The Canada Child Benefit (CCB) is a tax-free monthly payment that helps families cover the cost of raising children under 18.
For the July 2025–June 2026 benefit year, the maximum amounts have been inflation-indexed, meaning families may receive up to $7,997 per child under 6 and up to $6,748 per child aged 6–17.
These annual amounts are typically paid monthly, and the exact total you receive depends on your adjusted family net income (AFNI), number of children, and custody situation.
If your child is approved for the Disability Tax Credit, you may also receive the Child Disability Benefit (CDB) on top of the CCB—worth up to $3,411 per year per eligible child (income-tested).
Who Is Eligible For $7,997 Payment?
You may qualify for the CCB in 2025 if you:
- Live with a child who is under 18.
- Are primarily responsible for the child’s care and upbringing (daily supervision, medical needs, childcare).
- Are a resident of Canada for tax purposes.
- File your tax return every year (your spouse/common-law partner must file too, if applicable).
Failure to file can delay or stop payments.
$7,997 Payment Can You Receive?
- Maximum annual amounts (July 2025–June 2026):
- $7,997 per child under 6 (about $666.41/month)
- $6,748 per child ages 6–17 (about $562.33/month)
- Child Disability Benefit (CDB): up to $3,411 per year (about $284.25/month) in addition to the CCB for children eligible for the Disability Tax Credit.
- Income Reductions: The CRA applies a reduction to the maximum based on AFNI and number of children. Families with lower incomes receive closer to the maximum; higher incomes see larger reductions.
2025 Payment Schedule (Monthly)
CCB is paid once a month. For calendar year 2025, the expected dates are:
Jan 20, Feb 20, Mar 20, Apr 17, May 20, Jun 20, Jul 18, Aug 20, Sep 19, Oct 20, Nov 20, Dec 12.
If your annual entitlement is under $240, you may receive a single lump-sum payment in July instead of monthly installments.
Quick Reference
| Item | 2025–26 Details |
|---|---|
| Max per child (Under 6) | $7,997/year (~$666.41/month) |
| Max per child (6–17) | $6,748/year (~$562.33/month) |
| Child Disability Benefit | Up to $3,411/year (~$284.25/month) added to CCB |
| 2025 Pay Dates | Jan 20, Feb 20, Mar 20, Apr 17, May 20, Jun 20, Jul 18, Aug 20, Sep 19, Oct 20, Nov 20, Dec 12 |
| Key Requirement | You and your spouse/partner must file taxes annually |
| Income Test | AFNI-based reduction; lower income = closer to maximum |
Example (Simplified)
A family with one child under 6 and AFNI of $100,000 starts from the $7,997 maximum. The CRA subtracts a percentage of income over the threshold (rate depends on number of children).
The result is your annual CCB, split into monthly payments. Actual amounts vary by family size, province/territory, and income.
How to Apply & Keep $7,997 Payment Flowing
- Apply when your child is born, starts living with you, or you move to Canada (often via birth registration or CRA My Account).
- File taxes every year—both partners if applicable.
- Keep your info updated: address, marital status, direct deposit, and custody arrangements.
- If your child qualifies for the Disability Tax Credit, ensure it’s approved so CDB can be added automatically.
The CCB 2025 delivers meaningful, inflation-indexed support to families: up to $7,997 for children under 6 and up to $6,748 for those 6–17, with an extra $3,411 possible through the CDB.
To maximize your benefit and avoid interruptions, file taxes on time, keep your family details current, and track the monthly payment dates listed for 2025.
FAQs
When do the new amounts take effect?
Every July, the CCB is updated for inflation and reassessed using your prior-year tax return. The 2025–26 amounts apply to payments from July 2025 through June 2026.
Do shared-custody parents both receive CCB?
Yes. In shared custody, payments can be split according to the custody arrangement. Each eligible caregiver may receive a portion.
What if I missed filing my taxes?
Your CCB can pause until you and your spouse/partner file. File as soon as possible to restore payments and receive any retroactive amounts you’re entitled to.
