$648.91 Canada Child Benefit in 2025: Who Qualifies and When to Expect It

The Canada Child Benefit (CCB) is a financial assistance program provided by the Government of Canada to help families with children under 18 years old. In 2025, eligible families may receive up to $648.91 per month per child under 6 years of age. For older children, the amount will be slightly lower. This tax-free monthly payment helps reduce the financial burden on families and supports the well-being of children. Here’s everything you need to know about the CCB in 2025, including who qualifies, how much you can receive, and when to expect payments.

What is the Canada Child Benefit (CCB)?

The CCB is a federal program designed to assist families with the cost of raising children. It’s a tax-free monthly payment that is based on the family’s income, the number of children, and the children’s ages. The benefit is aimed at reducing child poverty and helping families with the costs of raising children in Canada.

How Much Can You Receive in 2025?

In 2025, the maximum monthly benefit is:

• Up to $648.91 per month for each child under the age of 6.
• Up to $547.38 per month for children aged 6 to 17 years.

These amounts may be reduced based on the family’s net income. Families with higher incomes will receive a lower benefit or may not be eligible for the CCB at all. The amount is also adjusted each year for inflation.

Who Qualifies for the Canada Child Benefit in 2025?

To qualify for the CCB in 2025, you must meet the following criteria:

1. Residency:
   • You must be a Canadian resident for tax purposes.
   • You must live with the child and be the primary caregiver.
2. Age of Children:
   • The CCB applies to children under 18 years of age.
   • For children aged 6 and above, the benefit will be reduced.
3. Income:
   • The benefit is income-tested, meaning the amount you receive depends on your household’s net income. Families with lower incomes will receive higher amounts, while higher-income families will receive a reduced benefit.
   • The CCB is designed to support low- and middle-income families most.
4. Tax Filings:
   • Both parents (if applicable) must file their income taxes for the most recent year. Your eligibility and the amount of the CCB will be determined based on your filed tax returns.
5. Citizenship/Immigration Status:
   • You must be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or have a valid immigration status.

When Will You Receive the $648.91 CCB?

The Canada Child Benefit is issued monthly, with payments typically arriving on the 20th of each month. In 2025, here are the payment dates to expect:

• January 20, 2025
• February 20, 2025
• March 20, 2025
• April 20, 2025
• May 20, 2025
• June 20, 2025
• July 20, 2025
• August 20, 2025
• September 20, 2025
• October 20, 2025
• November 20, 2025
• December 20, 2025

Make sure your contact information is up to date with the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) to avoid delays in receiving your payments.

How to Apply for the Canada Child Benefit

1. Create an Account on MyGov:
   If you haven’t already, you’ll need to create a MyGov account and link it to your Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) profile.
2. File Your Taxes:
   Both parents or caregivers (if applicable) must file taxes with the CRA, even if you don’t have a significant income. This is crucial to determining your eligibility and the amount you’ll receive.
3. Apply for the CCB:
   If you are a first-time applicant, you can apply for the CCB when you file your taxes, or you can apply directly through your MyGov account. If you’re receiving CCB already, it will be automatically renewed if your income information is up to date.
4. Submit Your Application:
   The CRA will use the most recent information from your tax return to calculate your eligibility and monthly payment.

What Happens If You Don’t Receive the CCB?

If you believe you are eligible but don’t receive your Canada Child Benefit payment:

1. Check Your Eligibility:
   • Ensure that you’ve filed your taxes and that the CRA has your updated contact information.
2. Update Your Information:
   • Make sure your address, marital status, and any changes in your household are reflected in your CRA account.
3. Contact the CRA:
   If you still haven’t received your CCB, contact the CRA at 1-800-387-1193 for assistance.

Final Thoughts

The $648.91 Canada Child Benefit in 2025 can make a significant difference in helping families manage the costs of raising children. Be sure to meet the eligibility requirements, file your taxes, and update your information with the CRA to ensure that you don’t miss out on this valuable benefit.

FAQs