Starting in July 2025, Canadian families will see an enhanced Canada Child Benefit (CCB) designed to deliver greater financial relief amid sharp rises in the cost of living. The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) has confirmed that for the 2025–2026 benefit year, families can receive up to $7,997 per child under six and up to $6,748 per child aged six to seventeen, paid monthly from July 2025 through June 2026.
The increase represents a 2.7% indexation to inflation and marks one of the most substantial annual uplifts since the program’s creation in 2016. For many low- and modest-income households, this adjustment will mean hundreds of dollars in additional tax-free income over the year.
Understanding the 2025 Canada Child Benefit Increase
The CCB remains one of Canada’s most effective social programs, helping parents offset a wide range of expenses, from housing and food to education and childcare. For the July 2025–June 2026 benefit period, maximum annual entitlements are as follows:
- $7,997 per child under six — equivalent to $666.41 per month.
- $6,748 per child aged six to seventeen — equivalent to $562.33 per month.
These maximum amounts apply to families with an adjusted net family income (AFNI) below $37,487. Benefit amounts gradually phase out as income rises, but inflation-indexed thresholds mean more families remain eligible for partial payments. The CRA recalculates each year’s benefit using the previous year’s tax data and automatically adjusts payments in July.
Eligibility Criteria for Canada Child Benefit 2025
Families qualify for the CCB when they meet the following eligibility requirements:
- Residency: The applicant must be a Canadian resident for tax purposes.
- Child Age: The child must be under 18 years old.
- Primary Caregiver: The applicant (usually a parent or guardian) must be the person primarily responsible for the child’s daily care.
- Tax Filing: Both parents or partners must file their 2024 tax returns on time, even if they earned no income, to enable CRA calculation.
- Status: Eligible individuals include Canadian citizens, permanent residents, protected persons, and certain temporary residents with permits valid for at least 18 months.
Families of children eligible for the Disability Tax Credit will also receive an additional $3,411 annually ($284.25 per month) on top of their regular CCB payment.
How CRA Calculates CCB Payments
The CRA’s CCB calculation primarily depends on the household’s adjusted family net income and the number of eligible children.
- Families earning below $37,487 receive the maximum CCB amounts.
- For incomes above this threshold, benefits reduce gradually: roughly 7% for one child, increasing up to 23% for four or more children.
- Beyond $81,222, a secondary phase-out rate applies, factoring in both fixed reductions and child count.
For example, a family with one child under six earning $45,000 may see the annual benefit decline from $7,997 to roughly $7,470. Larger families receive proportionate reductions, ensuring that those with multiple children still maintain meaningful support.
Families in shared custody arrangements each receive 50% of payments, calculated individually according to their incomes, preserving fairness across care structures.
Monthly Payment Schedule for 2025–2026
The CRA will disburse CCB payments on a regular monthly schedule between July 2025 and June 2026. Payments are typically issued via direct deposit and appear in recipients’ accounts within one to two business days. Paper cheques, if used, may arrive later by mail.
Canada Child Benefit Payment Dates 2025–2026:
| Month | Payment Date |
|---|---|
| July 2025 | 18 July |
| August 2025 | 20 August |
| September 2025 | 19 September |
| October 2025 | 20 October |
| November 2025 | 20 November |
| December 2025 (early) | 12 December |
| January 2026 | 20 January |
| February 2026 | 20 February |
| March 2026 | 20 March |
| April 2026 | 17 April |
| May 2026 | 20 May |
| June 2026 | 20 June |
Notably, December’s CCB payment will arrive earlier than usual, on 12 December 2025, to ensure families have access to funds before the holidays.
Households whose total annual entitlement is less than $240 will receive a lump-sum payment in July 2025 instead of monthly installments.
Sample Entitlements for Families Under Income Threshold
When adjusted family net income remains below $37,487, maximum rewards apply across different family sizes:
| Number of Children | All Under 6 | All Aged 6–17 | Two Under 6 + Two Aged 6–17 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | $7,997 | $6,748 | N/A |
| 2 | $15,994 | $13,496 | $19,490 |
| 3 | $23,991 | $20,244 | $27,238 |
| 4 | $31,988 | $26,992 | $34,986 |
| 5+ | $39,985+ | $33,740+ | $42,734+ |
This scaling system allows large households to benefit proportionally, ensuring no artificial cap on the total amount of assistance provided.
Checking Eligibility and Payment Status
Families can confirm their CCB eligibility and next payment date by logging into CRA My Account online. The portal lists upcoming disbursements, past payments, and benefit notices under the “Benefits and credits” section.
To avoid disruptions, families should:
- File their 2024 tax return before the April 2025 deadline.
- Update address, custody, and marital status changes immediately via CRA online or by phone.
- Enroll in direct deposit to avoid cheque delays or theft.
Non-receipt after five business days post-payment date should be reported directly to CRA for investigation.
Broader Impact of Canada Child Benefit 2025
Since its introduction in 2016, the CCB has been instrumental in reducing child poverty by nearly 40%. The indexed 2025 increase reinforces that legacy, offering timely relief as childcare fees, grocery prices, and housing costs remain high.
Estimates from the Department of Finance show the program’s annual value exceeding $25 billion, reaching millions of children each month. Provinces such as Ontario, Alberta, and British Columbia complement the federal benefit with their own family allowances, combining for a robust safety net supporting working and low-income parents alike.
Future Outlook Beyond 2025–2026
Looking ahead, CRA will recalibrate the benefit in July 2026 based on income from 2025 tax returns, with a forecast 2–3% inflation indexation expected. Policymakers suggest future adjustments could target affordability enhancements and extended income thresholds. Filing taxes on time each year remains crucial to maintain uninterrupted benefit access.
Key Takeaway
The 2025 Canada Child Benefit expansion reaffirms Canada’s commitment to ensuring equitable child support in a changing economy. Offering up to $7,997 per young child annually, the boost ensures that no family is left behind as inflation and childcare demands evolve.
Parents are strongly encouraged to verify their eligibility early, update their CRA records, and prepare for the July payment cycle to fully benefit from Canada’s flagship family support initiative.