With inflation hitting households hard in 2025, Canadian families are counting on the Canada Child Benefit (CCB) more than ever. The good news? The maximum monthly amount has increased for the current benefit year, offering up to $648.91 per child under age 6.
This tax-free monthly payment helps cover the rising costs of child care, food, clothing, and school supplies. In this guide, we break down who qualifies, how much you can get, and when payments will be made.
What Is the Canada Child Benefit (CCB)?
The Canada Child Benefit is a monthly financial support payment issued by the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) to eligible families with children under the age of 18. It’s designed to help parents manage the cost of raising children and is calculated based on household income and the number of children.
For the benefit year running from July 2024 to June 2025, the maximum monthly amounts are:
- $648.91/month for children under age 6
- $547.50/month for children aged 6 to 17
Families with net incomes of $36,502 or less are eligible for the full payment.
Who Is Eligible for the $648.91 Payment?
To qualify for the maximum Canada Child Benefit in 2025, you must:
- Live in Canada and be considered a tax resident
- Be the primary caregiver of a child under age 6
- Have filed your 2023 tax return
- Have a family net income of $36,502 or less
- Be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, protected person, or a qualifying temporary resident
If your income is above the threshold, you can still receive partial benefits. The amount gradually decreases as income increases.
How Much Will You Receive?
Here’s a breakdown of CCB monthly and annual payments based on age:
| Child’s Age | Monthly Amount | Annual Total |
|---|---|---|
| Under 6 years old | $648.91 | $7,787 |
| 6 to 17 years old | $547.50 | $6,570 |
The actual amount received depends on your adjusted family net income (AFNI) and the number and ages of your children. The CRA uses your 2023 tax return to calculate payments for 2025.
Payment Example
Let’s say a family has one child under 6 and an annual income of $50,000:
- Their income exceeds the $36,502 threshold by $13,498
- The benefit reduces at a set percentage, resulting in a monthly payment of approximately $550
If the same family had two children under 6, their total CCB would increase accordingly, although still subject to income-based reductions.
How Is the CCB Calculated?
The Canada Child Benefit amount is calculated using:
- Number of eligible children
- Ages of each child
- Adjusted Family Net Income (AFNI)
- Whether the child qualifies for the Child Disability Benefit (CDB)
The CCB is reduced gradually for incomes above $36,502. In addition, provincial child benefits (like in Ontario and British Columbia) may be combined and paid along with the federal CCB.
Payment Schedule for 2025
CCB payments are issued monthly, typically on the 20th of each month. If the 20th falls on a weekend or holiday, the payment is sent on the previous business day.
Here are the upcoming payment dates for 2025:
- June 20, 2025
- July 18, 2025
- August 20, 2025
- September 19, 2025
- October 20, 2025
- November 20, 2025
- December 12, 2025
If your total annual benefit is $240 or less, you’ll receive a single lump-sum payment in July.
Shared Custody Rules
If a child lives with both parents 40–60% of the time, the CCB is split 50/50 between the parents. If one parent has less than 40% custody, they are not eligible to receive the payment.
It’s important to notify the CRA of any custody changes to avoid overpayments or delays.
How to Apply for the Canada Child Benefit
You can apply for the CCB in one of the following ways:
- Automatically at birth registration (available in most provinces)
- Online via CRA My Account
- By mailing Form RC66 (Canada Child Benefits Application)
To apply, you’ll need:
- Social Insurance Numbers (SINs) for both parents
- Proof of immigration or residency status
- The child’s birth certificate or registration document
What to Do If You Didn’t Get Paid
If your payment is missing or delayed:
- Check your CRA My Account
- Ensure your direct deposit and address details are accurate
- Wait 5–10 business days, then contact the CRA for assistance
Late or missing payments are often due to unfiled taxes, incomplete applications, or outdated account details.
Smart Financial Tips
- Use the CCB for essential expenses: food, clothing, school supplies, and daycare
- Consider putting part of the benefit into a RESP (Registered Education Savings Plan)
- Budget monthly with the CCB as part of your household income
- Review your eligibility each July to reflect income or household changes
Even small monthly RESP contributions can grow significantly over time with government grants and compound interest.
The Canada Child Benefit provides meaningful financial relief to families across the country. In 2025, eligible households can receive up to $648.91 per month per child under age 6—tax-free.
By filing your taxes, updating your CRA details, and understanding the benefit structure, you can maximize your payments and help build a more secure financial future for your children.
FAQs
Who gets the full $648.91 CCB in 2025?
Families with net incomes of $36,502 or less and a child under age 6 qualify for the maximum amount.
Is the Canada Child Benefit taxable?
No, the CCB is entirely tax-free and does not count toward your taxable income.
When are Canada Child Benefit payments made?
Payments are made monthly, usually on the 20th of each month, or the prior business day if the 20th falls on a weekend.