Canadian families receiving the Canada Child Benefit (CCB) can expect their next tax-free monthly payment on November 20, 2025. Administered by the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA), this vital financial support continues to serve as a crucial lifeline for families managing rising living costs, childcare expenses, and everyday household needs.
With the inflation-adjusted increases introduced in July 2025, the CCB provides maximum annual amounts of $7,997 per child under age 6 and $6,748 for children aged 6 to 17—representing meaningful support that helps families across Canada provide for their children’s essential needs.
This comprehensive guide covers everything parents and guardians need to know about the Canada Child Benefit in 2025, including payment schedules, benefit amounts, eligibility criteria, application procedures, and strategies to maximize your family’s support.
Understanding the Canada Child Benefit: Core Features
The Canada Child Benefit represents one of the federal government’s most significant family support programs, designed specifically to help families raising children under 18 years old. Several key features distinguish this benefit and make it accessible to a broad range of Canadian families.
Tax-Free Monthly Support
Every dollar received through the CCB is completely tax-free. Unlike employment income or many other benefits, CCB payments don’t require tax withholding and won’t be added to your taxable income when filing your return. This means families keep 100% of the benefit to use for children’s needs.
Income-Tested Structure
The CCB operates on an income-tested basis, meaning payment amounts are calculated based on your family’s adjusted net income (AFNI). Lower-income families receive higher benefit amounts, with payments gradually reducing as family income increases. This targeted approach directs more support to families with greater financial need.
Annual Inflation Adjustments
Each July, the CRA recalculates benefit amounts based on the Consumer Price Index (CPI) to ensure families don’t lose purchasing power as costs rise. The inflation adjustment applied in July 2025 increased maximum payment amounts to help families keep pace with increasing costs for food, housing, childcare, and other essentials.
Broad Eligibility Criteria
The CCB extends beyond just Canadian citizens and permanent residents. Many temporary residents, including international students and temporary workers who meet specific residency requirements, can also qualify—making this an inclusive program that supports diverse family circumstances.
CCB Payment Schedule 2025-2026: Mark Your Calendar
One of the CCB’s most valuable features is its predictable monthly payment schedule. The CRA issues payments on or around the 20th of each month, with adjustments when this date falls on a weekend or statutory holiday.
Complete Payment Dates for 2025-2026
- November 20, 2025 (upcoming payment)
- December 12, 2025 (adjusted for holidays)
- January 20, 2026
- February 20, 2026
- March 20, 2026
- April 20, 2026
- May 20, 2026
- June 19, 2026 (adjusted for weekend)
- July 20, 2026 (includes new inflation adjustment)
Understanding these dates allows families to coordinate major expenses, rent payments, utility bills, and other financial commitments around the reliable arrival of CCB support. The scheduled nature of these payments provides stability that helps families budget effectively throughout the year.
Maximum CCB Amounts 2025-2026: How Much You Can Receive
The amount your family receives from the Canada Child Benefit depends primarily on two factors: your family’s adjusted net income and both the number and ages of your eligible children.
Maximum Annual Amounts Per Child
For the benefit period running from July 2025 to June 2026 (calculated based on your 2024 tax return), maximum annual amounts are:
Children Under 6 Years Old:
- Maximum annual amount: $7,997 per child
- Monthly equivalent: $666.41 per child
Children Aged 6 to 17 Years:
- Maximum annual amount: $6,748 per child
- Monthly equivalent: $562.33 per child
These maximum amounts apply when your family’s adjusted net income falls below the income threshold (approximately $37,487 for the 2024 base year). Families earning above this threshold receive reduced—but often still substantial—benefit amounts based on a gradual phase-out calculation.
Calculating Your Family’s CCB Amount
To understand how your specific situation affects your benefit amount, consider this framework:
Full Maximum Benefits: If your family’s adjusted net income is below approximately $37,487 (2024 base year), you qualify for the full maximum benefit per eligible child.
Reduced Benefits: If your family income exceeds the threshold, benefits are gradually reduced. The reduction rate depends on the number of eligible children:
- One child: Benefit reduces by 7% of income above the threshold
- Two children: Benefit reduces by 13.5% of income above the threshold
- Three or more children: Higher reduction rates apply (19% to 23% depending on the number of children)
Second Income Threshold: At higher income levels (approximately $81,222 for one child), additional reduction rules apply until benefits phase out completely at very high income levels.
Practical Example
Consider a family with two children under age 6 and adjusted net income of $45,000:
- Maximum benefit for two children under 6: $7,997 × 2 = $15,994
- Income above threshold: $45,000 – $37,487 = $7,513
- Reduction for two children: $7,513 × 13.5% = $1,014
- Annual CCB amount: $15,994 – $1,014 = $14,980
- Monthly payment: $14,980 ÷ 12 = $1,248.33
The CRA provides an online calculator that allows families to estimate their specific benefit amount based on their unique circumstances, accounting for all relevant factors including income, number of children, and their ages.
Complete Eligibility Requirements: Who Qualifies for CCB
The Canada Child Benefit is designed to reach a broad spectrum of families, though specific criteria must be satisfied to receive payments.
Core Eligibility Criteria
Residency Requirement: You must live in Canada and be considered a “resident for tax purposes” according to CRA definitions. This generally means Canada is your primary place of residence where you maintain significant residential ties.
Primary Caregiver Status: You must be primarily responsible for the care and upbringing of a child under 18 years of age. This means you are the parent or guardian who has primary responsibility for the child’s day-to-day care, supervision, and decision-making regarding their welfare.
Tax Filing Obligation: Both you and your spouse or common-law partner (if applicable) must file annual income tax returns—even if you had no income during the year. Failure to file prevents the CRA from calculating your benefit entitlement.
Immigration Status: You must fall into one of these categories:
- Canadian citizen
- Permanent resident of Canada
- Protected person (including refugees with protected status)
- Temporary resident who has lived in Canada continuously for at least 18 months and holds a valid permit in the 19th month
Special Considerations for Newcomers
New Permanent Residents: If you recently received permanent resident status, you can apply for the CCB immediately upon arrival—you don’t need to wait until the next tax filing season.
Temporary Residents: International students, temporary workers, and others with valid temporary status can qualify after meeting the 18-month continuous residence requirement. This inclusive approach recognizes that temporary residents contribute to Canadian society and often have children who need support.
Shared Custody Situations: When parents share custody of children (each parent has the child at least 40% of the time), the CCB amount can be divided between both parents, with each receiving 50% of the benefit. Both parents must apply separately and meet all other eligibility criteria.
How to Apply for the Canada Child Benefit
Applying for the CCB involves several straightforward options depending on your circumstances and preferences.
Automatic Registration at Birth
The simplest application method for Canadian parents is automatic enrollment at the time of birth registration.
Process:
- When registering your newborn’s birth with your provincial or territorial vital statistics agency
- Consent to share information with the CRA
- The province/territory transmits necessary details to the CRA
- Benefits typically begin automatically the month following birth
This streamlined process eliminates the need for separate CCB applications for most Canadian-born children.
Online Application Through CRA My Account
For situations requiring manual application (adoptions, newcomers, older children not previously registered), the online method provides convenience and speed.
Steps:
- Access CRA My Account at www.canada.ca/cra-login
- Register if you don’t have an account (requires Social Insurance Number and recent tax information)
- Navigate to “Apply for Child Benefits” section
- Provide required information:
- Child’s full name and date of birth
- Your marital status and partner information (if applicable)
- Custody arrangements if applicable
- Upload supporting documents if requested
- Submit application electronically
Online applications typically process faster than mail applications, with benefits often beginning within 8-11 weeks of application.
Mail Application
For those preferring traditional mail or lacking online access:
Required Forms:
- Form RC66: Canada Child Benefits Application (main form)
- Form RC66SCH: Status in Canada and Income Information (if applicable)
Supporting Documents:
- Proof of birth for the child (birth certificate or equivalent)
- Proof of your residency in Canada
- Immigration documents (if applicable)
- Custody or guardianship documents (if relevant)
Submission: Mail completed forms and documents to your local CRA tax centre (address available on CRA website based on your province/territory).
Mail applications generally take longer to process—typically 8-11 weeks from receipt.
Recent Important Changes to CCB 2025
The Canada Child Benefit evolves to reflect changing economic conditions and family needs. Recent updates affecting 2025 payments include:
Increased Maximum Benefit Amounts
The July 2025 inflation adjustment increased maximum annual payments to $7,997 per child under 6 (from $7,787 previously) and $6,748 for children aged 6-17 (from $6,570 previously). This adjustment helps families maintain purchasing power despite rising costs.
Raised Income Thresholds
The income threshold for full benefits increased from approximately $36,502 to $37,487 for the 2024 base year. This means more families qualify for maximum benefits, and many families with incomes just above the previous threshold now receive higher payments.
Extended Support After Child’s Death
Effective January 1, 2025, families eligible for the CCB will continue receiving payments for up to six months following the death of a child, provided other eligibility criteria remain satisfied. This compassionate provision recognizes that families facing unimaginable loss need continued support during their grieving period.
Enhanced Application Process
The CRA has improved online application systems, making it easier for newcomers and temporary residents to apply for benefits and upload supporting documentation electronically.
How to Check Your CCB Payment Information
Staying informed about your CCB payments ensures you receive correct amounts and can quickly address any discrepancies.
Using CRA My Account
Access Your Information:
- Log into CRA My Account at www.canada.ca/cra-login
- Navigate to “Benefits and Credits” section
- Select “Canada Child Benefit”
Available Information:
- Payment history (previous payments received)
- Upcoming payment dates and amounts
- Current benefit calculation details
- Status of any applications in progress
- Notice of assessment for CCB
Update Your Information Promptly
Critical information to keep current:
- Address: Ensures you receive correspondence and prevents payment disruptions
- Marital status: Changes in relationship status significantly affect benefit calculations
- Number of children: Birth of new children or children aging out (turning 18) must be reported
- Custody arrangements: Changes in who has primary custody affect eligibility
- Banking information: Direct deposit details for receiving payments
Update Methods:
- Online through CRA My Account (fastest)
- By phone: 1-800-387-1193
- By mail using Form RC66 (slowest)
Promptly reporting changes prevents overpayments (which must be repaid) or underpayments (meaning you miss out on support you’re entitled to receive).
Why the CCB Matters in 2025: Economic Context
The Canada Child Benefit’s importance has only grown as Canadian families navigate economic challenges including persistent inflation, rising housing costs, and increased childcare expenses.
Inflation Relief
With grocery prices remaining elevated, housing costs continuing to climb, and childcare expenses representing a major family expense, the CCB’s tax-free support helps families afford essentials. The July 2025 inflation adjustment ensures benefits keep pace with rising costs.
Support for Diverse Families
By extending eligibility to temporary residents and newcomers, the CCB supports inclusive integration of immigrant families who contribute to Canadian society while building their lives here. This recognition that all children in Canada deserve support reflects important values of equity and inclusion.
Poverty Reduction Impact
The income-tested structure means families with lower incomes receive proportionally more support—directly addressing child poverty. Since its introduction, the CCB has helped lift hundreds of thousands of Canadian children out of poverty, improving outcomes in education, health, and overall wellbeing.
Predictable Financial Stability
The reliable monthly payment schedule allows families to budget effectively, plan major purchases, and manage expenses with confidence. This predictability reduces financial stress and allows parents to focus on their children’s development rather than constant financial anxiety.
Maximizing Your CCB Benefits: Strategic Tips
Follow these practical strategies to ensure you receive the maximum benefit you’re entitled to and avoid common pitfalls:
1. File Tax Returns Annually Without Fail
Even if you had no income, you MUST file a tax return to continue receiving CCB payments. The CRA recalculates benefits each July based on your previous year’s tax return—no return means no benefit calculation.
2. Report Life Changes Immediately
Changes in marital status, address, custody arrangements, or number of children must be reported promptly. Delays can result in incorrect payments, creating either underpayment (you lose money) or overpayment (you must repay).
3. Use the CRA’s Online CCB Calculator
Available on the CRA website, this calculator allows you to estimate your benefit amount based on your projected income, helping you plan finances effectively and understand how income changes might affect your payments.
4. Apply Early as a New Parent or Newcomer
Don’t delay application—benefits are not retroactive beyond a limited period. Applying as soon as you’re eligible ensures you don’t miss payments you could have received.
5. Set Up Direct Deposit
Direct deposit ensures faster, more secure payment delivery compared to mailed cheques. Update banking information through CRA My Account or by contacting the CRA directly.
6. Understand Shared Custody Rules
If you share custody with another parent, understand how the 50/50 payment split works and ensure both parents have applied appropriately to avoid confusion or missed payments.
7. Keep Records Organized
Maintain copies of birth certificates, immigration documents, custody agreements, and CRA correspondence. These documents may be needed if the CRA reviews your file or if you need to verify information.
The Bigger Picture: CCB’s Societal Impact
Since its introduction, the Canada Child Benefit has directed more than $24 billion annually to Canadian families, representing one of the most substantial federal investments in family welfare. Research consistently demonstrates that this support:
- Reduces child poverty rates significantly
- Improves educational outcomes for children from lower-income families
- Enhances food security and nutrition
- Reduces family financial stress, improving mental health outcomes
- Supports local economies as families spend benefit money on goods and services
The program’s tax-free, income-adjusted design ensures support reaches those who need it most, while inflation indexing ensures relevance in changing economic conditions.
Conclusion: Your November 20 Payment and Beyond
The Canada Child Benefit payment arriving November 20, 2025, represents more than just a financial transaction—it’s tangible support that helps Canadian families provide for their children’s needs, manage household expenses, and build stable foundations for their families’ futures.
With maximum annual support of $7,997 per child under six and $6,748 for children aged 6-17, the CCB delivers meaningful assistance to eligible families across diverse circumstances. Whether you’re a long-time recipient, a newcomer to Canada, or exploring the program for the first time, understanding eligibility requirements, payment schedules, and application procedures ensures you access the full support available to your family.
Stay informed about your benefit through CRA My Account, report changes promptly, file tax returns annually, and don’t hesitate to contact the CRA at 1-800-387-1193 with questions. The Canada Child Benefit exists to support your family—make sure you’re receiving everything you’re entitled to.
