Raising children is expensive, and many Canadian families feel the pressure of daily costs, school expenses, and child care. To help parents, the Government of Canada provides the Canada Child Benefit (CCB)—a tax-free monthly payment managed by the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA).
This benefit supports families with children under 18 and ensures they get the financial help needed for their growth and well-being.
The next Canada Child Benefit payment will be deposited on August 20, 2025, giving parents extra support as they prepare for back-to-school expenses. With a 2.7% increase for 2025–26, families will see higher monthly amounts compared to last year.
What is the Canada Child Benefit (CCB)?
The Canada Child Benefit (CCB) is a monthly tax-free payment given to eligible families to help with the cost of raising children under 18.
The program was introduced in 2016 to replace the Universal Child Care Benefit and combines different child-related benefits into one payment.
Key features include:
- Payments based on family income (AFNI).
- Extra support for children with disabilities.
- Higher payments for children under 6 years old.
- Provincial and territorial top-ups available in some regions.
Who Qualifies for the Canada Child Benefit?
To qualify for the CCB, you must:
- Be a resident of Canada for tax purposes.
- Have a valid immigration status (citizen, permanent resident, protected person, registered under the Indian Act, or temporary resident for at least 18 months).
- Be the primary caregiver of a child under 18.
- File taxes every year (even if you have no income).
Important: Even high-income families may qualify, though the benefit amount reduces as income rises.
How Much Can You Expect from CCB in 2025?
In July 2025, CRA increased the benefit by 2.7% to match inflation.
Here’s the maximum CCB amount for 2025–26:
| Category | Monthly Payment (Max) | Annual Payment (Max) |
|---|---|---|
| Children under 6 | $666.41 per child | $7,996.92 per child |
| Children 6–17 | $562.33 per child | $6,747.96 per child |
| Disability Benefit | $284.25 per child | $3,411 per child |
Families with an income below $37,487 qualify for the full amount.
How Income Affects CCB Payments
Payments reduce gradually as family income increases.
- 1 child: 7% reduction after $37,487.
- 2 children: 13.5% reduction.
- 3 children: 19% reduction.
- 4+ children: 23% reduction.
Example:
- Family with 2 kids and income of $60,000 gets about $975/month after reduction.
- Family with 1 child and income of $90,000 gets about $388/month.
Provincial and Territorial Top-Ups
Some provinces add extra monthly support:
- Ontario: Up to $149.33 per child.
- British Columbia: Up to $133.33 per child.
- Northern Territories: Up to $300 per child.
How to Apply for the Canada Child Benefit
You can apply in two ways:
- At Birth Registration: When registering your baby’s birth, you can request automatic enrollment.
- Later Application:
- Online through CRA My Account.
- Paper form RC66 mailed to CRA.
Both parents must file taxes yearly to keep payments active.
CCB Payment Dates for 2025–2026
The CRA usually pays on the 20th of each month. If it’s a weekend/holiday, payment comes earlier.
Upcoming Dates:
- August 20, 2025
- September 19, 2025
- October 20, 2025
- November 20, 2025
- December 12, 2025
- January 20, 2026
- February 20, 2026
- March 20, 2026
- April 20, 2026
- May 20, 2026
- June 19, 2026
Always check CRA My Account if your deposit doesn’t arrive.
Using the Canada Child Benefit Calculator
The CRA’s CCB Calculator helps families know how much they will get. You just need:
- Family income details.
- Number of children and their ages.
- Province or territory.
- Disability status (if applicable).
This gives a monthly and yearly estimate.
The Canada Child Benefit (CCB) is one of the most important supports for Canadian families. With the August 20, 2025 payment arriving soon and a 2.7% increase for the 2025–26 benefit year, parents can expect more financial relief.
By filing taxes on time, keeping CRA details updated, and checking eligibility for provincial top-ups, families can maximize their benefits. The CCB helps cover school supplies, childcare, daily costs, and ensures children have a better future.
FAQs
When will I get my August 2025 CCB payment?
You will receive your payment on Wednesday, August 20, 2025. If not, check CRA My Account.
Do I need to reapply every year?
No, but you must file taxes annually to stay eligible.
Can I get retroactive payments?
Yes, up to 12 months of past payments if you apply late but still meet eligibility rules.