The Canada Child Benefit (CCB) is a tax-free monthly payment designed to help families with the cost of raising children.
The amount families receive depends on several factors, including their income, the number of children they have, and their residency status.
In this guide, we’ll explore how much you can receive, what affects the amount, and other important details related to the CCB.
What is the Canada Child Benefit (CCB)?
The Canada Child Benefit is a monthly, tax-free payment made by the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) to eligible families with children under the age of 18.
The purpose of this benefit is to help families with the financial costs of raising children. The benefit is calculated based on your adjusted family net income and the number of children you have.
Each year, the CRA recalculates the CCB payment amounts based on your income from the previous year. For example, the CCB for the period July 2024 to June 2025 will be based on your adjusted family net income from 2023.
How Much Can You Get in CCB Payments?
For the period July 2024 to June 2025, the maximum amounts you can receive are:
| Child’s Age | Maximum Annual Benefit | Maximum Monthly Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Under 6 years | $7,787 | $648.91 |
| 6 to 17 years | $6,570 | $547.50 |
If your adjusted family net income is below $36,502, you will receive the maximum CCB benefit. As your income rises above this threshold, the amount you receive gradually decreases.
Shared Custody and Your Payments
If you share custody of a child, both parents are eligible for 50% of the total CCB payment. The amount each parent receives will depend on their own adjusted family net income.
The CRA will not give the full benefit to one parent if shared custody is in place. It’s important to understand the rules about custody arrangements to ensure that you receive the correct benefit amount.
When Are the CCB Payments Made?
The Canada Child Benefit is paid monthly, with the following payment schedule for 2024 and 2025:
2024 CCB Payment Dates:
- January 19, 2024
- February 20, 2024
- March 20, 2024
- April 19, 2024
- May 17, 2024
- June 20, 2024
- July 19, 2024
- August 20, 2024
- September 20, 2024
- October 18, 2024
- November 20, 2024
- December 13, 2024
2025 CCB Payment Dates:
- January 20, 2025
- February 20, 2025
- March 20, 2025
- April 17, 2025
- May 20, 2025
- June 20, 2025
- July 18, 2025
- August 20, 2025
- September 19, 2025
- October 20, 2025
- November 20, 2025
- December 12, 2025
If you don’t receive your payment on the expected date, it’s recommended to wait at least five business days before contacting the CRA for assistance.
Additional Benefits for Families
CCB Young Child Supplement
Families with children under 6 may also qualify for the CCB young child supplement. This is an extra benefit for families who filed their taxes for the previous two years.
The amount you can receive will depend on your net income in the years prior, and it is paid quarterly.
Child Disability Benefit
If your child is eligible for the disability tax credit, you may also be eligible for the Child Disability Benefit (CDB). For the period of July 2024 to June 2025, families may receive up to $3,322 annually for each child eligible for the disability tax credit, which is equivalent to $276.83 per month.
How to Apply for the Canada Child Benefit
To apply for the Canada Child Benefit, you need to:
- Be a resident of Canada for tax purposes.
- Be primarily responsible for the care and upbringing of at least one child under 18 years of age.
- Complete the Canada Child Benefit application through your CRA account or in-person at a Service Canada office.
Who Is Eligible for the CCB?
You may be eligible for CCB payments if:
- You are responsible for a child under 18.
- You are a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, protected person, or an individual with temporary resident status who has been in Canada for 18 months.
The Canada Child Benefit is a valuable resource for families across Canada, helping to cover the costs of raising children.
With its inflation-based adjustments, it offers higher benefits each year, ensuring that families can meet their needs. By staying informed about the payment dates, eligibility requirements, and how the amount is calculated, you can maximize the benefit your family receives.
Whether you’re receiving payments for young children or eligible for the child disability benefit, the CCB remains an essential support program for Canadian families.
FAQs
1. How is the Canada Child Benefit amount calculated?
The Canada Child Benefit is based on your adjusted family net income. The lower your income, the higher the benefit you will receive. Payments are recalculated every July.
2. What happens if I share custody of my child?
If you have shared custody, both parents will receive 50% of the total CCB payment based on each parent’s adjusted income.
3. Can I apply for the CCB if I’m a temporary resident?
Yes, if you’ve been a temporary resident in Canada for the previous 18 months, you may be eligible for the Canada Child Benefit.
