Canadian families receiving the Canada Child Benefit (CCB) will notice an earlier-than-usual deposit this April. Traditionally, the CCB is disbursed on the 20th of each month. However, in April 2025, April 20 falls on a Sunday, and April 18 is Good Friday—a federal statutory holiday. To accommodate these calendar shifts, the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) will issue payments on Thursday, April 17, 2025.
This adjustment follows CRA’s standard procedure. When a scheduled payment date coincides with a weekend or statutory holiday, deposits are made on the last business day before the original date. This ensures that families relying on the CCB receive timely financial support for upcoming expenses, especially during long weekends.
Why the CCB Is So Important
The CCB provides monthly, tax-free financial support to eligible families with children under 18. This benefit helps cover essential costs like groceries, rent, childcare, clothing, and educational supplies. Receiving these funds ahead of the holiday weekend can be a lifeline for many households, especially those managing tight budgets or time-sensitive bills.
Recent Increases to the CCB
Each July, the CCB is adjusted to reflect Canada’s inflation rate. In July 2024, the federal government implemented a 4.7% increase to help families manage rising living costs.
Updated CCB Rates (Effective July 2024)
Age Group of Child | Old Annual Maximum | New Annual Maximum | Approximate Monthly Benefit |
---|---|---|---|
Under 6 Years | $7,437 | $7,787 | $648 |
6 to 17 Years | $6,275 | $6,570 | $547 |
These adjustments remain in effect until July 2025, when the next rate update occurs.
What to Expect in July 2025
Starting July 2025, the CCB will be increased by 2.7%, reflecting ongoing efforts to adjust for inflation.
Projected CCB Rates for 2025–2026
Age Group of Child | New Annual Amount (2025–26) | Monthly Approximation |
Under 6 Years | $7,997 | $666 |
6 to 17 Years | $6,748 | $562 |
In addition, the Child Disability Benefit (CDB) will rise from $3,322 to $3,411 annually. These changes are automatic for eligible recipients, but keeping tax filings current is essential.
Extra Support from Provinces
Beyond the federal CCB, several provinces and territories offer supplementary child benefits aimed at assisting low- and moderate-income families.
Examples of Provincial Child Benefits
- British Columbia: Offering a six-month bonus through its Family Benefit program, ending in June 2025.
- $2,188 for the first child
- $1,375 for the second
- $1,125 for each additional child
- Ontario: Ontario Child Benefit (OCB) provides up to $1,607 annually per child to eligible families.
- Alberta: Alberta Child and Family Benefit (ACFB) issues quarterly payments based on family income and number of children.
Each province’s program may operate separately or in conjunction with the federal CCB.
CCB Eligibility Criteria
To receive the Canada Child Benefit, families must meet several key requirements:
- Reside with a child under 18 years of age.
- Be primarily responsible for the child’s care.
- Be a resident of Canada for tax purposes.
- Be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, protected person, or registered under the Indian Act.
- File an annual income tax return, even with zero income.
Newcomers and newly eligible families can apply by submitting the required documents to CRA.
CCB Payment Dates for 2025
Here are the scheduled payment dates for 2025. Adjustments may occur if dates fall on weekends or holidays:
- January 20, 2025
- February 20, 2025
- March 20, 2025
- April 17, 2025 (early payment)
- May 20, 2025
- June 20, 2025
- July 19, 2025 (likely paid earlier)
- August 20, 2025
- September 19, 2025
- October 20, 2025
- November 20, 2025
- December 19, 2025
Families should verify deposits through their CRA MyAccount or online banking.
Conclusion
The Canada Child Benefit continues to be a vital source of financial assistance for families across the country. The early payment in April 2025 ensures households won’t face delays during the long weekend. With annual increases and support from provincial programs, the CCB remains a cornerstone of Canada’s child-focused social policies. To avoid disruptions, families should maintain up-to-date tax filings and contact details with the CRA.
FAQs
When will the CCB be paid in April 2025?
The CCB will be deposited on Thursday, April 17, 2025, due to the Easter holiday weekend.
Do I need to reapply for the 2025 CCB increase?
No, the adjustment happens automatically for eligible families, as long as you file your taxes.
What happens if I forget to file my taxes?
Your CCB payments may be paused or stopped. Filing taxes annually is mandatory to remain eligible.
Can newcomers to Canada apply for the CCB?
Yes, newcomers can apply by submitting the necessary forms and supporting documents to CRA.
How do I check my payment status?
You can log in to your CRA MyAccount or check your online banking to confirm deposits.
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