The Canada Child Benefit (CCB) is a tax-free monthly payment made to eligible families in Canada to help with the cost of raising children under the age of 18. The CCB was introduced in 2016 by the federal government to provide additional financial support to middle-class families and lift children out of poverty.
This guide offers an overview of eligibility, calculations, application processes, and strategies to help you maximize the benefits you are entitled to.
Who Can Receive the Canada Child Benefit?
The Canada Child Benefit (previously the Canada Child Tax Benefit) is administered by the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) and has specific eligibility criteria:
- You live with a child who is under 18 years of age.
- You are primarily responsible for the care and upbringing of the child. This means being involved in supervising the child’s daily activities, ensuring their medical needs are met, and arranging child care when necessary.
- You are a resident of Canada for tax purposes
- You or your spouse/common-law partner must be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, protected person, or a temporary resident living in Canada for the previous 18 months with a valid 19th-month permit, or an Indigenous person who meets the definition of “Indian” under the Indian Act.
Special Cases: Shared Custody and Foster Children
Caregivers cannot receive the CCB for foster children if Children’s Special Allowances (CSA) are being paid for that child. However, you may be eligible if you care for a child under a kinship or close relationship program, provided CSA is not payable.
If two caregivers share custody of a child (e.g., the child lives with you 40-60% of the time), both parents may be eligible to receive 50% of the CCB payment they would have received if they had full custody. The payment for each parent is calculated based on their own Adjusted Family Net Income.
If a female parent is living in the household, she is presumed to be the primary caregiver, unless otherwise stated. For same-sex couples, one parent should apply for all children in the home.
How Much Canada Child Benefit Can You Receive?
The amount you receive depends on three factors: your Adjusted Family Net Income (AFNI), the number of children you have, and their ages. The CCB benefit year runs from July 1 to June 30 and is based on your AFNI from the previous tax year (e.g., your 2024 tax return determines your CCB from July 2025 to June 2026).
Determine Maximum Potential Benefit
For the July 2025 to June 2026 benefit year, the maximum annual benefits (AFNI is below $37,487) are:
- $7,997 per year ($666.42 per month) for children under 6
- $6,748 per year ($562.33 per month) for children aged 6-17
These numbers were $7,787 and $6,570, respectively, for the period from July 2024 to June 2025.
Calculate the Reduction
Your payments start decreasing gradually once your AFNI exceeds the $37,487 threshold. The reduction percentage rises based on the number of children you have. For incomes above $81,222, there is both a set deduction amount and a percentage reduction based on the AFNI overage and the number of children.
| Four or more eligible children | Reduction on Income between $37,487 and $81,222 | Reduction on Income above $81,222 |
|---|---|---|
| One eligible child | 7% | $3,061 + 3.2% of income over $81,222 |
| Two eligible children | 13.5% | $5,904 + 5.7% of income over $81,222 |
| Three eligible children | 19% | $8,310 + 8% of income over $81,222 |
| four or more eligible children | 23% | $10,059 + 9.5% of income over $81,222 |
The examples below illustrate how this calculation works for different family sizes and incomes.
Example calculation 1:
Jennifer is a single mother with 1 child under 6 years old.
Scenario A: If Jennifer’s adjusted family net income for the previous tax year was $32,000, since her income is below $37,487, she qualifies for the maximum CCB amount of $7,997/year.
Scenario B: If instead Jennifer’s adjusted family net income was $40,000, her income exceeds the $37,487 threshold. Her income over the threshold is $40,000 – $37,487 = $2,513. This $2,513 overage gets reduced by 7% (the rate for 1 child). So the maximum CCB of $7,997 is reduced by $175.94, resulting in $7,821.06 annually.
Example calculation 2:
Carla is a single mom with 3 children aged 5, 10 and 15. Her AFNI is $90,000.
- The maximum CCB for 3 children is $7,997 + $6,748 x 2 = $21,493.
- Her AFNI of $90,000 is above the $81,222 threshold.
- Calculate Reduction:
- The fixed reduction for 3 children is $8,310.
- The variable reduction is 8% of her income above $81,222. ($90,000 – $81,222 = $8,778).
- 8% of $8,778 = $702.24.
- Total Reduction = $8,310 + $702.24 = $9,012.24.
So her total annual CCB payment will be: $21,493 – $9,012.24 = $12,480.76 per year, or $1,040.06 per month.
Additional Benefits for Children with Disabilities (CDB)
If you have a child under 18 years old with a severe and prolonged impairment in physical or mental functions, they may be eligible for the Disability Tax Credit (DTC).
If your child is approved for the DTC, you may also receive the Child Disability Benefit (CDB) as part of your Canada Child Benefit payments. To apply, a medical practitioner must complete Form T2201, Disability Tax Credit Certificate.
The CDB provides up to an additional $3,411 per year ($282.25 per month) for each DTC-eligible child under 18. See all about how much CDB Payments you will receive.
When Will You Receive Your CCB Payments?
The CRA issues CCB payments on the 20th of each month, except in December when the payment date is earlier. You can receive payments by check or direct deposit.
| CCB Payment Dates for 2025 |
|---|
| January 20, 2025 February 20, 2025 March 20, 2025 April 17, 2025 May 20, 2025 June 20, 2025 July 18, 2025 August 20, 2025 September 19, 2025 October 20, 2025 November 20, 2025 December 12, 2025 |
If the payment date falls on a weekend or holiday, your CCB will be deposited on the last business day prior.
How to Apply for the Canada Child Benefit
You should apply for the CCB as soon as possible when:
- Your child is born
- A child begins living with you
- You obtain custody of a child
- You change a shared custody arrangement
If it has been more than 11 months since the child began living with you, you’ll need to provide additional documents to support your application.
There are three main ways to apply:
- Birth Registration (Easiest Method): When registering your baby’s birth, you can consent to share your SIN so the hospital can send your details directly to the CRA and initiate your CCB application.
- Online via CRA My Account: You can submit your CCB application online using My Account on the CRA website. Log in, go to “Benefits and credits,” and follow the application prompts.
- Apply by Mail: Complete RC66 Form, Canada Child Benefits Application. Print and complete the form, attach supporting documents, and mail it to your CRA tax centre.
Caregivers need to supply documentation to substantiate their CCB application, including:
- Proof of the child’s birth, such as a birth certificate
- Evidence of Canadian residency, like a rental agreement or utility bill
- Legal custody paperwork, if relevant
- Immigration documentation for new residents or protected individuals
After Applying for the Canada Child Benefit
The CRA will process your application within 8 weeks if applying online, or 11 weeks by mail. You’ll receive a Notice of Entitlement once approved, outlining your benefit amount.
If additional documentation is needed, the CRA will contact you, and you can submit supporting documents through My Account.
Maintaining Your Eligibility: The Two Golden Rules
To continue receiving your CCB each year, you and your spouse/partner must file your tax returns annually, even if you have no income to report. This is the most important rule. The CRA uses the information from your and your spouse’s/partner’s tax returns to calculate your benefits for the upcoming year. If you don’t file, your payments will stop, even if your income is zero. You must file on time every year to ensure uninterrupted payments.
The second rule is to report any major changes in your family situation to the CRA promptly. The changes can be:
- Marital or relationship status – if you get married, separated, divorced, or start/end a common-law relationship
- Family income changes significantly
- Living arrangement changes – if a child starts/stops living with you
- Custody status changes – getting custody or giving up custody of a child
- New banking information for direct deposits
- Address changes
- Changes in the number of eligible children – having a baby, a child turning 18
- If a 16/17 17-year-old child starts/stops attending school full-time
- A child leaves your care or passes away
Reporting changes to your details with the CRA is easy through either CRA My Account online or by calling 1-800-387-1193. If you do not update your information on time, you risk receiving incorrect payments or having to repay amounts you were overpaid.
Provincial and Territorial Child Benefits
Most provinces and territories have their own child benefit programs that are paid in addition to the federal CCB. The CRA administers most of these programs, so you will often receive them as a single combined monthly payment. You are automatically considered for these when you apply for the CCB.
| Province/Territory | Annual Benefit Amount |
|---|---|
| Alberta Child and Family Benefit (ACFB) Paid with CCB | Up to $1,499 (1st child) Up to $749 (each additional child) Starts to reduce when family income exceeds $27,565. |
| BC Family Benefit Paid with CCB | Up to $1,750 (1st child) Up to $1,100 (2nd child) Up to $900 (each additional child) Starts to reduce when AFNI exceeds $29,526. |
| Manitoba Child Benefit (MCB) Separate application required. Not paid with CCB | Up to $420 per child. For lower-income families. |
| NB Child Tax Benefit (NBCTB) & Working Income Supplement (NBWIS) Paid with CCB | NBCTB: $250 per child NBWIS: Up to $250 per family Starts to reduce when AFNI exceeds $20,921. |
| NL Child Benefit Paid with CCB | Tiered monthly amounts starting at $155.66/month ($1,867.92/year) for the first child. For lower-income families. |
| NWT Child Benefit Paid with CCB | Up to $815 (per child under 6) Up to $652 (per child 6-17) Starts to reduce when AFNI exceeds $30,000. |
| Nova Scotia Child Benefit Paid with CCB | Up to $1,524.96 per child ($127.08/month). Partial benefit for AFNI between $26,000 and $34,000. |
| Nunavut Child Benefit Paid with CCB | $348 per child, plus a Territorial Workers’ Supplement. Partial benefit for AFNI above $22,065. |
| Ontario Child Benefit (OCB) Paid with CCB | Up to $1,726.92 per child ($143.91/month). Starts to reduce when family income exceeds $26,364. |
| PEI Child Benefit Paid with CCB | $360/child (income < $45k) $240/child (income $45k-$80k) Tiered based on income levels. |
| Quebec Family Allowance Separate program & application. Replaces the federal CCB | Includes supplements for school supplies and disability. |
| Saskatchewan Low-Income Tax Credit (SLITC) Paid with the GST/HST credit | Includes a component of $169 per child (up to 2). Not a standalone child benefit. Starts to reduce when AFNI exceeds $38,598. The maximum annual credit for AFNI less than $38,598 is $1,196. |
| Yukon Child Benefit Paid with CCB | Up to $936.96 per child ($78.08/month). Partial benefit available for AFNI above $35,000. |
Strategies to Maximize Your Canada Child Benefit
To get the most from the CCB program:
- Contribute to an RRSP to help lower your adjusted family net income.
- Open an RESP account to save some of your CCB payments for your child’s future education.
- Apply for provincial and territorial child benefit programs you may be eligible for.
- Report all changes in your situation as soon as possible.
- Review your bank information and payment dates in My Account before each payment month.
- Double-check that your tax return is accurate and filed on time.
- Consult with a tax expert if you have a complex family situation.
Following these best practices will ensure you receive the full CCB amount you’re entitled to.
FAQs Related To The Canada Child Benefit CCB
What documents do I need to apply for the CCB?
Documents needed include proof of birth, Canadian residency status, custody documents if applicable, and immigration/protected person documents for newcomers to Canada.
Where can I get help to complete my CCB application?
You can get help applying for the CCB through the CRA by phone at 1-800-387-1193 or at a Community Volunteer Income Tax clinic.
When will I get my first Canada Child Benefit payment?
If applying online, first CCB payments are usually issued within 8 weeks. By mail takes 11 weeks. Retroactive payments can be issued based on the child's eligibility date.
Do I report changes to the CRA to keep getting the CCB?
Yes, you must report any changes in your family situation, income, marital status, address, custody, etc. within 30 days to avoid payment issues.
Can I receive the CCB for a grandchild or foster child?
You can get the CCB for a grandchild or other relative’s child in your care. Foster children don’t qualify if receiving other allowances.
Is the Canada Child Benefit taxable?
No, the CCB is not taxable and does not need to be reported on your tax return. You can receive CCB payments tax-free.
Can I receive additional child benefits from my province/territory?
Yes. Some provincial/territorial governments offer additional child benefit programs that supplement the federal CCB amount.
Do I repay the CCB if my income goes up?
You only need to repay if your CCB amount was overpaid due to a change you didn't report on time. Future payments may be reduced if income rises.
Why did my CCB payment stop?
The most common reason is that you or your spouse/partner did not file your tax return. Payments can also stop if your child turns 18 or if you have an outstanding information request from the CRA.
The bottom line
The Canada Child Benefit provides tax-free monthly payments, reducing child poverty through a simple application process, providing regular, predictable support. Studies have shown measurable reductions in child poverty rates since the CCB was introduced. For many families, the additional CCB money they receive each month makes a real difference in making ends meet and improving their children’s quality of life.
