The Canada Child Benefit (CCB) is a tax-free monthly payment provided by the Government of Canada to assist families with the costs of raising children under 18 years old.
Administered by the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA), the CCB aims to support families by offsetting expenses related to child-rearing, including education, childcare, and basic necessities. For March 2025, the CCB payment is scheduled for March 20, 2025. ​
Overview of the Canada Child Benefit (CCB)
Introduced in 2016, the CCB replaced previous federal child support programs to provide more targeted assistance based on family income.
The benefit is designed to reduce child poverty and provide greater financial support to families in need.​
Key Features of the CCB
- Tax-Free: Payments are non-taxable, meaning they do not need to be reported as income.​
- Income-Based: The amount received is adjusted based on the family’s net income; lower-income families receive higher benefits.​
- Indexed to Inflation: Annual adjustments ensure that payments reflect the rising cost of living.​
CCB Payment Dates for 2025
CCB payments are typically issued on the 20th of each month. If the 20th falls on a weekend or holiday, payments are processed on the last business day before the 20th. ​
Below is the CCB payment schedule for 2025:​
| Month | Payment Date |
|---|---|
| January | January 20, 2025 |
| February | February 20, 2025 |
| March | March 20, 2025 |
| April | April 17, 2025 |
| May | May 20, 2025 |
| June | June 20, 2025 |
| July | July 18, 2025 |
| August | August 20, 2025 |
| September | September 19, 2025 |
| October | October 20, 2025 |
| November | November 20, 2025 |
| December | December 12, 2025 |
If a payment is not received on the expected date, it is advised to wait five business days before contacting the CRA. ​
Eligibility Criteria for the Canada Child Benefit
To qualify for the CCB, applicants must meet the following criteria:​
- Residency: Must be a resident of Canada for tax purposes.​
- Child’s Age: The child must be under 18 years old.​
- Primary Caregiver: The applicant must live with the child and be primarily responsible for their care and upbringing.​
- Legal Status: The applicant or their spouse/common-law partner must be:​
- A Canadian citizen;​
- A permanent resident;​
- A protected person (refugee status);​
- A temporary resident who has lived in Canada for at least 18 months;​
- An individual registered under the Indian Act.​
- Tax Filing Requirement: Both the applicant and their spouse/common-law partner must file annual income tax returns, as CCB eligibility and amounts are based on family net income.​
CCB Benefit Amounts for 2025
The amount received under the CCB depends on the family’s adjusted net income and the number of children in their care. For the period of July 2024 to June 2025, the maximum annual benefits are:​
- Children under 6 years old: Up to $7,787 per year ($648.91 per month).​
- Children aged 6 to 17 years old: Up to $6,570 per year ($547.50 per month).​
Families with an adjusted net income below $36,502 will receive the maximum benefit. As income increases beyond this threshold, the benefit amount gradually decreases.
Additionally, families with children eligible for the Disability Tax Credit may receive up to $3,322 more per eligible child. ​
How to Apply for the Canada Child Benefit
There are several methods to apply for the CCB:​
- Online Application:
- Log in to the CRA’s My Account portal and follow the instructions under the “Apply for child benefits” section.​
- At Birth Registration:
- In most provinces and territories, parents can apply for the CCB when registering the birth of their child through the Automated Benefits Application.
- By Mail:
- Complete Form RC66, Canada Child Benefits Application, and mail it to the CRA.​
Ensure that all required information and documentation are provided to avoid delays in processing. It typically takes:​
- 8 weeks for online applications to be processed;​
- 11 weeks for mailed applications to be processed.
The Canada Child Benefit (CCB) March 2025 payment will be issued on March 20, 2025. Families should ensure they meet eligibility requirements and keep their tax filings updated to receive the maximum benefit.
The CCB continues to provide vital financial support to families across Canada, helping parents manage child-related expenses effectively.
FAQs
What happens if the CCB payment is not received on March 20, 2025?
If the payment is delayed, recipients should wait five business days before contacting the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA).
Can families receive CCB if they recently moved to Canada?
Yes, newcomers to Canada may qualify if they have resided in Canada for at least 18 months and meet other eligibility criteria.
Will the CCB amounts increase in July 2025?
The CCB is adjusted annually based on inflation rates. The next update will be effective July 2025.
