$7997 Canada Child Benefit Gets a Boost, Check Eligibility and Payment Dates

Starting Friday, July 2025, the Canada Child Benefit (CCB) is increasing, bringing more financial support to families across the country. The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) has confirmed a notable rise in annual benefit amounts as part of its annual inflation adjustment.

The maximum annual benefit will increase to $7,997 for each child under the age of six and $6,748 for each child aged six to 17 for the July 2025 to June 2026 benefit year. This marks a $210 and $178 increase, respectively, compared to last year’s CCB amounts.

This automatic yearly update reflects the government’s commitment to shielding families from rising living costs through indexation to inflation.

What Is the Canada Child Benefit (CCB)?

The Canada Child Benefit is a tax-free monthly payment provided by the federal government to help eligible families cover the cost of raising children. Administered by the Canada Revenue Agency, the CCB is recalculated each July to account for inflationary pressures and changes in family income.

Introduced in 2016, the CCB has become a critical support for millions of Canadian households. It replaces older programs like the Universal Child Care Benefit and the Canada Child Tax Benefit, consolidating assistance into one streamlined monthly payment.

2025–2026 CCB Payment Amounts: What’s New?

According to the CRA, here are the maximum annual payments for the new benefit year (July 2025 – June 2026):

• $7,997 per child under 6 (an increase of $210 from last year)
• $6,748 per child aged 6 to 17 (an increase of $178)

These amounts apply to families with an adjusted family net income (AFNI) of less than $37,487. The payments gradually decrease as income exceeds this threshold.

In contrast, the amounts for the previous benefit year (July 2024 – June 2025) were:

• $7,787 for children under 6
• $6,570 for children aged 6 to 17

Why Did the CCB Increase in 2025?

The increase in CCB payments is directly tied to Canada’s inflation rate, tracked by the Consumer Price Index (CPI) published by Statistics Canada. In a statement to CTVNews.ca, a CRA spokesperson explained:

“Indexing the CCB occurs every July, ensuring that the benefit protects families from inflation and provides certainty and predictability of support parents can count on.”

This indexation mechanism ensures that parents can rely on a stable and meaningful benefit even as the cost of living rises year after year.

How Are Canada Child Benefit Payments Calculated?

CCB payments are calculated based on the number of eligible children, their ages, and your adjusted family net income from the previous year’s tax return. The benefit year runs from July to the following June, and payments are made monthly.

If you are the primary caregiver, you can apply for the CCB through the CRA. In shared custody arrangements, each parent receives 50% of the benefit amount they would have received under full custody.

It is important to note that these calculations are automated—there is no need to reapply annually as long as your taxes are filed and your information is up to date.

Who Is Eligible for the 2025 Canada Child Benefit?

To qualify for the Canada Child Benefit, you must meet the following conditions:

• Be a resident of Canada for tax purposes
• Live with a child under 18 and be primarily responsible for their care
• Be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or a protected person
• Have filed your 2024 income tax return

Even if you did not earn income, filing a tax return is necessary to receive the CCB.

Impact of CCB on Canadian Families

The CCB continues to be a cornerstone of Canada’s social safety net, especially for low- and middle-income families. With rising food, housing, and childcare costs, the extra boost in 2025 is expected to make a tangible difference in household budgets.

Studies have shown that the CCB has significantly contributed to reducing child poverty in Canada since its introduction, and this latest increase will further strengthen that impact.

CCB Payment Example Scenarios

Here’s how the CCB might look in real-life examples under the new rates:

• A family with two children under 6 and income below $37,487 may receive $15,994 annually or roughly $1,332.83 per month.
• A family with one child under 6 and one child aged 8 may receive $14,745 per year, or about $1,228.75 monthly.

These estimates are preliminary and vary based on exact income, custody arrangements, and tax status.

How to Apply or Update Your CCB Details

If you haven’t yet applied for the CCB or need to update your details, you can do so via:

• CRA My Account online portal
• Form RC66 – Canada Child Benefits Application
• Automated Benefits Application (if registering a newborn)

Make sure to update marital status, address, and banking info regularly to avoid delays or miscalculations in benefit payments.

Canada Child Benefit: A Brief History of Increases

The Canada Child Benefit has steadily risen since July 2022, reflecting the government’s promise to keep the benefit aligned with economic realities. Each year, the CRA updates the rates based on the Consumer Price Index to ensure that Canadian families stay protected against inflation.

This predictable yearly boost helps families budget more confidently, especially in uncertain economic conditions.

Important Reminders for CCB Recipients

• Next CCB increase takes effect July 2025
• Make sure your 2024 tax return is filed and assessed
• Confirm direct deposit details for timely payments
• Check for shared custody adjustments
• Track payments via CRA My Account