Canada Boosts Child Benefit Payments Early This July

Families in Canada will get good news this summer. The Canada Child Benefit (CCB) is going up for the 2025–2026 year. Even better, the first boosted payment will come early—on July 18, 2025. Normally, it comes on the 20th, but this time the 20th is a Sunday. So, families will receive funds before the weekend.

This early payment is great timing. Many parents are facing rising prices on groceries, rent, school supplies, and childcare. The new payment offers some much-needed help.

What Is the Canada Child Benefit?

The Canada Child Benefit is a monthly, tax-free payment. It helps families who are raising children under 18. It started in 2016, replacing older programs, and aims to reduce child poverty and support everyday needs like food, school, and clothing.

The CCB focuses on helping low and middle-income families. Even families with higher income may still get some support.

What’s New in 2025?

From July 2025 to June 2026, the CCB will rise by 2.7%. This increase is based on inflation and growing living costs.

Here are the new yearly maximums:

• Children under 6: $7,997 (about $666.41 per month)
  
• Children aged 6–17: $6,748 (about $562.33 per month)
  

That’s up from last year by $210 and $178 per child, depending on age.

The first payment with these new amounts will arrive on July 18 instead of July 20 due to the weekend.

When Will Other Payments Come?

Below are the remaining 2025 payment dates:

• August 20
  
• September 19
  
• October 20
  
• November 20
  
• December 12
  

Payments usually come on the 20th each month, unless it’s a weekend or holiday.

Who Can Get the CCB?

You qualify if:

• You live in Canada
  
• You’re a citizen, permanent resident, protected person, or a long-term temporary resident
  
• You are mainly responsible for a child under 18
  
• The child lives with you more than half the year
  

In shared custody, the benefit can be split between caregivers.

Special Support After Loss

Starting 2025, if a child passes away, families can receive payments for six months afterward. This helps cover funeral or support costs during a difficult time.

How Much You Get Depends on Income

The amount you receive is based on your 2024 family income. If you earn $37,487 or less, you’ll get the full amount. As income goes up, the benefit slowly goes down.

For example:

• A family with 2 children and an income of $30,000 will get around $1,228 per month.
  
• A family with 1 child and income of $90,000 will get around $387 per month.
  

Tools and Tips to Get the Most

You can use the CRA Benefits Calculator online to check how much you qualify for. It’s easy to use.

To get the full benefit:

• File your taxes on time
  
• Update your info if your family size or income changes
  
• Use direct deposit to avoid delays
  

Big Impact on Families

The CCB has helped reduce child poverty since it began. Studies show it helped single moms and two-parent homes avoid financial stress. With prices rising everywhere, the extra money is a big help.

Some parents say it’s not enough to keep up with costs. One mom in Toronto says, “An extra $21 a month per kid helps, but it’s barely keeping up with food prices.”

Still, the CCB remains one of Canada’s most helpful programs for families. It supports newcomers, low-income homes, and those in need.