Raising children in today’s economic climate has become increasingly challenging, with higher grocery prices, housing costs, and childcare expenses affecting families nationwide. To ease this burden, the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) continues to strengthen the Canada Child Benefit (CCB) — a tax-free monthly payment designed to help parents meet the costs of raising children under 18.
For the benefit year September 2025 to June 2026, the CRA has officially confirmed that eligible families can receive up to $7,997 per child under age 6 and $6,748 per child aged 6 to 17. These updated amounts reflect adjustments for inflation and living costs, ensuring families receive meaningful support through 2026.
What Is the Canada Child Benefit (CCB)?
The Canada Child Benefit is a non-taxable, income-tested payment issued by the CRA each month. It aims to assist families with the cost of food, clothing, education, and child care, helping ensure that all Canadian children can thrive regardless of household income.
The benefit is calculated based on adjusted family net income and the number and ages of children. Lower-income families receive the highest payments, while those with higher earnings receive smaller amounts or may phase out entirely once income thresholds are exceeded.
CCB Payment Amounts for 2025–2026
For the 2025–2026 benefit year (starting September 2025), the CRA has confirmed the following maximum annual payment amounts:
| Child’s Age | Maximum Annual Amount (2025–2026) |
|---|---|
| Under 6 years | $7,997 |
| Ages 6 to 17 | $6,748 |
To illustrate, a family with two children—one aged 5 and one aged 9—earning around $65,000 annually could receive just over $11,000 per year in total CCB payments.
This marks an increase from the 2024–2025 benefit year, when payments were:
- $7,787 for children under 6
- $6,570 for children aged 6–17
That’s roughly a 2.7% increase, in line with Canada’s annual Consumer Price Index (CPI) inflation adjustment.
Who Qualifies for the $6,748 Canada Child Benefit in 2025?
To qualify for the CCB, families must meet all the following eligibility requirements:
- The child must be under 18 years old
- The applicant must live with the child and be primarily responsible for their upbringing
- The applicant must be a Canadian resident for tax purposes
- Both parents or guardians must have filed their annual income tax returns
- The applicant must be the primary caregiver responsible for day-to-day decisions affecting the child’s welfare
If these conditions are met, families automatically qualify once their tax filings are processed. The benefit amount is income-tested, meaning higher-earning families receive a reduced payment.
How Family Income Affects Payment Amounts
The CRA calculates CCB amounts using a sliding income scale. Families with adjusted net incomes below $34,863 generally receive the maximum annual amount.
For incomes above that threshold, payments gradually reduce based on:
यह भी पढ़े:
£600 UK Cost of Living Boost Announced – Check If You’re Eligible Before October Payments Begin
- Family size
- Number of eligible children
- Combined net income of both parents or guardians
It’s important to note that filing your income tax return on time each year ensures that your CCB payment continues uninterrupted.
CCB Payment Dates for Late 2025
The Canada Child Benefit is paid monthly, typically on or around the 20th of each month. The CRA has confirmed the following payment dates for the remainder of 2025:
| Month | Payment Date |
|---|---|
| August 2025 | 20 August 2025 |
| September 2025 | 18 September 2025 |
| October 2025 | 18 October 2025 |
| November 2025 | 20 November 2025 |
| December 2025 | 12 December 2025 |
The next major CCB payment will be issued on September 18, 2025. Eligible families can check their CRA My Account or bank account statements to confirm the deposit.
यह भी पढ़े:
Top 5 High-Demand Healthcare Jobs in Canada 2026 – Best Opportunities for Immigrants Revealed
How to Apply for the Canada Child Benefit
If you haven’t yet applied for the CCB, the process is simple and can be completed online in a few easy steps:
- Visit the official CRA website at www.canada.ca.
- Log in to your CRA My Account (or register if you don’t have one).
- Complete the online CCB application form.
- Submit required documentation, such as a birth certificate or proof of immigration status.
- Wait for CRA confirmation, after which payments are issued directly into your bank account.
Applications can also be submitted by mail or through Service Canada offices, but online filing remains the quickest and most efficient method.
CCB Payment Calculation Example
Let’s take a practical example:
यह भी पढ़े:
CRA $2,500 One-Time Death Benefit in 2025 – Full Eligibility, Documents and Claim Process for 2025
Scenario:
- A family earns $65,000 in adjusted net income
- They have two children, ages 4 and 8
Estimated Annual CCB:
- $7,997 (for child under 6)
- $6,748 (for child aged 6–17)
- Total: Around $11,000–$11,200 annually
Payments are divided equally across 12 months, meaning the family would receive roughly $920–$940 per month in tax-free benefits.
Why the CCB Matters in 2025
With inflation affecting nearly every aspect of daily life, the CCB remains one of the most significant financial relief programs for families in Canada. It helps bridge income gaps, supports childcare affordability, and ensures children have access to essentials without parents facing added financial strain.
For middle-income and low-income families, these payments can make a difference between financial stability and hardship — especially as the cost of food, rent, and utilities continues to rise in 2025.
Common Questions About the CCB
1. Do I need to reapply every year?
No. Once approved, you do not need to reapply annually. However, you must file your taxes each year to ensure your eligibility and payment amount are recalculated accurately.
यह भी पढ़े:
Canada $2,000 CRA Direct Deposit in October 2025 – Check Full Eligibility and Claim Process
2. What happens if my income increases or decreases?
Your CCB amount will automatically adjust based on the most recent tax return filed. An increase in income will reduce your benefit, while a decrease will increase it.
3. Can both parents receive the CCB?
No. The CCB is paid to the primary caregiver, usually the parent who lives with the child most of the time.
4. What if I have a new child or adopt?
You must update your CCB information through your CRA My Account or contact Service Canada to add the new child to your benefit calculation.
5. Is the CCB considered taxable income?
No. The Canada Child Benefit is completely tax-free, meaning it does not affect your taxable income or other benefits.
How the 2025–2026 Increase Compares to Previous Years
The CCB is adjusted annually to reflect changes in inflation and the cost of living. Since its introduction in 2016, the benefit has steadily increased to keep pace with economic realities.
The 2.7% rise in 2025–2026 ensures families can maintain purchasing power despite ongoing inflationary pressures. For example:
- In 2020, the maximum payment for children under 6 was $6,765
- In 2025, it has climbed to $7,997, marking a notable $1,232 increase in just five years
These adjustments demonstrate the CRA’s commitment to supporting families consistently through changing economic conditions.
Fact Check: The Truth About the $6,748 Canada Child Benefit
Some online posts have questioned whether the new 2025–2026 CCB amounts are legitimate. According to the official Government of Canada website:
- The new benefit year begins in September 2025.
- The first payment reflecting the new rates will be deposited on September 18, 2025.
- The maximum payment amounts are confirmed at $7,997 (under 6) and $6,748 (ages 6–17).
Thus, these figures are accurate and officially verified by the CRA.
What Families Should Do Before the September 2025 Payment
To ensure smooth payments, families should:
- File 2024 tax returns by the deadline.
- Verify bank account details in CRA My Account.
- Update dependent information (new births, custody changes, etc.).
- Monitor CRA communications for confirmation of payment deposits.
Doing so guarantees uninterrupted benefits and prevents delays in receiving September’s payment.
The Bottom Line
The 2025–2026 Canada Child Benefit continues to be a cornerstone of family financial support in Canada. With new maximum payments of $7,997 per child under 6 and $6,748 for children aged 6–17, the CRA reaffirms its commitment to helping families meet rising living costs.
As long as families keep their tax filings and information up to date, payments will continue to arrive on schedule—starting with the next deposit on September 18, 2025.
For detailed information or to apply, visit the official CRA website at www.canada.ca.
FAQs – Canada Child Benefit 2025–2026
Q1. What is the new CCB amount for 2025–2026?
Eligible families can receive up to $7,997 per child under 6 and $6,748 per child aged 6–17.
Q2. When is the next payment date for the Canada Child Benefit?
The next confirmed payment date is September 18, 2025.
Q3. How do I apply for the CCB?
You can apply online through your CRA My Account or by visiting www.canada.ca.
Q4. Is the Canada Child Benefit taxable?
No, the CCB is completely tax-free and does not affect your taxable income.
Q5. What happens if my family’s income changes?
The CRA automatically adjusts your benefit amount based on your latest tax return. You don’t need to reapply.
