Starting in July 2025, Canadian families will notice a boost in their monthly Canada Child Benefit (CCB) payments. With the cost of living continuing to climb, this 2.7% increase comes as a timely relief, helping families cope with everyday expenses like food, clothing, and housing.
The CCB, which adjusts annually for inflation, is a central part of Canada’s child-focused financial support system. It offers tax-free monthly payments to families with children under 18.
The upcoming adjustment means families will receive higher monthly payments without needing to reapply. The new rates are based on income data from the 2024 tax year, ensuring the benefit is fairly distributed based on each household’s financial situation.
Table of Contents
Overview
The Canada Child Benefit is administered by the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) and has been in place since 2016. It replaced previous programs like the Universal Child Care Benefit and has proven effective in reducing child poverty. Because the CCB is tax-free and income-tested, families with lower earnings receive the most assistance.
The mid-2025 increase comes at a critical time for many households. With inflation pushing up prices across the board, the added CCB funds will help families better manage rising costs without needing to take on additional debt or sacrifice essentials.
Payment Amounts
The updated monthly and annual CCB payments, beginning in July 2025, are as follows:
| Child’s Age | New Monthly Payment | New Annual Payment |
|---|---|---|
| Under 6 | $666.42 | $7,997 |
| Age 6 to 17 | $562.33 | $6,748 |
For a family with two children under 6, that’s $1,332.84 per month — a noticeable jump from $1,300 before the increase. Since payments are automatic, there’s no need to submit a new application. If your tax return for 2024 is filed and up to date, CRA will handle the rest.
Payments
The amount each family receives depends on its adjusted family net income (AFNI) and the number of eligible children. Here’s a breakdown of how it works:
- Families with an AFNI of $36,502 or less receive the maximum benefit.
- For incomes between $37,487 and $81,222, the benefit is gradually reduced by 13.5%.
- For families earning more than $81,222, a further reduction of 5.7% applies.
You can use the CRA’s Canada Child Benefit Calculator to get a more accurate estimate of what you’ll receive.
How to Apply
If you’re a new parent or haven’t applied before, there are two ways to apply:
- Online: Log into CRA My Account and follow the steps to apply.
- By mail: Fill out Form RC66 and mail it to your local tax centre. If applying for a newborn, attach the child’s birth certificate or proof of citizenship.
Once approved, payments begin the following month. If there’s a delay or missing payment, CRA may issue retroactive amounts to ensure you don’t lose out.
Payment Dates
Payments usually land on the 20th of each month, or the nearest business day. Here are the official 2025 CCB payment dates:
| Month | Payment Date |
|---|---|
| January | January 20, 2025 |
| February | February 20, 2025 |
| March | March 20, 2025 |
| April | April 17, 2025 |
| May | May 20, 2025 |
| June | June 20, 2025 |
| July | July 18, 2025 |
| August | August 20, 2025 |
| September | September 19, 2025 |
| October | October 20, 2025 |
| November | November 20, 2025 |
| December | December 12, 2025 |
Be sure to keep your direct deposit info and personal details updated with CRA to avoid payment delays.
Child Disability Benefit (CDB)
Families who have a child approved for the Disability Tax Credit are eligible for the Child Disability Benefit, which is included with the monthly CCB payment.
For the 2025–2026 benefit year, the annual CDB increases to $3,411, reflecting the same 2.7% adjustment as the CCB. This benefit supports families with the added expenses of caring for a child with a disability, such as therapy, specialized equipment, or medical needs.
To qualify for the CDB:
- The child must be approved for the Disability Tax Credit (DTC).
- Once DTC approval is granted, the CDB is automatically added to your CCB payments.
Final Thoughts
With the July 2025 increase, the Canada Child Benefit remains one of the most effective financial tools for supporting families in Canada. The automatic 2.7% raise ensures the benefit keeps pace with inflation, helping millions of families handle rising costs without extra stress.
Whether you have toddlers or teenagers, the CCB can help provide stability and financial breathing room. For families with children with disabilities, the additional CDB support can go even further in covering essential costs.
Make sure your taxes are filed and all personal details are up to date to continue receiving your payments on time.
FAQs
When will the CCB increase start?
The increase starts with the July 2025 payment.
Do I need to reapply for the new CCB amount?
No, payments adjust automatically based on 2024 taxes.
How much is the new CCB for kids under 6?
$666.42 monthly or $7,997 annually per child.
What is the new Child Disability Benefit amount?
$3,411 per year for eligible children in 2025–2026.
What if I miss a CCB payment?
You can contact CRA and may get retroactive payments.
