Starting July 2025, the Canada Child Benefit (CCB) will see a 2.7% increase, providing additional financial support to families raising children under 18. This adjustment aligns with the federal government’s annual indexation to the Consumer Price Index (CPI), ensuring that the benefit keeps pace with inflation.
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Updated Canada Child Benefit Amounts for 2025–2026
For the benefit year spanning July 2025 to June 2026, the maximum annual CCB amounts will be:
- $7,997 per child under 6 years old ($666.42 per month)
- $6,748 per child aged 6 to 17 ($562.33 per month)
These figures represent a 2.7% increase from the previous year’s maximums of $7,787 and $6,570, respectively.
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Eligibility Criteria of Canada Child Benefit
To qualify for the CCB, applicants must:
- Be a resident of Canada for tax purposes
- Live with a child under 18 years of age
- Be primarily responsible for the care and upbringing of the child
- Be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, protected person, or a temporary resident who has lived in Canada for the previous 18 months
Eligibility is determined based on the previous year’s tax return. Even if you have no income to report, filing a tax return is essential to receive the benefit.
Income Thresholds and Benefit Reductions
The CCB is income-tested, meaning the amount received decreases as the adjusted family net income (AFNI) increases. For the 2025–2026 benefit year:
- Families with an AFNI of $36,502 or less will receive the maximum benefit
- For incomes above this threshold, the benefit reduces at varying rates depending on income level and number of children
Canada Child Benefit Payment Dates for 2025
CCB payments are issued monthly. For 2025, the scheduled payment dates are:
- January 20
- February 20
- March 20
- April 17
- May 20
- June 20
- July 18 (first payment reflecting the 2.7% increase)
- August 20
- September 19
- October 20
- November 20
- December 12
Additional Support: Child Disability Benefit (CDB)
Families caring for a child under 18 with a severe and prolonged impairment in physical or mental functions may be eligible for the Child Disability Benefit (CDB), an additional monthly payment included with the CCB. Starting July 2025, the maximum annual CDB amount will increase from $3,322 to $3,411.
How to Apply for Canada Child Benefit
To apply for the CCB:
- Online: Through the CRA’s My Account portal
- By Mail: Submit Form RC66, Canada Child Benefits Application
- At Birth: When registering the birth of your child, you can consent to share information with the CRA to automatically apply for the CCB
Ensure that both you and your spouse or common-law partner file your tax returns annually to continue receiving the benefit.
This 2.7% increase in the Canada Child Benefit underscores the government’s commitment to supporting families and ensuring that benefits keep pace with the cost of living. By adjusting the CCB annually, the program continues to provide vital financial assistance to Canadian families raising children.