The Canada Child Benefit (CCB) remains one of the most vital financial supports for families across the country. Designed to help cover the rising costs of raising children under 18, the CCB provides tax-free monthly payments directly to eligible households.
For the 2025–2026 benefit year, the federal government has indexed the program to inflation, giving families a much-needed boost during a time of rising housing, food, and childcare costs. Families with children could now receive up to $6,748 annually, while those with younger children under six years old can access even more.
This article explores the new benefit amounts, payment dates, eligibility rules, and tips to ensure families receive their full entitlement without delays.
Overview of the Canada Child Benefit 2025
The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) administers the CCB, targeting low- and middle-income families. For the benefit year running from July 2025 to June 2026, the payment amounts have been increased by 2.7% to reflect the higher cost of living.
- Families with children aged 6–17 years: Up to $6,748 per child annually (about $562.33 per month).
- Families with children under 6 years old: Up to $7,997 per child annually (about $666.41 per month).
Households with an Adjusted Family Net Income (AFNI) of $37,487 or less will receive the maximum amounts. Above this threshold, payments gradually reduce depending on household income and the number of children.
CCB Payment Dates for 2025
CCB payments are issued monthly around the 20th. If the date falls on a weekend or public holiday, payments are made earlier. For 2025, the CRA has confirmed the following schedule:
- January 20, 2025
- February 20, 2025
- March 20, 2025
- April 18, 2025
- May 20, 2025
- June 20, 2025
- July 18, 2025
- August 20, 2025
- September 19, 2025 (early due to weekend)
- October 20, 2025
- November 20, 2025
- December 12, 2025
Families can receive payments either by direct deposit (faster and more secure) or by cheque.
Eligibility for the $6,748 Canada Child Benefit
To qualify for the 2025 CCB, families must meet the following requirements:
- Be a Canadian resident for tax purposes, including citizens, permanent residents, or temporary residents who have lived in Canada for at least 18 months.
- Live with a child under 18 years old and be the primary caregiver.
- Ensure both parents or partners file an annual tax return.
In cases of shared custody, each parent typically receives 50% of the payment. Families with children eligible for the Disability Tax Credit may also receive an additional supplement of up to $3,411 per year.
How CCB Payments Are Calculated
The CRA determines CCB amounts based on:
- Adjusted Family Net Income (AFNI) from the previous year’s tax return.
- The number of children in the household.
- The ages of the children.
For example, a family with two children — one aged 4 and another aged 10 — and an AFNI of $60,000 could receive about $11,705 annually (around $975 monthly).
To get an accurate estimate, parents can use the Child and Family Benefits Calculator on the CRA website.
Tips for Families to Avoid Delays
To ensure timely CCB payments in 2025, families should:
- Enroll in direct deposit through CRA My Account or via their bank.
- File 2024 taxes on time (deadline: April 30, 2025).
- Report changes in marital status, custody, or household income immediately.
- Track payments through the Benefits and Credits section in CRA My Account.
- Contact CRA at 1-800-387-1193 if a payment is delayed by more than five business days.
The CRA also warns families to be cautious of scams. Official agencies will never ask for banking details via text or social media. Always rely on the official Canada.ca portal for updates.
Why the Canada Child Benefit Matters in 2025
The CCB is more than just financial support—it’s a tool that helps reduce child poverty and ensures families have the means to cover essentials. By indexing the benefit to inflation, the government ensures that the program keeps pace with rising costs.
For families struggling with housing bills, food prices, childcare fees, and medical costs, the extra support in 2025 provides greater stability and dignity in raising children.
FAQs on the $6,748 Canada Child Benefit 2025
Q1. How much is the maximum Canada Child Benefit in 2025?
Families can receive up to $6,748 per year per child aged 6–17 and up to $7,997 per year per child under 6.
Q2. When are the CCB payments issued in 2025?
Payments are made monthly, usually on the 20th, with exceptions for weekends and holidays.
Q3. Do both parents need to file taxes to receive the CCB?
Yes. Both parents or partners must file annual tax returns, even if one has no income.
Q4. Can families with shared custody receive the CCB?
Yes. In shared custody cases, each parent typically receives 50% of the eligible benefit.
Q5. How can I prevent CCB payment delays?
Sign up for direct deposit, file taxes on time, and immediately report changes in income, marital status, or custody.