Starting in 2025, families across Canada will see a \$1,200 boost to their Canada Child Benefit (CCB) payments. This additional support is part of a national plan to assist families in managing the growing costs of essentials like food, rent, and childcare. The increase, aimed particularly at low- and middle-income households, is expected to make a meaningful impact on household budgets across the country.
This article breaks down everything you need to know about the \$1,200 CCB increase, including who qualifies, when the payments will arrive, and how much support you could receive for your children.
What Is the Canada Child Benefit?
(Tax-Free Monthly Payments for Families With Children)
The Canada Child Benefit (CCB) is a tax-free monthly payment provided by the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) to eligible families raising children under the age of 18. The benefit is designed to ease the financial burden of parenting by covering costs related to childcare, education, nutrition, and basic living expenses.
Each year, the CCB is adjusted based on inflation and income levels, ensuring that support keeps pace with the changing economic landscape.
What’s New in 2025?
(Understanding the \$1,200 Increase in CCB Payments)
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In 2025, the maximum CCB payment per child will rise by up to \$1,200 annually. This increase will be rolled into monthly payments that families receive throughout the year.
Depending on your family income and the number of children you’re raising, the new benefit structure offers:
- Up to \$8,520 annually per child under 6
- Up to \$7,250 annually per child aged 6 to 17
This is a significant increase from previous years and will make a noticeable difference in the monthly financial support for many households.
Who Is Eligible for the \$1,200 CCB Increase?
(Qualification Rules for 2025 CCB Payments)
To qualify for the 2025 CCB increase, you must meet several eligibility criteria, including residency, citizenship, and tax filing requirements. Here’s what you need to qualify:
- Primary caregiver: You must live with the child and be mainly responsible for their care.
- Residency: You must be a resident of Canada for tax purposes.
- Citizenship: You must be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, protected person, or someone registered under the Indian Act.
- Tax filing: Both parents or partners must file their annual income tax returns.
- Children’s age: The benefit applies to children under 18 years old.
The CRA uses the previous year’s adjusted family net income to calculate the benefit. The lower the income, the higher the monthly CCB payment.
How Much Will You Receive Per Child?
(New CCB Amounts Based on Child’s Age)
Here’s a closer look at how the \$1,200 boost affects the 2025 CCB maximum annual benefit amounts:
| Child’s Age | Maximum Annual Benefit (2025) |
|---|---|
| Under 6 years | Up to \$8,520 per child |
| Ages 6 to 17 | Up to \$7,250 per child |
This increase will be spread evenly across 12 monthly payments, so families can expect up to \$710 per month for a child under 6, and around \$604 per month for children aged 6–17, depending on income.
When Will the 2025 CCB Payments Be Issued?
(Full Payment Schedule by Month)
The CRA will continue to issue CCB payments on a monthly basis. The benefit amounts for 2025 will be determined based on your 2024 tax return. Below is the expected CCB payment schedule:
| Month | Payment Date |
|---|---|
| January 2025 | January 20, 2025 |
| February 2025 | February 20, 2025 |
| March 2025 | March 20, 2025 |
| April 2025 | April 20, 2025 |
| May 2025 | May 20, 2025 |
| June 2025 | June 20, 2025 |
| July 2025 | July 20, 2025 |
| August 2025 | August 20, 2025 |
| September 2025 | September 20, 2025 |
| October 2025 | October 20, 2025 |
| November 2025 | November 20, 2025 |
| December 2025 | December 20, 2025 |
Note: Payments are typically made via direct deposit, so ensure your banking information is up to date with the CRA to avoid delays.
How to Check Your CCB Status
(Ways to Verify Eligibility and Payment Details)
You can monitor your CCB status and payment details using the following resources:
- CRA My Account: https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency.html
- CRA Mobile App: MyBenefits CRA
- By phone: Call 1-800-387-1193 for CCB-related questions
To avoid delays, ensure both you and your spouse/common-law partner file your 2024 taxes on time. Even if you had no income, filing is required to assess benefit eligibility.
Why the CCB Boost Matters Now
(Helping Families Cope With Inflation and High Costs)
The \$1,200 CCB increase couldn’t come at a better time. Canadian families are facing higher prices for groceries, housing, and child-related expenses. This boost is not just a financial upgrade—it’s a way for the government to invest in the well-being and development of children across the country.
For low-income households, this money can help cover basic needs, ensure healthier meals, access to education tools, and even reduce reliance on debt. It’s a direct, meaningful impact on family life.
Preparing for the 2025 CCB Increase
(Steps Families Can Take Now)
To make sure you receive the full benefit without delays, take the following steps:
- File your 2024 tax return early – This is the most important step.
- Check your eligibility status through CRA’s online tools.
- Update your banking details to avoid issues with direct deposit.
- Review your CRA communication preferences to get payment notifications.
- Monitor your CRA My Account monthly to track any changes or updates.
Taking these actions early ensures you don’t miss out on the extra support in 2025.
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What If You Don’t Receive the Full Amount?
(Understanding CCB Reductions Based on Income)
Keep in mind that the full CCB amount is available only to families within certain income thresholds. As your adjusted family net income increases, the monthly benefit amount gradually decreases. This is why it’s important to understand how your reported income for 2024 will affect your 2025 payments.
Families with higher incomes may receive a reduced CCB, while lower-income households will benefit the most from the full increase.
Final Thoughts
(Plan Ahead to Make the Most of Your Child Benefit in 2025)
With the \$1,200 increase to the Canada Child Benefit, 2025 is shaping up to be a year of greater support for families across Canada. This change underscores the government’s commitment to helping families thrive, even in challenging economic times.
Be proactive, file your taxes early, and make sure your CRA profile is updated so you can receive the maximum benefit for your children without any issues.
FAQs
Q1: Who is eligible for the \$1,200 CCB increase in 2025?
A: Canadian residents who are the primary caregivers of children under 18 and have filed their 2024 tax returns. Both spouses must file to qualify.
Q2: How much will I receive per child in 2025?
A: Up to \$8,520 annually for children under 6, and up to \$7,250 for children aged 6 to 17, depending on your family’s income.
Q3: When will I start receiving the increased payments?
A: Monthly payments begin in January 2025, with the new rates applied across all months.
Q4: Will higher-income families receive the full \$1,200 increase?
A: No. The CCB amount decreases as family income rises. Lower-income families receive the largest share.
Q5: How can I check my payment status or update my information?
A: Use CRA My Account, the MyBenefits CRA app, or call 1-800-387-1193 for updates or changes.
