$666.41 CRA Children’s Special Allowance — Who Qualifies & Payment Dates

Caring for children in foster care or under institutional custody has always posed a unique financial challenge. Unlike traditional family households where benefits like the Canada Child Benefit (CCB) flow directly to parents, children in government-approved foster or group care often rely on organizational support. That’s where the Children’s Special Allowance (CSA) comes in—a federal program run by the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA), ensuring that these children receive the same level of monthly assistance as their peers.

For 2025, the CSA rate has been set at $666.41 per child, per month, tax-free.

What is the Children’s Special Allowance?

The CSA is essentially the foster-care equivalent of the Canada Child Benefit. While the CCB is paid to parents or guardians, the CSA is paid directly to:

• Child welfare agencies
• Foster homes
• Government-approved institutions responsible for the child’s care

This ensures that children without direct parental care don’t miss out on crucial financial support for essentials like food, clothing, health care, and education.

Detail	Information
Program	Children’s Special Allowance (CSA)
Authority	Canada Revenue Agency (CRA)
Year	2025
Amount	$666.41 per child, monthly
Beneficiaries	Children in foster care or government custody
Payment Mode	Direct bank transfer to agencies/foster homes
Country	Canada
Website	canada.ca

Who Qualifies for the $666.41 CSA?

Not every child in Canada is eligible—this program is targeted. The main conditions include:

• Child must be under 18 years old.
• Must spend at least one month in the custody of a recognized foster home, child welfare agency, or institution.
• Custody must be formally recognized by provincial or territorial authorities.
• The child must not be simultaneously enrolled in another child benefit program through their parents.
• The applying organization must follow CRA compliance and reporting standards.

In short, CSA is designed for children who are not living with their parents but are still entitled to financial support for their upbringing.

Payment Dates for 2025

Just like the Canada Child Benefit, CSA payments follow a set monthly schedule. For the last quarter of 2025, here’s what families and agencies can expect:

Month	Payment Date
September	19
October	20
November	20
December	19

Payments are released directly into the bank accounts of the recognized organization or foster family.

How the Application Works

Unlike the CCB, where parents apply, the CSA process is handled entirely by welfare organizations:

1. Application by the agency – Foster homes or institutions submit the child’s details to CRA.
2. CRA verification – The child’s custody and eligibility status is confirmed.
3. Automatic payments – Once approved, monthly CSA payments begin.
4. Direct transfer – Funds are deposited straight to the agency or foster family.
5. Accountability – Organizations must keep records and may be audited to ensure funds are spent on the child’s needs.

Parents or guardians cannot apply directly.

Recent Updates and Clarifications

• The $666.41 rate is tied to the maximum CCB amount for children under six.
• For children aged 6–17 or those with a disability supplement, the actual entitlement may differ slightly depending on CRA’s calculations.
• Payments are tax-free, but organizations must ensure funds are spent solely on child-rearing expenses.
• This article is for informational purposes—families and agencies should always consult CRA’s official CSA page or contact the CRA directly for exact details.

Why This Matters

For children in foster or institutional care, CSA isn’t just financial aid—it’s an equalizer. It ensures that despite their circumstances, they have access to the same resources as children raised in family households. It helps cover necessities and even small joys, ensuring no child is left behind because of where they live.

Quick Summary Table

Feature	Details
Benefit Name	Children’s Special Allowance (CSA)
Monthly Amount	$666.41 per child
Eligibility	Children in foster care or government custody
Payment Frequency	Monthly
Administered By	Canada Revenue Agency
Application Method	Through child welfare organizations
Tax Status	Non-taxable

Wrapping Up

The CRA Children’s Special Allowance 2025 is a powerful reminder of Canada’s commitment to children in care. While parents receive the Canada Child Benefit, children without parental guardianship are equally supported through CSA. At $666.41 per month per child, it offers a stable financial base for foster families and institutions to cover the cost of raising kids who need it most.

If you’re a foster parent, agency worker, or child welfare professional, keeping up with these payment updates is essential. Ultimately, the allowance isn’t about numbers—it’s about giving every child the same shot at a healthy, supported childhood.

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