, depending on their income level.
Additional Child Disability Benefit (CDB)
If your child qualifies for the Disability Tax Credit (DTC), you may receive the Child Disability Benefit (CDB) on top of the standard CCB amount.
- New CDB Annual Amount (2025–2026): $3,411
- This marks a 2.7% increase from the previous year.
- To receive this benefit, a medical practitioner must certify the child’s disability.
The CDB is paid monthly, combined with the regular CCB, and is also subject to income-based reductions.
CCB Payment Calendar – 2025
The CCB is disbursed on the 20th of every month, or on the nearest business day if the 20th falls on a weekend or holiday.
Here are the 2025 CCB payment dates:
| Month | Payment Date |
|---|---|
| January | January 20 |
| February | February 20 |
| March | March 20 |
| April | April 17 |
| May | May 20 |
| June | June 20 |
| July | July 18 |
| August | August 20 |
| September | September 19 |
| October | October 20 |
| November | November 20 |
| December | December 12 |
Eligibility Criteria for the CCB
To qualify for the Canada Child Benefit, you must:
- Be a Canadian resident for tax purposes.
- Live with the child and be primarily responsible for their care.
- File your income tax return annually (both you and your spouse/common-law partner, if applicable).
- The child must be under 18 years old.
- Newcomers may qualify after 18 months of continuous residency, with proof of immigration status.
How to Apply for the Canada Child Benefit
You can apply for the CCB in one of the following ways:
- CRA My Account (Online) – Fastest and most convenient.
- Birth Registration Process – In provinces where automatic application is integrated.
- By Mail – Using Form RC66, along with required documents.
No need to reapply each year unless your family status changes or you’ve recently immigrated.
New Policy Update Starting January 2025
Beginning in January 2025, families who lose a child will continue receiving CCB and CDB for up to six months after the child’s passing. This compassionate measure offers financial support during a difficult time, helping families manage expenses like funerals and transition costs.
The July 2025 Canada Child Benefit increase is a timely and welcome change, ensuring families continue to receive meaningful financial support amid rising inflation.
By filing your 2024 taxes, keeping your CRA account updated, and understanding how income thresholds affect payment reductions, you can maximize your monthly benefit and secure financial stability for your children.
FAQs
Will I need to reapply to get the increased CCB in July 2025?
No. As long as you’ve filed your 2024 income tax return and remain eligible, the increase will apply automatically.
What if I move or change banks before July 2025?
Update your address and banking details in CRA My Account immediately to avoid payment delays.
Can I receive both the CCB and provincial child benefits?
Yes. The CCB is a federal program and may be combined with provincial child benefits like the BC Family Benefit or Ontario Child Benefit.