In Canada, raising children has never been inexpensive, and in recent years, the price of nearly everything has increased significantly, including food, housing, childcare, clothing, and school meals. To help families cope, the government has approved a greater Canada Child Benefit (CCB) amount for the 2025–26 year. The goal of this change is to increase parents’ monthly income.

This change may have a significant impact on several families. For each kid under six, some families would earn about $667 per month; families with older children will also enjoy a significant rise. The rationale for the hike is straightforward: families should get help that keeps up with the cost of living since children are costly.

This page explains everything in an easy-to-understand manner, including the new amounts, who gets the most, how the payments operate, how the government determines the amount, and what parents should do next.

Quick Info

Program: Canada Child Benefit (CCB)
New Maximum for Kids Under 6: Up to $7,997 per year per child
New Maximum for Kids Aged 6–17: Up to $6,748 per year per child
Payment Type: Monthly, tax-free
Who Decides Amount: Based on family income and number of children
Payment Dates: Usually around the 20th of each month

What Exactly Is the CCB and Why Did It Increase?

A monthly payment known as the Canada Child Benefit assists parents in covering the expenses of parenting children under the age of eighteen. As long as taxes are submitted and information is current with the government, families are not required to apply annually, and the funds are automatically deposited each month.

The government evaluates the benefit rates and modifies them in accordance with the cost of living each July. Because of the high rate of inflation and the government’s desire to ensure that families are not falling behind, the 2025 rise is more than typical.

To put it simply, the government increased the CCB to help families better handle the rising expense of having children. It is intended to be a genuine, useful assistance—money that may be used for everything a family needs, including food, clothes, daycare, school supplies, rent, and bills.

How the New Amounts Work in 2025

For kids less than six

Due to the higher cost of caring for young children, this age group receives the largest amount. Think about diapers, daycare bills, early learning programs, doctor appointments, and continuous clothes replacements because kids at this age grow so rapidly.

Families can collect up to $7,997 each year, which works out to around $666 per month.

For kids between the ages of six and seventeen

Up to $6,748 annually, or around $562 per month, can be given to families.

These subsidies assist with food, transportation, school supplies, sports fees, and many other costs associated with parenting older children.

The benefit is free of taxes.

This is crucial. Every dollar you get is yours to keep – you do not pay any income tax on it.

You are not need to “apply again” each year.

As long as your information is maintained and your taxes are completed annually, the CCB will continue once you are authorized.

Who Gets the Most Money?

Even though the maximum amount is set at a national level, not every family receives the full amount. The exact figure depends on something called Adjusted Family Net Income.

Here’s who usually benefits the most:

Families with low incomes

Since their income is below the reduction level, these households frequently get the entire amount.

• Families with a moderate income

They receive a considerable amount of the benefit, albeit not usually the maximum.

• Families with children younger than six

Families with toddlers or preschoolers will benefit the most because the youngest children receive the largest payouts.

• Families with many kids

Higher overall payments result from having more children.

• Households with only one parent

They could get a bigger payout because their family income is usually smaller.

How the Government Calculates Your CCB

The CCB is based on three major factors:

1. The income of your household Your tax return from the prior year is examined by the authorities. You get the entire benefit if your family’s income is below a specific threshold. As your income climbs over that level, your benefit steadily drops – not all at once, but gradually.
2. How many kids do you have? Each kid is included in the computation. Therefore, assuming the family is eligible for the maximum, having two children under six may result in annual payments of about $16,000.
3. Each child’s age Because younger children cost more to support, the government pays larger compensation for youngsters under six.

How and When the Payments Arrive

Monthly CCB payments are received, often on the twentieth of each month. In order for the money to go directly into their bank account, the majority of families choose for direct deposit. Through their CRA online account, parents may monitor their scheduled payments at any time.

You must update your information if your family’s circumstances change, such as if you relocate, your income fluctuates, you win or lose custody of a kid, or a new baby is born. This avoids delays and guarantees you receive the correct amount.

What Parents Should Do Right Now

To ensure you receive the correct amount starting July 2025, here are the steps parents should take:

1. File your taxes If you don’t file, you won’t receive the CCB. Each parent is required to file separately.
2. Make changes to your CRA account Make sure your residence, marital status, and custody facts are accurate.
3. Enroll in direct deposit Compared to waiting for a check, it is quicker and more dependable.
4. As soon as a new child is born or comes into your care, add them. Payments begin the month after a kid becomes eligible.
5. Keep an eye on confirmation letters Notifications about adjustments to benefit amounts are occasionally sent by CRA.

Important Reminders Before the New Payments Start

• Each member of your family receives a different amount.
• Your CCB may go up or down the next year if your income changes.
• Until the child turns eighteen, payments are made.
• The funds are never subject to taxes.
• All information must be kept up to date with CRA.