The Canada Child Benefit (CCB) is a crucial source of monthly, tax-free financial support for families raising children under 18. Administered by the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA), the benefit is recalculated every July and is based on your family’s net income from the previous year.
This year’s July payment will be issued on Friday, July 18, 2025, but there are important tax deadlines, eligibility rules, and application processes you need to be aware of to avoid disruption in your payments.
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What Is the Canada Child Benefit?
The Canada Child Benefit—sometimes referred to as the child tax credit or baby bonus—is designed to help cover the cost of raising children. The benefit is income-tested and indexed to inflation, which means your payment changes each year depending on your household income and inflation rates.
Who Can Get the CCB?
To be eligible for the Canada Child Benefit, all of the following must apply:
- You live with the child
- The child is under 18 years of age
- You are the primary caregiver
- You or your spouse/common-law partner are:
- A Canadian citizen
- A permanent resident
- A protected person
- A temporary resident who has lived in Canada for 18 months and holds a valid permit
Who Cannot Receive the CCB?
- Payments are not made for foster children during months when Children’s Special Allowances (CSA) are issued.
- However, if you care for a child under a kinship or close-relationship program and CSA is not being paid, you may still qualify.
How Much Will You Get in July 2025?
The maximum annual CCB amounts for 2025–2026 (for families earning under $37,487) are:
- $7,997 per child under 6 ($666.41/month)
- $6,748 per child aged 6–17 ($562.33/month)
This reflects an approximate $200 increase from the previous year due to inflation indexing.
What Factors Affect Your Payment?
- Family’s adjusted net income
- Number of children
- Marital status
- Changes in custody or shared parenting arrangements
Why Your CCB Payment Could Stop in July
The CRA requires you and your spouse/common-law partner to file your tax returns annually to continue receiving CCB payments. If either of you fail to file on time, your benefits may be paused starting in July.
Even if you:
- Earn no income
- Have tax-exempt income
- Are self-employed
—you still must file to avoid losing your benefit.
When Are CCB Payments Sent Out in 2025?
Mark These Canada Child Benefit Payment Dates:
- January 20
- February 20
- March 20
- April 17
- May 20
- June 20
- July 18
- August 20
- September 19
- October 20
- November 20
- December 12
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How to Apply for the Canada Child Benefit
You can apply for the CCB as soon as:
- Your child is born
- A child begins or resumes living with you
- You change custody or start a shared parenting arrangement
- You or your spouse become eligible
Application Options:
- At Birth
- Apply during birth registration through your province or territory
- Online
- Sign in to your CRA My Account and apply online
- Mail
- Fill out and send Form RC66 to your nearest tax centre
Receiving Your Payment: How to Set Up Direct Deposit
CRA Direct Deposit Setup Options:
- Online: Through CRA’s My Account portal
- Mobile App: Use the MyCRA app
- Phone: Call 1-800-959-8281 with:
- Social Insurance Number
- Full name and address
- Banking info
- Recent tax and benefit information
- Your Bank: Many financial institutions allow you to set up CRA direct deposit
Once registered, your funds are deposited directly into your bank account, often faster than waiting for a mailed cheque.
What If Your Payment Doesn’t Arrive?
If your July 18, 2025, payment doesn’t show up:
- Wait five business days
- Check the status through My Account
- If still unresolved, call the CRA
Other Key July 2025 Government Benefits to Expect
In addition to the CCB, eligible Canadians may also receive:
- GST/HST credit
- Advanced Canada Workers Benefit (ACWB)
- Ontario Trillium Benefit (OTB)
- Canada Pension Plan (CPP)
- Old Age Security (OAS)
- Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP)
- Veteran Disability Pension
- New Canada Disability Benefit (starting for approved applicants as of June 30)
Final Thoughts: Don’t Miss Out on Your Canada Child Benefit
The Canada Child Benefit is a major financial support system for Canadian families. To ensure uninterrupted payments:
- File your taxes on time
- Report changes to your family situation
- Keep your CRA account info up to date
- Apply early if you’ve recently had a child or taken on caregiving responsibilities