$145.83 Canada BC Family Benefit 2025, CRA Confirms Monthly Payment for Low-Income Families — Check Eligibility

The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA), in partnership with the Government of British Columbia, has confirmed the continuation of the BC Family Benefit for 2025 a crucial monthly support program designed to help families raising children under the age of 18.

For the 2025 benefit year, qualified low-income families in British Columbia will receive up to $145.83 per month for the first child. This payment, distributed by the CRA on behalf of the provincial government, provides essential assistance to families coping with rising living expenses, childcare, and educational costs.

The benefit runs for the period July 2025 to June 2026, and eligibility is determined automatically through each family’s annual tax return.

Purpose of the BC Family Benefit

The BC Family Benefit (formerly known as the BC Child Opportunity Benefit) was introduced to support families with the costs of raising children, particularly those on low or modest incomes.

It supplements federal programs like the Canada Child Benefit (CCB) and is administered through the CRA to ensure a smooth and efficient delivery.

The program’s goal is simple:
To reduce child poverty, support family stability, and promote better quality of life for children under 18 years across British Columbia.

Official Overview: CRA BC Family Benefit 2025

Authority	Canada Revenue Agency (CRA)
Program Name	$145.83 Canada BC Family Benefit 2025
Country	Canada
Province	British Columbia
Eligibility	Families caring for children under 18 years
Payment Frequency	Monthly
Benefit Year	July 2025 – June 2026
Maximum Monthly Benefit	$145.83 (for first child)
Administered By	CRA on behalf of BC Government
Official Site	www.canada.ca

How the $145.83 BC Family Benefit Works

The BC Family Benefit is a monthly payment provided to eligible families in British Columbia who have children under 18.

The CRA calculates the payment based on family net income as reported on the previous year’s tax return.
This means eligibility and benefit amounts for July 2025 to June 2026 are determined by income declared in 2024.

Families with lower income levels receive the maximum amount of $145.83 per month for their first child.
As income rises, the benefit gradually reduces until it phases out for higher-income households.

Automatic Qualification Through Tax Filing

Unlike many social programs requiring separate applications, families in British Columbia do not need to apply separately for the BC Family Benefit.

Eligibility is determined automatically through the annual income tax filing process.

To qualify:

• You must be a resident of British Columbia and Canada for tax purposes.
• You must have filed your 2024 tax return.
• You must care for at least one child under 18 who is registered for the Canada Child Benefit (CCB).

If these conditions are met, the CRA automatically assesses your eligibility and deposits the monthly payments directly into your bank account.

Eligibility Criteria for $145.83 Canada BC Family Benefit 2025

Families must meet the following conditions to qualify:

• Residency: Must live in British Columbia and be a tax resident of Canada.
• Age Requirement: Must have at least one child under 18 years of age.
• Tax Filing: Must file a T1 Income Tax Return for the 2024 benefit year.
• Canada Child Benefit (CCB): Children must be registered for the federal CCB.
• Income Threshold:

• Full benefit for family income below $29,526.
• Partial benefit for family income between $29,526 and $94,483.
• No guaranteed benefit for income above $94,483.

Income Limits and Benefit Calculation

Condition	Family Net Income (2024)	Benefit Amount (First Child)
Maximum Benefit	Below $29,526	$145.83 per month
Reduced Benefit	Between $29,526 – $94,483	Gradual reduction
Phase-Out	Above $94,483	Benefit may reduce to $0

Families with more than one child receive additional but smaller amounts for the second and subsequent children.

For example:

• First child: $145.83/month (maximum)
• Second child: Lower amount, proportionate to income
• Additional children: Further reduced amount

This ensures larger families still receive meaningful assistance without duplication.

Payment Period and Schedule

The payment period runs from July 2025 through June 2026.

Payments are made monthly, typically on the 20th of each month, along with other federal family benefits such as the Canada Child Benefit (CCB) or GST/HST credits.

Recipients will see the credit in their bank statement under the label “Canada BC Family Benefit” or “BCFB”.

Why the BC Family Benefit Matters

For low-income families, this benefit plays a vital role in covering day-to-day costs such as:

• Food and groceries
• Childcare and school supplies
• Healthcare expenses
• Housing and utilities

With inflation affecting household budgets across Canada, programs like the BC Family Benefit provide much-needed stability.

A family receiving $145.83 monthly will gain about $1,750 per year, which can significantly ease the financial burden of raising children.

Important Responsibilities for Beneficiaries

Once approved, families must keep their information up to date to continue receiving payments.

The CRA advises beneficiaries to report the following changes promptly:

• Change in marital status (e.g., marriage, separation).
• Change in number of children under care.
• Moving out of British Columbia to another province or country.

Failure to update information may result in payment delays or overpayments, which the CRA could later recover.

Latest Update: CRA Confirms Benefit Continuation

The CRA and the BC Government have confirmed that the $145.83 monthly payment under the BC Family Benefit will remain valid for the 2025–26 benefit period.

However, it’s important to note:

• Not every eligible family receives the same amount.
• The $145.83 rate applies only to families earning under $29,526.
• Families earning slightly above this threshold will receive a reduced benefit — possibly as low as $64.58 per month for the first child.

This adjustment ensures the program remains targeted and sustainable, prioritizing those most in need.

Example Calculation

Let’s take an example to illustrate the benefit:

• Family A: Two parents with one child, annual net income = $27,000
  → Receives full $145.83 per month for first child.
• Family B: Single parent with two children, annual income = $45,000
  → Receives reduced benefit (approximately $100 per month for first child, $70 for second).
• Family C: Married couple, income = $95,000
  → Benefit is phased out and may not apply.

How to Apply for the BC Family Benefit

Most families don’t need to apply separately. The CRA automatically determines eligibility from your annual tax return and CCB registration.

To ensure you receive the payments:

• File your 2024 tax return, even if your income is zero.
• Ensure your children are registered for the Canada Child Benefit (CCB).
• Keep your direct deposit details up to date with the CRA.
• Report any life changes such as address or marital status promptly.

If you’re new to British Columbia or Canada, you may need to register manually via the CRA or Service Canada office.

Additional Provincial Family Supports

Besides the BC Family Benefit, families in British Columbia may also qualify for:

• Canada Child Benefit (CCB) – up to $7,997 per year per child under six (federal).
• BC Affordable Child Care Benefit – income-tested subsidy for licensed childcare.
• BC Early Childhood Tax Benefit (if applicable) – supplemental payments for low-income households.

Together, these programs form a comprehensive support network for families raising young children.

Why Tax Filing Is Crucial

Many families miss out on benefits simply because they fail to file their taxes.

Filing annually ensures:

• CRA has up-to-date income data.
• Automatic assessment for CCB, BC Family Benefit, and GST credits.
• Faster processing and direct deposit payments.

Even if you have no taxable income, filing a zero-income return is essential to stay eligible.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the $145.83 Canada BC Family Benefit 2025?
It’s a monthly payment for low-income families in British Columbia raising children under 18, administered by the CRA on behalf of the provincial government.

2. Who qualifies for the benefit?
Families living in British Columbia with children under 18 who have filed their 2024 income tax return and have income below the set threshold.

3. How much will I receive per child?
Up to $145.83 per month for the first child, with lower amounts for additional children. The payment reduces as household income increases.

4. Do I need to apply separately for this benefit?
No. Eligibility is automatic if you file taxes and your child is registered for the Canada Child Benefit (CCB).

5. When will the payments start?
Payments are scheduled monthly from July 2025 to June 2026, typically on the 20th of each month.