Canada’s $648.91 Child Benefit in 2025, Check Full Guide to Payments and Eligibility

Families across Canada are bracing for another challenging year of rising living costs. From groceries to housing, every expense seems to climb higher, leaving parents searching for ways to stretch their monthly budgets. In this climate, the Canada Child Benefit (CCB) has emerged as a vital financial lifeline, ensuring children’s needs do not go unmet.

For 2025, the maximum monthly CCB payment has increased, giving eligible parents up to \$648.91 per child under 6 and \$547.50 per child aged 6–17. With millions of households depending on this tax-free monthly support, knowing exactly how the system works is critical.

This in-depth report explains who qualifies, how payments are calculated, when the money arrives, and how to ensure you never miss a payment.

What is the Canada Child Benefit?

The Canada Child Benefit (CCB) is a monthly, tax-free payment provided by the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA). It is designed to help families with the cost of raising children under the age of 18. Unlike some other government benefits, the CCB is income-tested—meaning lower- and middle-income households receive higher amounts.

The benefit year runs from July 2024 to June 2025, with amounts reassessed annually based on the family’s net income from the prior tax year.

CCB Payment Amounts for 2025

For the current benefit year, the maximum monthly payments are:

• \$648.91 per month (\$7,787 annually) for each child under age 6
• \$547.50 per month (\$6,570 annually) for each child aged 6–17

These figures are based on a family net income of \$36,502 or less in 2023. If your income is higher, you may still qualify, but the benefit gradually decreases.

Who Qualifies for the \$648.91 Maximum?

Not every family receives the full amount. To qualify for the maximum payment in 2025, you must:

• Live in Canada and be a tax resident
• Be the primary caregiver of a child under age 18
• Have filed your 2023 tax return (both parents, if applicable)
• Meet the income threshold (\$36,502 or less for maximum benefit)
• Hold a valid immigration status (citizen, permanent resident, protected person, or temporary resident meeting conditions)

If your income exceeds the threshold, the CRA applies a reduction rate, lowering your monthly payments gradually.

Example Scenarios

To illustrate how the CCB works in real life, here are a few scenarios:

• Family A: One child under 6, net income \$32,000 → Receives the full \$648.91 per month.
• Family B: Two children (ages 3 and 8), net income \$50,000 → Receives about \$550 for the younger child and \$465 for the older child, depending on deductions.
• Family C: Three children (ages 2, 5, and 10), net income \$80,000 → Still eligible, but payments are significantly reduced.

The number of children, their ages, and the family’s adjusted net income all factor into the CRA’s calculation.

How the CCB is Calculated

The CRA determines your benefit using:

1. Number of eligible children
2. Age of each child
3. Adjusted Family Net Income (AFNI) from your 2023 tax return
4. Disability status of the child (for Child Disability Benefit add-on)

The CCB is reduced once family net income exceeds \$36,502. The reduction rate varies depending on whether you have one, two, or more children.

For example, families with two or more children see a higher reduction rate compared to families with one child.

Extra Support: The Child Disability Benefit

If your child qualifies for the Disability Tax Credit, you may also receive the Child Disability Benefit (CDB). This is an additional payment on top of the regular CCB, designed to help families cover the extra costs of raising a child with a disability.

For 2025, the maximum CDB is \$264.41 per month per eligible child, or nearly \$3,200 annually.

Provincial and Territorial Top-Ups

Several provinces and territories provide additional child benefits, which are often combined with the federal CCB in a single monthly payment. Examples include:

• Ontario Child Benefit (OCB)
• BC Family Benefit
• Alberta Child and Family Benefit (ACFB)

These provincial programs are income-tested as well, providing extra support to families in their respective regions.

CCB Payment Dates for 2025

Payments are typically issued on the 20th of each month. If the 20th falls on a weekend or public holiday, the CRA deposits the payment on the last business day before.

Here are the official 2025 payment dates:

• June 20, 2025
• July 18, 2025
• August 20, 2025
• September 19, 2025
• October 20, 2025
• November 20, 2025
• December 12, 2025

To avoid delays, ensure your direct deposit information and mailing address are up to date with the CRA.

Shared Custody Rules

Special rules apply when custody is shared between two parents:

• If a child lives with each parent 40%–60% of the time, the CCB is split equally between them.
• If custody falls below 40%, the primary caregiver receives 100% of the benefit.

Parents are urged to notify the CRA immediately about custody changes to avoid overpayments or repayment demands.

How to Apply for the Canada Child Benefit

Applying for the CCB can be done in three main ways:

1. Birth Registration: In most provinces, you can apply when registering your child’s birth.
2. CRA My Account: Apply online through your CRA account for the fastest processing.
3. Paper Application: Submit Form RC66 (Canada Child Benefits Application) by mail.

Required documents typically include:

• Social Insurance Numbers (SINs) for parents
• Proof of immigration status
• Child’s birth certificate or proof of birth

Didn’t Get Your Payment?

If your CCB payment is delayed or missing, follow these steps:

• Log into CRA My Account to check payment status
• Confirm your direct deposit information is correct
• Ensure your 2023 tax return has been processed
• Call the CRA’s CCB helpline: 1-800-387-1193

Most delays occur because of unprocessed tax returns or incorrect account details.

Smart Tips for Using the Canada Child Benefit

Financial advisors recommend families treat the CCB as part of their monthly budget. Some suggested uses include:

• Covering essential expenses (food, clothing, childcare)
• Contributing to a Registered Education Savings Plan (RESP) for long-term growth
• Setting aside part of the payment for emergencies
• Tracking expenses to prevent overspending

RESP contributions are particularly valuable, as the government provides Canada Education Savings Grants (CESG) that match up to 20% of contributions annually.

Why the CCB Matters More Than Ever in 2025

With inflation continuing to pressure Canadian households, programs like the CCB are more critical than ever. The increase for 2025 is designed to keep pace with cost-of-living changes and ensure children’s well-being remains a national priority.

For many families, the monthly payment means the difference between stability and financial hardship. By offering targeted relief, the CCB helps ensure that children across the country have access to the essentials they need to thrive.

5 FAQs About the Canada Child Benefit 2025

Q1. How much is the Canada Child Benefit in 2025?
Eligible families can receive up to \$648.91 per month per child under 6, and up to \$547.50 per month per child aged 6–17.

Q2. Who is eligible for the CCB in 2025?
Canadian residents who are primary caregivers of children under 18, have filed their 2023 tax returns, and meet income thresholds qualify.

Q3. What are the CCB payment dates for 2025?
Payments are issued monthly, usually on the 20th, with exact dates including July 18, August 20, September 19, October 20, November 20, and December 12, 2025.

Q4. How do I apply for the Canada Child Benefit?
You can apply when registering a child’s birth, online through CRA My Account, or by mailing Form RC66 with the required documents.

Q5. Can I get the CCB if I share custody of my child?
Yes. If custody is shared equally (40%–60%), each parent receives 50% of the payment.