Raising children is a fulfilling but expensive job. To help handle this expense, the Canadian government has introduced the Canada Child Benefit (CCB) for Canadian families. It is a tax-free monthly payment that is given to families who have children under the age of 18. For benefits from July 2024 to June 2025, eligible families can receive up to $7,787 for children under six years of age and $6,570 for children six to 17 years of age. In this article, we will cover every important information about the CCB in 2025, such as eligibility, how much you get, how to apply, and more.
What is the Canada Child Benefit (CCB)?
The Canada Child Benefit (CCB) is a tax-free monthly payment made by the Government of Canada to families who are eligible to help raise children. The payment is administered by the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) and is income-based, meaning the higher your family income, the less you will receive in benefits. The program began in 2016 and has since been recognized as vital in lifting children out of poverty.
Eligibility for CCB
To receive the CCB in 2025, you must meet the following conditions:
- You must live with the child and be responsible for his or her care.
- You must be a resident of Canada for tax purposes.
- You or your spouse/common-law partner must be one of the following:
- A Canadian citizen
- A permanent resident
- A protected person (those with refugee status)
- A temporary resident who has spent at least 18 months in Canada
- Registered or entitled to register under the Indian Act
How Much Will You Receive from the CCB?
For the benefit year July 2024 to June 2025, the CCB will have the following maximum annual payments:
- For children under 6 years old: $7,787
- For children 6 to 17 years old: $6,570
This benefit will begin to decrease if your adjusted family net income (AFNI) goes above $36,502. For example, if a family’s adjusted family income is $50,000, the amount the family receives will decrease.
Let’s Understand with an Example
Suppose a family has two children, a 4-year-old and an 8-year-old, and their adjusted family net income is $50,000:
- Maximum base amount: $7,787 (4-year-old child) + $6,570 (8-year-old child) = $14,357
- AFNI base above threshold: $50,000 – $36,502 = $13,498
- Reduction for two children: 13.5% × $13,498 = $1,822.23
- Net benefit: $14,357 – $1,822.23 = $12,534.77 (annually, which works out to be approximately $1,044.56 per month)
When Will the CCB Payment Be Made?
The following are the scheduled dates for CCB payments in 2025:
- January 20
- February 20
- March 20
- April 17
- May 20
- June 20
- July 18
- August 20
- September 19
- October 20
- November 20
- December 12
If your pay day falls on a weekend or public holiday, it is usually paid on the previous business day.
How to Apply for CCB?
If you are a new parent, have recently come to Canada, or have never received CCB before, you will need to apply. Follow the following methods to apply:
Online Application (via CRA My Account)
This is the fastest and easiest method.
- Log in to CRA’s My Account portal.
- Complete the application under “Apply for child benefits”.
Paper Application
If you cannot apply online, you must fill out Form RC66 (Canada Child Benefit Application) and mail it to the CRA.
- Send a birth certificate or proof of immigration status, if applicable.
Apply During Birth Registration
In most Canadian provinces and territories, you can also apply for the CCB when you register your child’s birth.
Additional Benefits of the CCB
In addition to the CCB, your child may also benefit from other programs, such as:
- Child Disability Benefit (CDB): $3,322 annually for children eligible for disability tax credits.
- Provincial or territorial benefits: These benefits may vary depending on your province or territory (e.g. Ontario Child Benefit, Alberta Child and Family Benefit).
FAQs (CCB $7,787 Child Benefit)
Question 1: Is the Canada Child Benefit taxable?
No, the CCB is a tax-free payment and does not need to be reported as income.
Question 2: What if I don’t file my taxes?
You must file your annual income tax return so the CRA can calculate your benefit amount and continue payments. If you don’t file taxes, your payments may stop.
Question 3: Can I receive back pay for missed months?
Yes, the CRA can provide retroactive payments for up to 11 months of missed payments, provided you were eligible during that time.
Question 4: Do I have to reapply every year?
No, if you don’t file your taxes, the CCB will be refunded.
