CRA Confirms October 2025 CCB Payment – Up to $7997 Per Child for Canadian Families

The Canada Child Benefit (CCB) for October 2025 will be issued on Monday, October 20, 2025, providing vital financial relief to millions of Canadian families.

Eligible households can receive up to $7,997 annually for each child under six and $6,748 per year for children aged six to seventeen, depending on income.

The CCB, administered by the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA), remains one of Canada’s most impactful social programs — a tax-free benefit designed to help parents manage rising living costs, from groceries and school supplies to rent and childcare.

What Is the Canada Child Benefit (CCB)?

Introduced in 2016, the Canada Child Benefit replaced older programs like the Universal Child Care Benefit and Canada Child Tax Benefit. It provides monthly, tax-free payments to families raising children under 18.

The amount is income-tested — lower-income families receive the full amount, while higher-income households receive a reduced benefit.

Beyond household budgets, the CCB has also been credited with reducing Canada’s child poverty rate from 11% to below 7%, according to Statistics Canada and the Parliamentary Budget Officer.

When Will the October 2025 Payment Arrive?

For October 2025, payments will be made on October 20.

If you are registered for direct deposit, the funds will typically appear in your bank account that morning. Those receiving a paper cheque should expect delivery within five to ten business days, depending on postal service times.

If the 20th falls on a weekend or public holiday, payments are issued on the previous business day.

To avoid potential delays, the CRA encourages all recipients to sign up for direct deposit through CRA My Account.

Why the CCB Is Critical in 2025

With the cost of living and childcare expenses continuing to rise, the CCB provides much-needed financial stability for families.

The Parliamentary Budget Office reports that households earning under $45,000 annually receive the highest CCB payments, with some single-parent families relying on it for up to 20% of their disposable income.

Economists estimate that each $1 paid through CCB generates about $1.30 in local economic activity, boosting communities as families spend the money on essential needs.

CCB Amounts and Income Thresholds for 2025–26

Category	Annual Maximum (2025–26)	Approx. Monthly Payment
Children under 6	$7,997	$666.41
Children aged 6–17	$6,748	$562.33

Full Benefit: Families with an adjusted family net income (AFNI) of $37,487 or less receive the full amount.
Phase-Out Threshold: Benefit reduction begins above $37,487 and continues gradually up to $81,222.
High-Income Reduction: Additional 3.2%–8% reductions apply beyond $81,222.
Disability Supplement: Families with a child eligible for the Disability Tax Credit receive an extra Child Disability Benefit (CDB).

How the CCB Amount Is Calculated

Step 1 – Identify Eligible Children

List all children under 18 who live with you and for whom you are the primary caregiver.

Step 2 – Determine Age Group

• Under 6 years: Eligible for up to $7,997 annually.
• Ages 6–17: Eligible for up to $6,748 annually.

Step 3 – Check Family Income

Your Adjusted Family Net Income (AFNI) from your 2024 tax return determines your benefit for the July 2025–June 2026 payment year.

Step 4 – Apply Reduction Rates

If your income exceeds $37,487, reductions apply:

• 7% for one child
• 13.5% for two
• 19% for three
• 23% for four or more

For incomes above $81,222, additional 3.2%–8% reductions apply.

Example Calculations

Example 1: One Child Under 6, Moderate Income

• Income: $45,000
• Over threshold: $45,000 – $37,487 = $7,513
• Reduction: 7% × $7,513 = $526
• Final annual benefit: $7,997 – $526 = $7,471
• Monthly payment: ≈ $622

Example 2: Two Children (Ages 5 and 10), Higher Income

• Income: $75,000
• Over threshold: $75,000 – $37,487 = $37,513
• Reduction: 13.5% × $37,513 = $5,064
• Total maximum benefit: $7,997 + $6,748 = $14,745
• Final benefit: $14,745 – $5,064 = $9,681 annually
• Monthly payment: ≈ $807

How to Apply or Update Your CCB

• File Your Taxes on Time – Your 2024 return determines your 2025–26 benefits.
• Apply Once – Use Form RC66 or apply via CRA My Account. Birth registrations often include automatic enrollment.
• Set Up Direct Deposit – Ensures faster and more secure payments.
• Keep Information Updated – Notify CRA of changes in address, custody, marital status, or number of children.

Failure to update information can result in payment delays or overpayment recovery.

Provincial & Territorial Top-Ups

Many provinces and territories offer additional child benefits that complement the federal CCB:

• Ontario: Ontario Child Benefit – up to $1,607 per child annually.
• British Columbia: BC Family Benefit – extra monthly support for families earning under $106,000.
• Quebec: Family Allowance (administered by Retraite Québec).
• Newfoundland and Labrador: NL Child Benefit for low-income households.

These programs are automatic for most families already receiving CCB payments.

Economic and Social Impact

Since its introduction, the CCB has transformed family finances across Canada. Between 2016 and 2024, child poverty rates dropped significantly, and food insecurity levels declined among low-income families.

The CRA now distributes over $23 billion annually through the CCB, reaching about 3.5 million families. The program’s design — income-based, inflation-indexed, and tax-free — has made it one of the most effective anti-poverty tools in Canadian policy history.

Financial Planning Tips for Families

• Budget CCB payments as part of essential income, not extra spending.
• Apply for the Disability Tax Credit if eligible to unlock additional benefits.
• Review income changes annually — even small increases can affect benefit amounts.
• Encourage newcomers to file taxes early to ensure timely access to benefits.
• Advisors can use CRA’s online calculators to model benefit impacts and prevent overpayment.

Common Issues to Avoid

• Late filing: Leads to suspended or delayed benefits.
• Unreported family changes: May result in CRA clawbacks.
• Unclaimed benefits: Many miss out on the Child Disability Benefit or provincial top-ups.
• Relying on paper cheques: Slower and riskier than direct deposit.

The Bigger Picture: CCB’s Role in Canada’s Future

The Canada Child Benefit has reshaped family support in Canada. Policymakers continue to explore potential reforms, including automatic enrollment for newcomers and higher benefits for younger children.

Analysts at the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives estimate that increasing the CCB for low-income families could reduce child poverty by another 30%, making it even more impactful in future budgets.

As October’s payment approaches, families are reminded to stay up-to-date on eligibility requirements — and appreciate how a well-managed benefit continues to strengthen both households and the broader economy.

FAQs

1. When is the next Canada Child Benefit (CCB) payment date?

The next CCB payment will be Monday, October 20, 2025.

2. How much can families receive in 2025–26?

Up to $7,997 per year for children under six and $6,748 for children aged six to seventeen, depending on income.

3. Is the CCB taxable?

No. The Canada Child Benefit is completely tax-free.

4. What happens if I miss filing my taxes?

The CRA may pause your payments until you submit your tax return. Filing on time ensures uninterrupted benefits.

5. Can I still get provincial top-ups with CCB?

Yes. Many provinces, including Ontario, BC, and Quebec, provide additional child benefit programs alongside the federal CCB.