Canada Child Benefit (CCB) Guide 2025

Updated March 2025 • bremo.io

The Canada Child Benefit (CCB) is a tax-free monthly payment made to eligible families to help with the cost of raising children under 18. The CCB replaced earlier child benefit programs in 2016 and is significantly more generous. Amounts are indexed to inflation annually.

Who Is Eligible for the CCB?

To receive the CCB, you must:

• Live with a child who is under 18 years of age
• Be primarily responsible for the care and upbringing of the child
• Be a Canadian resident for income tax purposes
• Be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, protected person, or temporary resident who has lived in Canada for the previous 18 months

How the CCB Is Calculated

The CCB is income-tested — higher family net income means a lower (or zero) benefit. For the 2025-26 benefit year (based on 2024 net family income):

For families with multiple children, the phase-out percentages increase. Tax software and the CRA's online CCB estimator can calculate your exact entitlement.

Child Disability Benefit (CDB)

Families caring for a child who is eligible for the Disability Tax Credit also receive the Child Disability Benefit (CDB). For 2025, the maximum CDB is $3,322/year ($276.83/month) per eligible child, on top of the regular CCB. The CDB has its own income phase-out.

How to Apply for the CCB

You can apply for the CCB in three ways:

1. At birth: When you register your child's birth with your province or territory, you can consent to have CRA contacted automatically.
2. Through CRA My Account: Apply online using the "Apply for child benefits" service.
3. By mail: Complete and mail Form RC66 (Canada Child Benefits Application).

CCB Payment Dates 2025

Shared Custody

Where parents share custody of a child on an approximately equal basis (at least 40% of the time with each parent), each parent may be eligible for 50% of the CCB amount they would otherwise receive. Both parents must apply and the arrangement must be established — CRA does not split benefits automatically.

Impact of Not Filing Your Tax Return

Both parents must file their annual tax returns for CRA to properly calculate and pay CCB. If either parent fails to file, CCB payments may be suspended. This is one of the most important reasons for low-income families to file even when they have no tax owing.

CCB and Social Assistance

CCB payments are not income for purposes of provincial social assistance programs in most provinces. However, the rules vary — check with your provincial agency if you receive both CCB and provincial benefits.