The Canadian government has announced a helpful update for families starting in July 2025. The Canada Child Benefit (CCB) amounts will increase, giving more money to families with children. This yearly update is based on how much the cost of living has gone up, so parents can better manage daily expenses like food, clothing, and child care. Let’s understand what these changes mean, who can get the benefit, and how much money families can expect.
What Is the Canada Child Benefit (CCB)?
The Canada Child Benefit is money given by the government to help families raise their children. It is a tax-free monthly payment that supports families with kids under 18 years old. The goal is to reduce child poverty and help with the cost of raising children in Canada.
Every year, the CCB amount is updated based on inflation — which means how much prices have increased for things like food and housing. In 2025, families will see a slightly bigger increase than usual because the cost of living has risen quickly.
New CCB Payment Amounts for July 2025
Starting in July 2025, families will get more money every month through the Canada Child Benefit. This increase is linked to the Consumer Price Index (CPI), which tracks how much prices go up.
Comparison of CCB Amounts: 2024 vs. 2025
| Age of Child | 2024 CCB Maximum | 2025 CCB Maximum |
|---|---|---|
| Under 6 years | $7,437 | $7,682 |
| Ages 6 to 17 | $6,275 | $6,489 |
Families with an income below $34,000 per year will receive the full amounts. If a family earns more than this, their benefit amount will slowly decrease based on their income.
Who Can Get the Canada Child Benefit?
To receive the CCB in July 2025, you must meet these basic rules:
- You live in Canada and pay taxes there.
- You have a child under 18 living with you.
- You are the main person taking care of the child.
- You and your spouse (if you have one) must file your 2024 tax returns.
The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) checks your eligibility every July using your last year’s tax return. So, to get the July 2025 payment, your 2024 tax return must be filed on time.
What’s New in the 2025 Update?
This year’s CCB increase is bigger than usual. That’s because inflation has been high — prices for food, rent, and child care have all gone up. The government wants to make sure families get enough support to cover these rising costs.
For example, if you have two children under age 6, you could receive almost $500 more in 2025 compared to 2024.
The CRA has also made it easier to manage your CCB information. Using CRA’s “My Account” online portal, you can:
- Check your benefit amount
- See your payment schedule
- Update your family or income details easily
When Will the New Payments Arrive?
The first payment with the new rates will be sent on July 19, 2025. After that, payments will arrive every month on the 20th. If the 20th is a weekend or a holiday, you’ll get the payment on the next business day.
Monthly CCB Payment Tips
To make sure you get your money on time, follow these steps:
- Set up direct deposit with CRA.
- Keep your address and marital status updated.
- Use the CRA’s My Account portal to track payments.
- File your taxes on time every year.
What Happens If You Don’t File Your Taxes?
If you or your spouse forget to file the 2024 tax return, you may not get the July 2025 payment. The CRA uses your income to decide how much money to give you. So if there’s no tax info, your payment might be delayed or stopped completely.
Even if your income is low or zero, you still need to file your taxes to get the benefit.
CRA Tools to Help You Track CCB
The CRA offers easy-to-use tools online:
- CRA My Account – You can log in to check your eligibility, see payment dates, and update your details.
- Benefit Calculator – Use this to get an idea of how much CCB you can receive based on your income and number of children.
If you have questions or face problems, you can also contact CRA by phone or visit a local tax clinic for free help.
Final Advice for Families
If you have kids under 18 and live in Canada, the CCB is one of the best support programs available. In 2025, the increased amount will help families cover more of their daily needs. But to get it, you must stay up-to-date with your taxes and personal information.
What You Should Do Right Now:
- File your 2024 tax return if you haven’t already.
- Check your CRA My Account for updates.
- Set up or confirm your direct deposit.
- Make sure your child’s information is accurate.
By staying organized and informed, you can make sure your family receives the full benefit amount on time.
FAQs
Q1: How do I know if I will get the CCB in July 2025?
Log in to the CRA’s My Account portal. Make sure your 2024 tax return is filed and all your details are correct.
Q2: What if I didn’t file my taxes for 2024?
You must file your 2024 tax return to receive the updated CCB payments. File it as soon as possible to avoid delays.
Q3: When is the first payment for the new CCB amount?
The first payment will be on July 19, 2025. Monthly payments follow on the 20th of each month.
Q4: Will I still get the CCB if I earn more than $34,000 a year?
Yes, but the amount will be less. The higher your income, the lower your benefit.
Q5: Can I check or update my CCB information online?
Yes. Use the CRA’s My Account tool to manage your benefit info quickly and easily.
Conclusion
The Canada Child Benefit increase for July 2025 brings much-needed help to families facing rising expenses. With higher monthly payments, CRA’s easy online access, and automatic updates based on income, the CCB remains one of the most reliable supports for children and families. To receive the full benefit, make sure your 2024 tax return is filed and all details are correct in your CRA account. This increase is a timely step to make sure Canadian children grow up in stable, supported homes.
