Raising children is not easy, especially when prices for food, housing, and other things keep going up. To help with this, the Canadian government is planning to give extra money to families through the Canada Child Benefit (CCB). In July 2025, a new proposal was introduced in Parliament to add an extra $1,200 per year to the current CCB for eligible families.
This new top-up, if approved, will support parents dealing with the high cost of living. Let’s understand in simple terms what the Canada Child Benefit is, what the $1,200 top-up means, who will get it, and when it might start.
What Is the Canada Child Benefit (CCB)?
The Canada Child Benefit (CCB) is money given by the government every month to families with children under 18. It is tax-free, which means you don’t have to pay tax on it.
The goal of the CCB is to help parents pay for things like food, clothes, and school supplies for their kids. The amount a family gets depends on their income. Lower-income families get more money. If a child has a disability, parents might also get extra money under the Child Disability Benefit (CDB).
What Is the New $1,200 Top-Up in 2025?
In 2025, the government is suggesting an extra $1,200 per child per year for eligible families. This amount would be added to the regular CCB payments.
Summary of the Proposal:
| Age Group | Current CCB (2024–2025) | New Proposal for 2025 |
|---|---|---|
| Under 6 years | Up to $7,787 per child | Same + $1,200 top-up |
| 6–17 years | Up to $6,570 per child | Same + $1,200 top-up |
| Top-Up Amount | N/A | Up to $1,200 extra annually |
This extra payment will be sent automatically every month if the family qualifies. There’s no need to fill out a separate form. The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) will handle it just like your regular CCB.
Who Will Get the $1,200 Top-Up?
The extra $1,200 will go to families who already qualify for the CCB. Here’s what you need to be eligible:
- You must have at least one child under the age of 18.
- You must live in Canada and pay Canadian taxes.
- You must file your annual tax return.
- Your income must be within the limits set by the CRA.
👉 Important: The lower your income, the more likely you are to get the full $1,200. Higher-income families may get less or nothing. This way, the support goes mainly to families who need it most.
Why Is This Top-Up Being Suggested?
Canada’s economy is facing tough times. Prices for groceries, rent, and other essentials have gone up a lot. In 2025, inflation is around 3.4%, and this is making life harder for many families.
More than 1.2 million children in Canada are living in homes where getting enough food is a problem. That’s why this top-up is being proposed – to help families handle rising expenses and support children’s health and growth.
When Will the Payments Start?
If Parliament passes the proposal, payments will start in October 2025. The CRA is already preparing for this change.
Here’s what you need to do:
- Make sure your 2024 tax return is filed on time.
- Watch for notices from the CRA around September 2025.
- You don’t need to apply again if you’re already getting the CCB.
What Happens Next?
The proposal is still being debated in Parliament. A final vote is expected by late August 2025. After that:
- Families will get official letters in early September.
- Payments could begin by October 2025.
- The CRA will include the top-up amount in the monthly payments.
How Will This Help Canadian Families?
This new top-up will help ease money worries for many families. It’s especially helpful for:
- Single parents
- Low-income households
- Families with more than one child
The extra $1,200 a year means $100 more every month per child, which can help pay for food, school supplies, clothes, and more. The goal is not just to give short-term help, but also to improve the future of Canadian children.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Do I need to apply for the $1,200 top-up?
No. If you are already receiving the CCB and meet the requirements, you’ll get the top-up automatically.
Is the top-up considered taxable income?
No, it is completely tax-free.
What if I haven’t filed my 2024 taxes?
You need to file your 2024 tax return to qualify for the CCB and the top-up. If you don’t file, you may miss out on the payments.
Conclusion
The proposed $1,200 Canada Child Benefit top-up is a big step to support families during tough times. If it’s approved, many parents will get more help to manage their monthly expenses starting October 2025. Families don’t need to worry about applying again – just make sure your tax filings are up to date. As the government continues to work on this plan, stay alert for official updates so you don’t miss out on any benefits. This extra money could bring real relief to many households across Canada.
