Canada Child Benefit October 2025 — Eligibility, Amounts & Payment Dates

The Canada Child Benefit (CCB) remains one of the most important financial lifelines for Canadian families, especially in 2025 as the cost of living continues to climb. Administered by the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA), this tax-free monthly payment is designed to ease the burden of raising children, helping parents cover essentials like food, school supplies, housing, and childcare.

The most recent round of payments went out on September 19, 2025, and the next is scheduled for October 20, 2025.

How Much Can Families Receive in 2025?

For the benefit year running July 2025 – June 2026, the maximum annual CCB amounts are:

• $7,997 per child under age 6
• $6,748 per child aged 6 to 17

The actual benefit you receive depends on your adjusted family net income (AFNI) and the number of children in your care. Families earning above a certain income threshold will see their payments reduced through a phase-out calculation.

Child’s Age	Maximum Annual Amount (2025–26)	Monthly Equivalent
Under 6	$7,997	About $666.41
6 to 17	$6,748	About $562.33

These amounts mirror the indexed adjustment tied to inflation, similar to the Children’s Special Allowance (CSA) for kids in foster care.

Eligibility Requirements for CCB 2025

To qualify, you must meet several conditions laid out by the CRA:

• Be a resident of Canada for tax purposes.
• Live with a child under 18 years old.
• Be the person primarily responsible for the child’s care and upbringing.
• Be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, protected person, or certain long-term temporary residents (18 months+ in Canada).
• File your income tax returns every year (even with zero income). Your spouse or partner must also file if applicable.

It’s not enough to just have a child—you must also stay up to date with your taxes, as the CRA uses your tax return to calculate how much you receive.

Payment Schedule for 2025

CCB payments arrive once a month, typically around the 20th. For the remainder of 2025, here are the key dates:

Month	Payment Date
September	19
October	20
November	20
December	12

Funds are sent by direct deposit (recommended for speed and security) or by mailed cheque.

How to Apply for CCB

Parents can apply as soon as their child is born or as soon as they take primary responsibility for a child. Here’s how:

1. Through birth registration – In most provinces, you can check a box on your child’s birth registration to automatically apply.
2. Online via CRA My Account – Log in, locate the CCB application, and submit documents like proof of income and child’s birth certificate.
3. Paper form – Fill out Form RC66 (Canada Child Benefits Application) and mail it to CRA.

You’ll need to provide:

• Proof of identity and residency
• Your child’s birth certificate
• Proof of income (tax filings)

Once approved, payments usually start within 8 weeks if you applied online, or up to 11 weeks if by mail.

Important Reminders

• Always update your information (address, marital status, custody changes) with CRA promptly to avoid overpayments.
• If your family income rises, your CCB may decrease next July after reassessment.
• If you share custody, payments may be split 50/50 between parents.
• Payments are non-taxable, but you must still report them for eligibility purposes.

Quick Snapshot

Feature	Details
Program	Canada Child Benefit (CCB)
Authority	Canada Revenue Agency (CRA)
Year	2025
Max Annual Amount	$7,997 (under 6), $6,748 (ages 6–17)
Frequency	Monthly
Next Payment	October 20, 2025
Tax Status	Tax-free
Application	Through CRA My Account, birth registration, or RC66 form

Wrapping Up

The CCB 2025 continues to serve as a cornerstone of Canada’s child support system, ensuring families have the financial help they need to raise children in today’s economy. With payments as high as $666 per month per child under 6, the program directly addresses affordability challenges for parents across the country.

If you’re eligible and haven’t applied yet, do so immediately—the earlier you apply, the sooner you can start receiving monthly support.

FAQs