Raising a family is an incredibly rewarding journey. But in Canada, it does get quite expensive. Between childcare, school supplies, and the ever-growing grocery bill, the costs can add up quickly. That’s why the Canada Child Benefit (CCB) exists.
It’s a tax-free monthly payment from the Government of Canada designed to help you with the cost of raising children under 18. In this 2025 guide, you’ll find clear answers and practical advice on CCB eligibility and income thresholds, how to apply, and even how to estimate your benefit using the official CCB calculator.
Let’s dive in, because you deserve to get all the support you need!
What Makes the CCB Unique?
One of the advantages of the Canada Child Benefit is how accessible it is for Canadian families.
First, it’s completely tax-free. So, you won’t need to report it as income or worry about it affecting your tax return.
The amount you receive is income-based, calculated using your adjusted family net income (AFNI) from the previous year, so families with lower to moderate incomes receive more.
It’s also child-specific. You receive payments for each eligible child, with higher amounts for children under the age of six. And if your child qualifies for the Child Disability Benefit, you may receive additional monthly support on top of your regular CCB payment.
Who Can Get the CCB? A Simple Checklist
Here’s a simple checklist to help you figure out if you’re eligible:
- You live with a child who is under 18 years of age.
- You’re the primary caregiver.
- You’re a resident of Canada for tax purposes.
- You or your spouse/common-law partner must meet at least one of the following conditions:
- Be a Canadian citizen
- Be a permanent resident
- Be a protected person (someone with refugee status)
- Be a temporary resident who has lived in Canada for at least 18 months and holds a valid permit in the 19th month
- Be an Indigenous person registered or entitled to be registered under the Indian Act
If you meet all the points on this list, you’re eligible for the CCB.
What If You’re in a Common-Law Relationship?
Your marital status can impact your CCB application. Make sure you keep your status up to date with the CRA. If your situation changes, it can affect your payments.
How to Apply for the CCB: A Step-by-Step Guide
Applying for the CCB is easier than you think.
Here’s a step-by-step breakdown to help you choose the method that works best for you:
1. Automated Benefits Application (Most Convenient)
If you’re registering the birth of your child with your province or territory, you can apply for the CCB at the same time. This is often the quickest and easiest method, and it’s available in most parts of Canada.
Just check a box during registration, and your information gets shared with the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) automatically.
2. Apply Online Through CRA My Account
If your child is already born or you’re applying at a later time, you can apply online through your CRA My Account:
Here’s how:
- Log in to CRA My Account
- Click on “Apply for child benefits”
- Fill in your child’s details and upload any required documents
- Submit your application online
This is a great option if you already have your CRA account set up. It lets you manage all your tax and benefit info in one place.
3. Apply by Mail
You can also fill out and send Form RC66 – Canada Child Benefits Application.
Here’s what to do:
- Download the form from the Government of Canada’s website
- Fill it out completely and accurately
- Include any supporting documents (like proof of residency or immigration status if required)
- Mail it to the CRA office for your region (the address is on the form)
No matter which method you choose, make sure your personal information like your marital status and mailing address is up to date with the CRA to avoid delays.
How Your CCB is Calculated: A Simple Breakdown
How much Canada Child Benefit (CCB) can you expect to receive depends on your situation. We’ll walk you through the basics, so you know exactly what to look for.
The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) calculates your CCB using a few key factors:
- The number of children in your care
Each eligible child under 18 adds to your total benefit.
- The age of your children
You’ll receive more if your child is under 6 than if they’re between 6 and 17.
- Your Adjusted Family Net Income (AFNI)
This is your household’s net income after deductions, based on your most recent tax return. The higher your net family income, the lower your CCB amount.
- Child Disability Benefit eligibility
If your child qualifies for the Child Disability Benefit, you may get an extra amount on top of your CCB.
2025 CCB Benefit Amounts (July 2025 – June 2026)
For the upcoming benefit year, the Government of Canada has set as the following maximum annual amounts:
- $7,786 per year for each child under 6
- $6,570 per year for each child aged 6 to 17
These amounts are tax-free and are paid out in monthly installments.
Try Our Free Child Benefit Calculator
We’ve created a free Canada Child Benefit calculator that helps you get a personalized estimate in just a few clicks.
No need to dig through tax forms or guess based on outdated info. Just input a few simple details like your family income, number of children, and their ages, and you’ll get a clear estimate of your potential monthly benefit.
How Income Impacts Your CCB
If your adjusted family net income (AFNI) is under a certain threshold, you’ll receive the full amount. For 2025, the income threshold before reductions begin is around $37,000.
Once your family’s net income goes above that:
- Your CCB payment is gradually reduced
- The more your income increases, the more your benefit is clawed back
Pro Tip: The CCB has replaced older programs like the Universal Child Care Benefit (UCCB) and the Canada Child Tax Benefit (CCTB). It’s time to update!
When Do You Get Your CCB Payments?
The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) issues Canada Child Benefit payments monthly around the 20th. Here’s the full 2025 schedule for the July 2025–June 2026 benefit year:
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Is CCB Considered Taxable Income?
The Canada Child Benefit (CCB) is a tax-free benefit. You don’t have to report it as income when you file your taxes, and it don’t increase your tax bill at the end of the year.
Why It’s Tax-Free
The CCB is designed to help families directly, without adding to their taxable income. Under the Income Tax Act, the CCB and related credits like the Child Disability Benefit are excluded from taxable income. You can keep 100% of what you receive.
This also means:
- It won’t affect your eligibility for other tax credits
- You don’t need to list it as income on your T1 General return
- It won’t interfere with benefits like the GST/HST credit
So, if you’re receiving monthly CCB payments, know that the full amount is yours to without any tax, deductions, or paperwork hassle.
FAQs
The Canada Child Benefit (CCB) helps with the cost of raising children, while the GST/HST credit offsets the federal sales tax for low- to moderate-income individuals and families. You can receive both, but they are separate programs with different eligibility criteria and payment schedules.
Your CCB is recalculated each July based on your previous year’s tax return. If your income increases or decreases significantly, it can affect how much you receive. It’s important to file your taxes every year even if you have no income to make sure you get the correct amount.
If custody is split equally, both parents may receive 50% of the CCB. You must notify the CRA of the shared custody arrangement, and each parent must apply separately. Unequal custody can affect how the benefit is divided.
No, you don’t need to re-apply annually. As long as you continue to file your tax return each year and remain eligible, your CCB will automatically be renewed. However, report any changes in marital status, custody, or address to the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) promptly.
The Family Allowance was a federal child benefit program that existed before the CCB. It was replaced by newer programs like the Canada Child Tax Benefit (CCTB) and eventually merged into the Canada Child Benefit in 2016, which now provides a single, streamlined monthly payment.
Maximize Your Child Benefit with Expert Help
Raising a child is one of life’s greatest joys and biggest responsibilities. But the Canada Child Benefit can help lighten the load.
At Legend Fusions, we help Canadian families, newcomers, and caregivers apply for the CCB process with ease. We determine your CCB eligibility, estimate your payments, and handle all CRA correspondence.
Contact us today to get the support you deserve!
Jeffrey Ross
Jeffrey Ross is an experienced tax accountant focused on US-Canada cross-border taxation, with over three years in the industry, including a key role as client manager at a Canadian tax firm. He provides expertise in corporate and personal tax planning, specializing in non-resident tax, capital gains, CRA and IRS compliance, and retirement planning. Known for his personalized approach, Jeffrey is dedicated to guiding clients with clear, practical advice tailored to complex tax scenarios, aligned with the evolving tax laws.