The Canada Child Benefit (CCB) continues to support Canadian families, with a major boost for the year 2025. For eligible families with children, March 2025 brings a payment of up to $7,787.
This non-taxable benefit helps families cover the rising costs of raising children. With a 4.7% increase in 2024, the CCB payments for 2025 are set to rise again, providing crucial financial assistance to families in need.
What Is the Canada Child Benefit (CCB)?
The Canada Child Benefit (CCB) is a monthly, tax-free payment provided by the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA).
It is designed to assist middle-income and low-income families with children under 18 years of age. The CCB helps to offset the costs of raising children, including food, clothing, and medical expenses.
The amount of CCB a family receives depends on several factors, including the number of children, the age of the children, and the family’s adjusted net income. The CCB is linked to inflation, ensuring that it increases annually to meet rising living costs.
March 2025 CCB Payment Amount
For March 2025, eligible families can expect a maximum benefit of $7,787 for children under the age of six, and $6,570 for children aged six to 17.
This amount is paid annually, but broken into monthly installments. The $7,787 is the maximum amount for the current benefit year and will be paid on March 20, 2025.
Below is a breakdown of the Canada Child Benefit for March 2025:
| Benefit Category | 2024 Amount | 2025 Amount | Increase |
|---|---|---|---|
| Children under 6 years | $7,437 | $7,787 | $350 |
| Children aged 6-17 years | $6,275 | $6,570 | $295 |
| Child Disability Benefit (CDB) | $3,322 | $3,411 | $89 |
| Phase-Out Threshold | $36,502 | $37,487 | – |
The Child Disability Benefit (CDB) has also increased to $3,411 per year, providing additional support to families with children who have disabilities.
Who Is Eligible for the Canada Child Benefit?
Eligibility for the Canada Child Benefit is based on the following criteria:
- Residency: The parent or guardian must be a Canadian resident for tax purposes.
- Income: The family must have an adjusted net income within the CRA’s threshold. If the income exceeds $36,502, the benefit amount will be reduced.
- Age of Children: The CCB applies to children under 18 years old, and the payment amount varies based on the child’s age.
- Child Disability: If the child has a disability, the Child Disability Benefit (CDB) can be added to the CCB.
The payment is automatically calculated by the CRA based on the information provided in the family tax return. Families must ensure their tax filings are up to date for accurate benefit amounts.
When Will the CCB Payment Be Issued?
The Canada Child Benefit for March 2025 will be issued on March 20, 2025. This payment will be directly deposited into the eligible families’ bank accounts or sent as a cheque, depending on the setup with the CRA.
For the next benefit year, starting July 1, 2025, the benefit amount will increase by 2.7%, with the new annual base for children under six rising to $7,997 and for children aged six to 17 rising to $6,748.
How Can You Apply for the Canada Child Benefit?
Applying for the Canada Child Benefit is simple. New parents or guardians must apply through the CRA by:
- Submitting a Tax Return: Parents must file their annual tax returns with the CRA. The CRA will automatically assess eligibility for the CCB.
- Updating Information: Ensure that all information, such as address, income, and dependents, is accurate and up to date with the CRA.
- Online Application: Families can apply through My Account on the CRA website or by calling the CRA to get assistance with the application process.
Key Updates in 2025 CCB
- Child Disability Benefit (CDB) has also seen an increase, now standing at $3,411, helping families with disabled children.
- Phase-out thresholds have been adjusted, meaning more families may qualify for the full benefit in 2025, especially as income thresholds are raised to $37,487.
- Provinces and Territories: In addition to the federal benefit, some provinces like Ontario, British Columbia, and Alberta provide additional support through provincial child tax programs.
The Canada Child Benefit continues to provide crucial support to Canadian families in 2025. With the March 2025 payment scheduled for March 20, eligible families will receive up to $7,787, helping ease the financial burden of raising children.
As the benefit continues to increase in line with inflation, families can count on this support as they plan for the future. Make sure to file tax returns on time and ensure your information is accurate to take full advantage of the CCB.
FAQs
How much will I receive from the Canada Child Benefit in March 2025?
Eligible families can receive up to $7,787 for children under six and $6,570 for children aged six to 17 in March 2025.
When will the March 2025 CCB payment be issued?
The payment will be issued on March 20, 2025, directly into the eligible family’s bank account or by cheque.
How do I apply for the Canada Child Benefit?
Parents must file their annual tax return with the CRA to apply for the benefit, ensuring all information is accurate and up-to-date.