Canada Child Benefit payments for May 2025 go out soon : How much do parents get for child benefits in Canada?
Raising kids in Canada isn’t cheap—and the Canada Child Benefit (CCB) helps lighten the load. As one of the country’s most significant family support programs, the CCB provides monthly, tax-free payments to help parents manage the costs of raising children.
With the May 2025 CCB payment set to arrive soon, families across the country can count on a timely financial boost. But how much you receive depends on your household income, number of children, and their ages. Here’s everything you need to know about how much you get for child benefits in Canada, who qualifies, when payments arrive, and how to apply.
What Is the Canada Child Benefit?
The Canada Child Benefit is a federal income-support program that offers monthly, tax-free payments to eligible families. It was introduced in 2016 to replace previous child benefit programs and aims to help parents with the everyday costs of raising children under 18.
Payments are determined based on your adjusted family net income, number of children, and eligibility for supplements like the Child Disability Benefit. Many provinces and territories also provide additional monthly top-ups to eligible families.
Who Is Eligible for the Canada Child Benefit?
To qualify for the CCB, you must:
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Live in Canada and be a resident for tax purposes
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Be the primary caregiver of a child under 18
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Be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, protected person, temporary resident, or registered under the Indian Act
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File an annual tax return (you and your spouse or partner, if applicable)
There’s no strict income cap, but benefit amounts reduce gradually as household income increases.
How Much Do Parents Get for Child Benefits in Canada (2024–2025)?
For the benefit year July 2024 to June 2025, the maximum monthly CCB payments are:
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$648.91 per child under age 6
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$547.50 per child aged 6 to 17
These amounts are for families with an adjusted family net income of $36,502 or less. If your income is higher, you may still receive partial payments. The CRA adjusts the benefit annually based on inflation and your most recent tax return.
Additional provincial or territorial benefits may apply, depending on where you live. In some regions, families can receive up to $300 more per child every month.
How to Apply for the Canada Child Benefit
There are three main ways to apply for the CCB:
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At birth registration – If you register your child’s birth and agree to share your info with the CRA, your application is processed automatically.
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Online – Log in to your CRA My Account and select “Apply for child benefits.”
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By mail – Complete Form RC66 and send it to your local tax centre.
The CRA also uses your application to determine eligibility for provincial and territorial child benefits, so you don’t need to apply separately.
Is the Canada Child Benefit Taxable?
No — the CCB is 100% tax-free. You don’t need to report it as income when filing your taxes. It also doesn’t affect your tax return or reduce any refunds you may be eligible for.
CCB Payment Dates for 2025
The Canada Child Benefit is paid monthly, usually on the 20th of each month. If the 20th falls on a weekend or holiday, the payment is issued on the business day before.
Here are the remaining 2025 CCB payment dates:
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Tuesday, May 20
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Friday, June 20
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Friday, July 18
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Wednesday, August 20
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Friday, September 19
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Monday, October 20
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Thursday, November 20
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Friday, December 12
Use the Canada Child Benefit Calculator
Want to know how much you could receive each month? Try the Canada Child Benefit Calculator on the CRA website. It factors in your income, number of children, their ages, and any disability benefits or regional supplements to give you an accurate estimate.
Final Thoughts
The Canada Child Benefit continues to be a vital lifeline for families navigating the rising costs of parenting. Whether you’re new to the program or reviewing your eligibility ahead of the May 2025 payment, staying informed helps ensure you receive every dollar you’re entitled to.
Don’t forget: file your tax return every year, even if you earned no income. This is the key to maintaining uninterrupted payments.