The Canada Child Benefit (CCB) remains one of the most important tax-free monthly payments from the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA), helping families across the country manage the costs of raising children. Starting July 2025, the CCB has been increased for the 2025–26 benefit year, giving families greater financial relief amid rising living expenses.
Benefit Amounts for 2025–26
From July 2025, eligible families will receive the following maximum annual payments:
- For children under age 6: up to $7,997 per year
- For children aged 6 to 17: up to $6,748 per year
These amounts are adjusted annually to reflect inflation and apply to households with adjusted family net income (AFNI) below specific thresholds.
Maximum Payment Table
| Child’s Age | Monthly Payment | Annual Payment |
|---|---|---|
| Under 6 | $666.41 | $7,997 |
| 6 to 17 | $562.33 | $6,748 |
For families with more than one child, these amounts are cumulative. For instance, two children under six could receive nearly $15,994 annually.
How Your Household Income Affects the Payment
The CCB amount your family receives depends on your adjusted family net income (AFNI), the number of children, and their ages.
If your AFNI is below $37,487, you qualify for the full benefit. As your income rises above that amount, your CCB payment gradually decreases according to established reduction rates.
Reduction Rates by Number of Children
| Number of Children | AFNI $37,487–$81,222 | AFNI Above $81,222 |
|---|---|---|
| One | 7% reduction | $3,061 + 3.2% of income over $81,222 |
| Two | 13.5% reduction | $5,904 + 5.7% of income over $81,222 |
| Three | 19% reduction | $8,310 + 8% of income over $81,222 |
| Four or more | 23% reduction | $10,059 + 9.5% of income over $81,222 |
This structure ensures the CCB provides the most support to low- and middle-income families, gradually phasing out as household income increases.
Eligibility Criteria for the CCB
To receive the Canada Child Benefit, families must meet the following eligibility requirements:
- The child must be under 18 years old.
- The applicant must be primarily responsible for the child’s care and upbringing.
- The parent or guardian must be a Canadian resident for tax purposes.
- At least one parent must have a valid citizenship or immigration status, such as:
- Canadian citizen
- Permanent resident
- Protected person
- Temporary resident who has lived in Canada for at least 18 months
Note: The benefit does not apply to foster children who receive the Children’s Special Allowance. In shared custody cases, each parent receives half of the eligible benefit.
The Additional Child Disability Benefit (CDB)
Families caring for children with disabilities may also receive the Child Disability Benefit (CDB), a supplement to the main CCB program.
- Maximum annual payment: $3,411 per child
- Monthly equivalent: $284.25 per child
To qualify, the child must be approved under the Disability Tax Credit (DTC). The CDB amount begins to reduce once the AFNI exceeds $81,222.
Reporting Life Changes to the CRA
It’s crucial to report changes in your household or family situation to the CRA promptly. Failure to update your information could cause payment delays or overpayments.
You must notify the CRA about:
- Changes in marital status (marriage, separation, or divorce)
- Birth, adoption, or death of a child
- A child turning six or eighteen
- Changes in custody arrangements
- Changes in residency or mailing address
Additionally, parents must file their income tax return every year, even with no taxable income, to ensure the CRA can calculate benefits accurately.
Payment Schedule for 2025
CCB payments are typically issued on the 20th of every month. If the date falls on a weekend or public holiday, payments are sent on the previous business day.
Families receiving less than $240 per month receive a lump-sum payment in July.
Confirmed Payment Dates (Final Quarter of 2025)
- October 20, 2025
- November 20, 2025
- December 12, 2025
Households enrolled in direct deposit generally receive payments on the same day, while mailed cheques may arrive a few days later.
Why the CCB Remains Important
The Canada Child Benefit continues to be a cornerstone of federal financial support for families. The increase for 2025–26—up to $7,997 for children under six—reflects the government’s commitment to keeping pace with inflation and ensuring that families can afford basic needs like food, housing, and childcare.
By adjusting payments yearly, the CRA helps ensure that support reaches those who need it most, maintaining stability for millions of families across Canada.
Conclusion
The updated 2025–26 CCB program strengthens Canada’s family support network by raising benefit levels, maintaining income-based fairness, and expanding relief for those most affected by inflation.
Understanding the eligibility rules, income thresholds, and payment schedule ensures that every parent or guardian receives the full benefits they’re entitled to. Staying proactive with updates to the CRA and filing taxes on time will help families make the most of this vital support program.
FAQs
Q1: How is the CCB amount calculated?
The payment depends on your adjusted family net income (AFNI), number of eligible children, and their ages. Families with AFNI below $37,487 receive the full benefit, while higher incomes see gradual reductions.
Q2: Do I need to reapply every year?
No. You do not need to reapply annually. As long as you file your tax return each year and your circumstances stay the same, the CRA automatically recalculates your entitlement.
Q3: What if my child qualifies for the Disability Tax Credit?
If your child is approved for the Disability Tax Credit, you’ll automatically receive the Child Disability Benefit (CDB) in addition to the CCB, provided all eligibility conditions are met.
