Canadian parents are set to receive Canada Child Benefit (CCB) payments next week, and for some, the total could exceed $1,200 per child when provincial and territorial top-ups are included.
This tax-free monthly payment is one of the largest forms of financial support offered by the federal government to families across the country, helping to ease the cost of raising children.
With the 2025–26 benefit year starting in July, payments have increased by 2.7% to keep pace with inflation.
Families who experienced a drop in income or welcomed a new child last year may see an even bigger boost this month.
What Is the Canada Child Benefit (CCB)?
The Canada Child Benefit is a monthly tax-free payment from the federal government, designed to help families manage the costs of raising children under the age of 18. It replaced the Universal Child Care Benefit in 2016 and is delivered by the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA).
The amount you receive depends on:
- Adjusted family net income
- Number of children
- Children’s ages
- Eligibility for the Child Disability Benefit
Some provinces and territories, including B.C., Ontario, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Newfoundland and Labrador, P.E.I., and all three territories, offer additional monthly top-up payments, which can increase the total benefit by as much as $300 per child.
Who Can Receive the CCB?
You may qualify for the CCB if:
- You live in Canada and are a resident for tax purposes.
- You are a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, protected person, registered under the Indian Act, or a temporary resident with valid status for at least 18 months.
- You live with a child under 18 and are their primary caregiver.
- Both you and your spouse/partner (if applicable) file your taxes every year, even if you have no income.
Families with higher incomes may still receive payments, though the amount decreases as income rises.
How to Apply for the Canada Child Benefit
It’s best to apply for the CCB as soon as you become the primary caregiver for a child. You can apply:
- At birth registration – In most provinces and territories, you can share your details with the CRA during birth registration, allowing automatic processing.
- Through CRA My Account – Use the “Apply for child benefits” section.
- By mail – Submit Form RC66 to your tax centre.
When you apply, the CRA will also check if you qualify for provincial or territorial child benefits, so no separate application is needed.
Canada Child Benefit Payment Amounts for 2025–26
From July 2025, CCB amounts increased by 2.7%. Here’s what you could receive each month:
| Child Age | Maximum Monthly Payment |
|---|---|
| Under 6 years old | $666.41 |
| 6–17 years old | $562.33 |
Families earning $37,487 or less qualify for the full amount. Above this threshold, payments are gradually reduced.
If your child is eligible for the Child Disability Benefit (CDB), you could receive up to $284.25 extra per month, though this amount decreases if your family income exceeds $81,222.
When combined with provincial and territorial top-ups, some parents could receive over $1,200 per child each month.
Canada Child Benefit Calculator
The CRA offers an online CCB payment calculator to help families estimate their monthly payment. You’ll need to provide:
- Household income
- Number of children
- Children’s ages
- Disability eligibility status
The tool also factors in provincial/territorial supplements for an accurate estimate.
Is the CCB Taxable?
No — the Canada Child Benefit is not taxable. You don’t need to report it on your tax return, and it won’t affect your refund or increase the amount you owe.
Canada Child Benefit Payment Dates for 2025
Payments are usually issued on the 20th of each month (or the nearest business day if it falls on a weekend or holiday).
The next payment is scheduled for Wednesday, August 20, 2025.
Here are the remaining payment dates for the year:
- Friday, September 19
- Monday, October 20
- Thursday, November 20
- Friday, December 12
The August 2025 Canada Child Benefit payment is set to give families a meaningful financial boost during the summer months.
With higher rates in place for the new benefit year and the potential for additional provincial or territorial supplements, many households could see significant monthly support — with some parents receiving over $1,200 per child.
Ensuring your taxes are filed and your details are up to date with the CRA is the best way to secure the maximum payment you’re entitled to.
FAQs
1. How much will parents receive from the August 2025 CCB?
Parents can receive up to $666.41 per month for each child under 6, or $562.33 for each child aged 6–17. Additional disability and provincial/territorial benefits could increase the total to over $1,200 per child.
2. Is the Canada Child Benefit taxable?
No, the CCB is completely tax-free and does not need to be reported on your income tax return.
3. What happens if I don’t file my taxes?
If you or your partner don’t file your annual tax returns, your CCB payments will stop until the CRA receives your updated information.