OTTAWA, July 18, 2025 – In a significant move to support Canadian families, the Government has increased the Canada Child Benefit (CCB) for the 2025–26 benefit year. Starting today, eligible families will receive more financial support per child, announced Anna Gainey, Secretary of State for Children and Youth .
What’s New?
- Up to $7,997 annually for each child under 6 years old
- Up to $6,748 annually for each child aged 6–17 (Government of Canada)
This represents a modest boost—approximately $200 more per child—over the previous year .
Who Benefits?
The exact amount a family receives depends on:
- Number of children
- Children’s ages
- Adjusted net family income (from the previous year) (Government of Canada)
Monthly payments started today, marking the launch of the new CCB cycle which runs from July 2025 to June 2026 (Government of Canada).
Why It Matters
- The CCB is income-tested and aims to reduce child poverty across Canada.
- Since its creation in 2015, it’s helped cut child poverty by over half (Budget Canada)
- This increase supports families facing rising living costs.
History of the CCB
- Introduced in 2015 to replace several older benefits.
- Tax-free and paid monthly to eligible families with children under 18 (Budget Canada, Budget Canada)
What Comes Next
- Families must file their 2024 income tax returns to qualify for CCB.
- CRA ensures timely delivery; in 2023–24, they met 100% of CCB service standards (Budget Canada, Government of Canada)
- Digital innovations (like chat support, simplified filing options) continue to streamline benefit delivery.
At-a-Glance
| Benefit Year | Child Age | Max Annual Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| 2025–26 (July–June) | Under 6 | $7,997 |
| 6–17 | $6,748 |
Final Takeaway
The increase in the Canada Child Benefit marks another step in the government’s ongoing effort to help families manage the costs of raising children, ensuring support scales with economic pressures. By continuing to reduce child poverty and provide targeted relief, Canada strengthens its social and economic fabric.
Families should ensure their 2024 tax returns are filed promptly to receive the updated CCB amounts starting now through June 2026.
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