Canada Child Benefit Payouts For April–May 2025- Are You Eligible?
The Canada Child Benefit (CCB) is a tax-free monthly payment provided by the Canadian government to assist eligible families with the cost of raising children under 18 years of age. Introduced in July 2016, the CCB replaced previous child benefit programs to offer more targeted support to families in need.
April–May 2025 Canada Child Benefit Payment Details
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| April 2025 Payment Date | April 17, 2025 |
| May 2025 Payment Date | May 20, 2025 |
| Monthly Amount (Child <6) | Up to $648.91 |
| Monthly Amount (Child 6–17) | Up to $547.50 |
| Child Disability Benefit (CDB) | Up to $276.83 monthly |
| Eligibility | Canadian residents caring for children under 18, with filed 2023 taxes |
| Application Methods | Online via CRA My Account, mail (Form RC66), or through newborn registration |
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the Canada Child Benefit, you must:
- Be a Canadian resident for tax purposes.
- Live with a child under 18 years of age.
- Be primarily responsible for the child’s care and upbringing.
- Be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, protected person, or a temporary resident who has lived in Canada for the previous 18 months.
- Have filed your 2023 income tax return.
Both you and your spouse or common-law partner must file tax returns annually to continue receiving the Canada Child Benefit.
Payment Schedule
The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) issues Canada Child Benefit payments on the 20th of each month. If the 20th falls on a weekend or holiday, payments are made on the last business day before the 20th.
For Spring 2025:
- April Payment: Thursday, April 17, 2025
- May Payment: Tuesday, May 20, 2025
You can check your payment status through your CRA My Account or the MyBenefits CRA mobile app.
Benefit Amounts
Base Monthly Amounts
- Children under age 6: Up to $648.91 per month
- Children aged 6 to 17: Up to $547.50 per month
These amounts are based on your adjusted family net income (AFNI) from the previous year. As your income increases, the benefit amount decreases in a tiered manner.
Child Disability Benefit (CDB)
Families caring for a child eligible for the Disability Tax Credit (DTC) may receive an additional $276.83 per month per child. The CDB starts to reduce when the AFNI exceeds $79,087.
How to Apply
You can apply for the Canada Child Benefit through:
- Online via CRA My Account: The quickest method.
- Mail: Complete and send Form RC66 along with supporting documents.
- Newborn Registration Service: Available in most provinces and territories when registering a child’s birth.
Required Documents:
- Proof of birth for each child.
- Social Insurance Numbers (SINs) for the applicant and spouse.
- Proof of status in Canada (e.g., citizenship, residency, immigration documents).
Maximizing Your Canada Child Benefit Benefits
- 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.
- 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 Canada Child Benefit provides essential financial support to families raising children.
By understanding the payment schedules, eligibility criteria, and application process, you can ensure your family receives the benefits it deserves. Stay informed and proactive to maximize this valuable resource.
FAQs
Can I receive the CCB if I haven’t filed my taxes?
No. Filing your income tax return is mandatory to determine your eligibility and benefit amount.
What happens if my income changes during the year?
The CRA recalculates your benefit annually based on your previous year’s income. Significant changes should be reported to avoid overpayments or underpayments.
Is the CCB considered taxable income?
No. The Canada Child Benefit is a tax-free payment and does not need to be reported as income on your tax return.