Canadian parents are seeing headlines about an “extra $1,200 per child.” Here’s the reality: there is no new federal $1,200 top-up confirmed for 2025.
The only official program that ever provided up to $1,200 per child was the CCB Young Child Supplement (2021), which ended on December 31, 2021. Families who qualified in 2021 received four quarterly payments that year—this is not an ongoing benefit.
What is real now? The Canada Child Benefit (CCB) was indexed higher for July 2025–June 2026: up to $7,997 per child under 6 and $6,748 per child aged 6–17, depending on adjusted family net income (AFNI). These amounts are tax-free and paid monthly.
In addition, some provincial/territorial top-ups can meaningfully increase your annual support—often by hundreds to over $1,000 per child, depending on income and location.
For example, Alberta’s Child and Family Benefit (ACFB) and the B.C. Family Benefit add income-tested amounts on top of the federal CCB.
2025–26 Snapshot: How Families Can Reach “+$1,200”
Below are current maximums that stack with (or alongside) your CCB:
| Program | Max Annual Amount (per child) | When Paid | Key Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| CCB (Under 6) | $7,997 | Monthly (Jul 2025–Jun 2026) | Income-tested via prior year AFNI. |
| CCB (Age 6–17) | $6,748 | Monthly (Jul 2025–Jun 2026) | Income-tested via prior year AFNI. |
| Child Disability Benefit (CDB) | $3,411 | Monthly (Jul 2025–Jun 2026) | For children eligible for the Disability Tax Credit. |
| B.C. Family Benefit | $1,750 (first child max) | Monthly | Income-tested; amounts vary by child order & AFNI. |
| Alberta Child & Family Benefit (ACFB) | $1,469 base (one child, 2024–25), plus working component up to $752 | Quarterly | Income-tested; working component depends on earned income. |
| CCB Young Child Supplement (historic) | Up to $1,200 (2021 only) | Four payments in 2021 | Program ended Dec 31, 2021. |
Bottom line: Families could see something like +$1,200 per child in additional help when you combine the CCB with provincial benefits (or the CDB where eligible). But there is no new federal $1,200 bonus announced for 2025.
Who’s Eligible in 2025?
You generally must live with a child under 18, be primarily responsible for their care, and be a resident of Canada for tax purposes.
Benefit amounts are calculated each July–June using the prior-year tax return (the 2024 tax year determines July 2025–June 2026). Filing taxes on time is essential to keep benefits flowing.
Payment Dates for the CCB (2025)
Remaining 2025 CCB pay dates are August 20, September 19, October 20, November 20, and December 12. If the 20th falls on a weekend/holiday, payment arrives the business day before.
How to Maximize Your Family’s Support
- File taxes early (both partners if applicable) to avoid interruptions.
- Check provincial benefits in your province (e.g., ACFB, B.C. Family Benefit)—they can materially boost annual support.
- If your child has a severe and prolonged impairment, explore the Disability Tax Credit and CDB.
Ignore misleading headlines. The CCB is higher for 2025–26, and provincial top-ups (plus the CDB where eligible) can significantly increase what families receive—often exceeding $1,200 per child when combined.
But there is no new federal $1,200 bonus for 2025. File on time, review provincial programs, and use the official payment calendar to plan your budget.