With the cost of living climbing every year, Canadian families are depending more than ever on the Canada Child Benefit (CCB) to help pay for their children’s everyday needs. The CRA (Canada Revenue Agency) has updated the CCB for the July 2024 to June 2025 period, and there’s good news—monthly amounts have gone up.
Whether you’re a new parent or just trying to plan your 2025 family budget, this article breaks down how much you could receive, who qualifies, and how to make sure you get every dollar you’re entitled to.
What Is the CCB?
(Overview of Canada Child Benefit)
The Canada Child Benefit is a monthly, tax-free payment from the CRA to help families with children under 18 cover basic costs. Introduced in 2016, it’s based on family income, with larger payments going to lower-income households.
For the 2024–2025 benefit year, the updated CCB maximums are:
- Up to \$648.91/month per child under 6
- Up to \$547.50/month per child aged 6 to 17
If your 2023 adjusted family net income is \$36,502 or less, you may qualify for the full benefit.
Who Is Eligible?
(Income and Residency Rules for CCB 2025)
To receive the maximum CCB payment of \$648.91 in 2025, you must meet all of the following conditions:
- Be a resident of Canada
- Be the primary caregiver of a child under 18
- Be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, protected person, or approved temporary resident
- Have filed your 2023 income tax return
- Have a family net income under \$36,502
Even if you earn more than the threshold, you can still receive a partial benefit, which decreases gradually as your income increases.
Monthly CCB Payment Amounts for 2025
(Updated CRA Payment Rates)
Here’s what families could receive from July 2024 to June 2025:
Child’s Age | Monthly Payment | Annual Total |
---|---|---|
Under 6 years | \$648.91 | \$7,787 |
Ages 6–17 | \$547.50 | \$6,570 |
The CRA uses your 2023 tax return to calculate your payments for 2025. A higher 2024 income will affect your benefit starting July 2025.
How Much Will You Actually Get?
(CCB Examples Based on Income)
Let’s say your family earns \$50,000 annually and you have a child under 6. You won’t get the full \$648.91, but you could still receive around \$550 per month—exact amounts vary depending on your tax situation and deductions.
If you have multiple children, you’ll receive CCB for each one, adjusted based on age and total family income.
Parents of children with disabilities may also receive the Child Disability Benefit (CDB), which is added on top of the CCB.
How the CRA Calculates Your CCB
(Factors That Determine Your Payment)
The CCB amount you get is based on:
- The number of eligible children
- Their ages
- Your adjusted family net income (AFNI) from 2023
- Whether you qualify for CDB
Once your income crosses the \$36,502 threshold, the CCB is gradually reduced. Also, some provinces—like Ontario and British Columbia—offer extra provincial child benefits delivered together with your federal CCB.
When Will You Get Paid?
(CCB 2025 Monthly Payment Dates)
The CRA usually sends out payments on the 20th of each month. If the 20th falls on a weekend or holiday, you’ll receive the benefit on the last working day before.
Here are the CCB payment dates for 2025:
- June 20, 2025
- July 18, 2025
- August 20, 2025
- September 19, 2025
- October 20, 2025
- November 20, 2025
- December 12, 2025
Make sure your CRA My Account is up to date with your direct deposit info or mailing address to avoid delays.
What If You Share Custody?
(How Shared Custody Affects Your Payments)
If your child spends 40%–60% of time with each parent, both parents receive 50% of the CCB. If one parent has less than 40% custody, that parent won’t receive any CCB payments for that child.
Always inform the CRA about any changes in custody arrangements to avoid overpayments or payment stops.
How to Apply for the CCB
(Easy Application Process Online or by Mail)
If your child was born recently, you can apply automatically when registering their birth (available in most provinces).
Other ways to apply:
- Online through your CRA My Account
- Mail-in Form RC66, if you prefer a paper form
You’ll need:
- Social Insurance Numbers (SIN) for both parents
- Proof of immigration or citizenship status
- The child’s birth certificate or registration details
Missed or Late Payment?
(What to Do If You Didn’t Get Paid)
If your CCB payment didn’t arrive:
- Log in to CRA My Account and check for updates
- Verify your banking info or mailing address
- Call the CRA CCB Helpline at 1-800-387-1193
Most delays happen if your tax return hasn’t been processed or your details have changed recently.
Smart Ways to Use Your CCB
(Tips to Make the Most of the Benefit)
- Use it for childcare, food, school supplies, and other essentials
- Consider saving part of it in a Registered Education Savings Plan (RESP)
- Track your monthly budget with CCB included as income
- Review your financial plan every July when payment amounts may change
Even small amounts saved in an RESP can grow significantly, especially with government CESG matching grants.
(3) 5 Important FAQs
1. Who qualifies for the full \$648.91/month CCB in 2025?
Families with children under 6 and an adjusted family net income under \$36,502.
2. Can I still get CCB if my income is over the limit?
Yes, but the amount will be reduced based on your income level.
3. When is the next Canada Child Benefit payment?
The next payment is scheduled for June 20, 2025.
4. Do both parents receive CCB in shared custody?
Yes, if both parents share custody 40%–60%, each receives half of the benefit.
5. How do I apply for the CCB?
You can apply online through CRA My Account or by mailing Form RC66.ccount or by mailing Form RC66.