Wondering if you’re eligible for the $648.91 Canada Child Benefit (CCB) in 2025? You’re not alone. With living costs rising, families across Canada are counting on this monthly, tax-free payment to help cover everything from daycare to school supplies.
The good news? The CCB has increased for 2024–2025, and in this guide, we’ll walk you through exactly how it works, who gets it, and how much you can expect.
Let’s break it all down—no confusing jargon, just clear info to help you plan ahead.
Table of Contents
Overview
The Canada Child Benefit (CCB) is a monthly payment issued by the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) to families with kids under 18. It’s tax-free and based on your income, with higher payments going to families who need it most.
For the benefit year from July 2024 to June 2025, the CCB maximum has increased:
- Up to $648.91/month for children under 6
- Up to $547.50/month for children aged 6–17
To receive the full amount, your family’s net income from 2023 must be $36,502 or less.
Eligibility
To qualify for the $648.91 maximum in 2025, you must:
- Live in Canada and be a tax resident
- Be the primary caregiver of a child under age 6
- Have filed your 2023 taxes (both parents if applicable)
- Have a family net income under $36,502
- Be a citizen, permanent resident, protected person, or qualifying temporary resident
If your income is above the threshold, don’t worry—you’ll still get something. The benefit gradually reduces as income increases.
Payment Amounts
Here’s what eligible families could receive from July 2024 to June 2025:
| Child’s Age | Monthly Amount | Annual Total |
|---|---|---|
| Under 6 years old | $648.91 | $7,787 |
| Ages 6–17 | $547.50 | $6,570 |
The CRA uses your 2023 tax return to calculate payments for 2025. If your income increased in 2024, it will affect payments starting July 2025.
Example
A family with one child under 6 and a net income of $50,000 might receive around $550 per month, depending on their exact income and deductions.
Got more than one child? You’ll receive CCB for each eligible child, and it’s adjusted based on age and income.
If your child has a disability, you might also qualify for the Child Disability Benefit (CDB), which stacks on top of the CCB.
How It’s Calculated
The CCB is based on:
- Number of eligible children
- Their ages
- Your adjusted family net income (AFNI)
- Whether your child qualifies for the CDB
Once your income goes above $36,502, your benefit gets reduced. The reduction rate depends on how many kids you have.
Also, some provinces like Ontario and BC offer additional child benefits delivered along with the federal CCB.
Payment Dates
The CCB is usually paid on the 20th of every month. If the 20th is a weekend or holiday, you’ll get paid on the last business day before.
Here are the upcoming 2025 payment dates:
- 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 and mailing address.
If your child lives with both parents 40%–60% of the time, each parent gets 50% of the CCB. If you have less than 40% time with your child, you won’t receive any payments for that child.
Always notify the CRA if there are custody changes to avoid payment errors or overpayments.
How to Apply
You can apply for the CCB automatically when registering your child’s birth in most provinces.
CRA My Account
Apply online through your CRA My Account for fast processing.
Paper Form
Mail in Form RC66 if you prefer the paper route.
You’ll need SINs for both parents, proof of status in Canada, and the child’s birth info.
Didn’t Get Paid?
If your payment is late or missing:
- Check CRA My Account for updates
- Confirm direct deposit or address info is correct
- Call CRA at 1-800-387-1193
Delays usually happen if your tax return isn’t processed or your information has changed.
Smart Tips
- Use it for essentials: food, clothes, childcare
- Save part in a RESP for long-term growth
- Budget monthly with your CCB as income
- Track spending to stay on top of expenses
- Review each July for changes based on income
Even small monthly RESP contributions can grow big with compound interest and CESG matching grants from the government.
FAQs
Who qualifies for $648.91/month CCB?
Families with kids under 6 and income under $36,502.
What if I earn more than $36,502?
You’ll still get a partial benefit based on your income.
When is the next CCB payment?
June 20, 2025 is the next scheduled payment date.
Can both parents receive CCB?
Only in shared custody. Each gets 50% if custody is equal.
How do I apply for CCB?
Apply online via CRA My Account or when registering birth.
