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The Canada Child Benefit (CCB) is a tax-free monthly payment provided by the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) to assist eligible families in covering the costs of raising children under 18 years of age.
The benefit amount is determined based on the family’s adjusted family net income (AFNI) from the previous year, the number of children, their ages, and eligibility for the Disability Tax Credit (DTC).
May 2025 CCB Payment Details
- Payment Date: May 20, 2025
- Maximum Monthly Amounts:
- $648.91 per child under 6 years
- $547.50 per child aged 6 to 17 years
- Payment Method: Direct deposit or mailed cheque
- Tax Status: Non-taxable; does not need to be reported as income
Note: If the payment date falls on a weekend or holiday, the payment is issued on the last business day before the 20th.
Eligibility Criteria for the CCB
To qualify for the CCB, applicants must meet the following conditions:
- Residency: Must be a resident of Canada for tax purposes
- Child’s Age: Must live with a child under 18 years of age
- Primary Responsibility: Must be primarily responsible for the care and upbringing of the child
- Tax Filing: Both the applicant and their spouse or common-law partner (if applicable) must file annual tax returns, even if there is no income to report
Note: Newcomers to Canada may qualify after living in the country for 18 months.
Impact of Income on CCB Amounts
The CCB is designed to provide greater assistance to families with lower incomes. As the adjusted family net income (AFNI) increases above $36,502, the benefit amount is gradually reduced. The reduction rates vary based on the number of eligible children:
| Number of Children | AFNI ≤ $36,502 | AFNI $36,502–$79,087 | AFNI > $79,087 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Full amount | 7% reduction | $2,981 + 3.2% |
| 2 | Full amount | 13.5% reduction | $5,749 + 5.7% |
| 3 | Full amount | 19% reduction | $8,091 + 8% |
| 4 or more | Full amount | 23% reduction | $9,795 + 9.5% |
Note: The reduction is applied to the portion of income exceeding $36,502.
Additional Benefits: Child Disability Benefit (CDB)
Families with children eligible for the Disability Tax Credit (DTC) may also receive the Child Disability Benefit (CDB).
For the July 2024 to June 2025 period, the maximum annual CDB is $3,322 per eligible child, equating to $276.83 per month. This amount is reduced when the AFNI exceeds $79,087.
Provincial and Territorial Supplements
In addition to the federal CCB, several provinces and territories offer supplementary benefits:
- Ontario Child Benefit: Up to $1,607 annually per child
- British Columbia Family Benefit: Up to $2,188 annually for the first child, with additional amounts for subsequent children
- Alberta Child and Family Benefit: Maximum base component of $3,674 and working component up to $1,982, depending on the number of children
Note: These provincial benefits are automatically assessed when you apply for the CCB; no separate application is required.
How to Apply for the CCB
Eligible individuals can apply for the CCB through the following methods:
- At Birth: Register the birth of your child and consent to share information with the CRA
- Online: Log into your CRA My Account and select “Apply for child benefits”
- By Mail: Complete and send Form RC66 to your local tax centre
Ensure that both you and your spouse or common-law partner have filed your tax returns to avoid delays in processing.
CCB Payment Schedule for 2025
| Month | Payment Date |
|---|---|
| January | January 20 |
| February | February 20 |
| March | March 20 |
| April | April 17 |
| May | May 20 |
| June | June 20 |
| July | July 18 |
| August | August 20 |
| September | September 19 |
| October | October 20 |
| November | November 20 |
| December | December 12 |
Note: If you do not receive your payment on the scheduled date, please wait five business days before contacting the CRA.
Tips to Ensure You Receive Full CCB Payments
- File Taxes Promptly: Ensure both you and your spouse or common-law partner file taxes annually.
- Update Information: Notify the CRA of any changes in marital status, address, or number of children.
- Enroll in Direct Deposit: For faster payments, enroll in direct deposit through your CRA My Account.
- Explore Additional Benefits: Check for provincial or territorial programs that may supplement your federal CCB.
- Apply for CDB: If your child has a disability, apply for the Disability Tax Credit to access additional support.
The May 2025 CCB payment of $648.91 offers essential financial support to eligible Canadian families.
By understanding the eligibility criteria, payment schedule, and income-based calculations, parents can maximize their benefits.
Timely tax filing and accurate personal information are key to ensuring uninterrupted and full CCB payments throughout the year.
FAQs
When will I receive the May 2025 CCB payment?
The CRA will issue the May 2025 CCB payment on May 20, 2025. If you are enrolled in direct deposit, the funds should appear in your account on that date. If you receive payments by cheque, allow additional time for mail delivery.
How is the CCB amount determined?
The CCB amount is calculated based on your adjusted family net income (AFNI) from the previous tax year, the number and ages of your children, and eligibility for the Disability Tax Credit. The benefit is designed to provide more support to families with lower incomes.
Do I need to reapply for the CCB each year?
No, once you are enrolled in the CCB program, you do not need to reapply annually. However, you and your spouse or common-law partner must file your tax returns each year to continue receiving payments.