PETERBOROUGH, ON, July 18, 2025 /CNW/ – As families raising children across the country receive the Canada Child Benefit (CCB) today, the Honourable Anna Gainey, Secretary of State (Children and Youth), announced that the benefit amounts have increased for the 2025–26 payment cycle.
Child Benefit Increased for 2025–26
Families will now receive up to $7,997 per child under the age of 6, and up to $6,748 per child aged 6 through 17. This marks an approximate $200 annual increase over the previous year’s benefit and is aimed at supporting parents with essential living expenses.
Supporting Families With Daily Costs
The increased CCB amount is expected to ease the financial pressure on parents dealing with rising costs of groceries, clothing, child care, and other everyday essentials. Gainey emphasized that this update reflects the government’s ongoing commitment to making life more affordable for Canadian families.
Annual Adjustments Based on Inflation
The Canada Child Benefit is indexed to inflation, which means it is reviewed and adjusted annually to ensure that the support keeps pace with the cost of living. The 2025–26 increase represents a continuation of this practice, offering stable and reliable financial assistance for families nationwide.
Monthly Payments Offer Flexibility
The benefit is paid out monthly, offering families the flexibility to manage their household budgets more effectively. These funds can be used however parents see fit—whether for day-to-day expenses, saving for their child’s future, or handling unexpected costs.
Eligibility Remains Unchanged
The eligibility criteria for receiving the CCB remain the same. To qualify, families must file their tax returns annually and meet certain residency and income requirements. The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) uses the family’s net income to calculate the amount they are entitled to receive.
Stronger Support for Young Children
The higher amount for children under 6 reflects the greater financial needs associated with early childhood. Diapers, daycare, baby food, and early education come with substantial costs, and the CCB aims to relieve that burden for parents.
Background on the Canada Child Benefit
Launched in 2016, the Canada Child Benefit replaced previous federal child support programs and consolidated them into a more generous and tax-free monthly payment. Since then, it has become a cornerstone of the federal government’s strategy to reduce child poverty and support working families.
Long-Term Impact on Child Poverty
According to government data, the Canada Child Benefit has played a critical role in lifting hundreds of thousands of children out of poverty since its inception. By boosting disposable income for families with children, the CCB contributes to better health, education, and well-being outcomes.
Minister’s Statement Highlights Government Priority
Anna Gainey highlighted the broader significance of the increase, stating, “Every child deserves a strong start in life. This increase in the Canada Child Benefit will ensure that more families can afford the essentials and give their children every opportunity to succeed.”
No Need to Reapply
Families already receiving the Canada Child Benefit do not need to reapply to receive the updated amount. Payments are automatically adjusted based on the latest tax information available to the CRA.
When Will the Increase Be Reflected?
The new rates take effect as of the July 2025 payment, and eligible families should begin seeing the increased amounts in their monthly deposits starting this month. Parents are advised to check their CRA accounts or contact the agency if they notice discrepancies.
How to Check Your CCB Amount
Families can check their benefit details by logging into their CRA My Account online portal or by referring to their Notice of Assessment. The portal provides monthly breakdowns, payment schedules, and eligibility updates.
Accessible Help for Families
To further assist families, the CRA and related agencies provide multilingual support and resources to ensure everyone can access and understand their entitlements. Help is available online, by phone, or through community organizations.
A Reminder to File Taxes on Time
The government continues to urge all families to file their taxes annually, even if their income is low or tax payable is zero. Filing taxes is the primary way to ensure eligibility for a wide range of benefits, including the CCB.