Some Canadian families are set to receive two major federal benefits this week as the holiday season approaches. With many households planning to trim spending, the Canada Child Benefit (CCB) and the Child Disability Benefit (CDB) will provide timely support to help manage the rising cost of raising children.
This guide explains the latest payment dates, eligibility rules, application steps, and how much you can receive under each benefit.
Canada Child Benefit (CCB)
What Is the CCB?
The Canada Child Benefit, a tax-free monthly payment administered by the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA), will be issued on November 20. It is designed to support families with the cost of raising children under 18 years old.
Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for the CCB, families must meet several criteria:
- You must live with a child under age 18.
- You must be primarily responsible for their day-to-day care.
- You must be a resident of Canada for tax purposes.
- You (and your partner, if applicable) must be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, temporary resident, or registered under the Indian Act.
If you share custody, the CRA uses specific guidelines to determine who has primary responsibility, which may affect the payment amount.
How to Apply for the CCB
Parents can apply in several ways:
- At the time of birth registration
- When a child begins living with you
- When you gain custody of a child
Additional documentation may be required depending on when the child began residing with you.
You can apply:
- Through your CRA online account
- By mail (with potential delays due to Canada Post labour issues)
The CRA notes ongoing processing delays, so checking your application status through your CRA account or the government’s posted wait times is recommended.
CCB Payment Amounts
Families can receive the following maximum annual amounts:
- Children under age 6: Up to $7,997 per year
- Children aged 6 to 17: Up to $6,748 per year
This equals a maximum of $666.41 per month for children under six.
The payment depends on:
- Number of children
- Age of each child
- Marital status
- Adjusted family net income (AFNI)
Families earning below $37,487 receive the full benefit. Above this threshold, payments gradually decrease.
Parents with shared custody each receive half of the CCB.
Children who qualify for the Disability Tax Credit can receive an additional $3,411 per year ($284.25 per month).
The CCB is recalculated every July, and payments issued from now until June 2026 are based on 2025 tax income.
Child Disability Benefit (CDB)
What Is the CDB?
The Child Disability Benefit is also tax-free and paid monthly. It provides extra financial assistance for children under 18 with a severe and long-lasting physical or mental impairment. Payments arrive on the same day as the CCB.
Who Can Receive the CDB?
To qualify for the CDB, families must:
- Be eligible for the CCB
- Have a child who qualifies for the Disability Tax Credit (DTC)
A medical professional must complete and certify Form T2201 – Disability Tax Credit Certificate, which must then be approved by the CRA.
If your child already qualifies for the DTC and you receive the CCB, you do not need to apply separately for the CDB.
CDB Payment Amounts
Eligible families may receive up to $284.25 per month between July 2025 and June 2026 for each child who qualifies.
The benefit amount is calculated based on:
- Number of children eligible
- Adjusted family net income (AFNI)
When annual AFNI exceeds $81,222, the benefit gradually decreases.
As with the CCB, the CDB is reassessed every July.
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Conclusion
The CCB and CDB payments provide essential financial support for Canadian families, especially during times of rising expenses and changing economic conditions. Understanding payment dates, eligibility rules, and benefit amounts helps parents ensure they receive the full support available to them. As benefits adjust each July, staying informed about CRA updates is key to maximizing your child-related federal assistance.
FAQs
1. When will the next CCB and CDB payments be issued?
Both payments are scheduled to be distributed on November 20.
2. Do I need to apply separately for the Child Disability Benefit?
No. If your child qualifies for the Disability Tax Credit and you receive the CCB, you will automatically receive the CDB.
3. How does income affect my CCB and CDB payments?
Both benefits depend on your adjusted family net income. Lower-income families receive the maximum, while benefits decrease as income rises.
