Eligible Canadians can receive up to $679 in child benefits next week

The next Canada Child Benefit (CCB) payment is scheduled for Tuesday, Oct. 20. The tax-free benefit helps families with the cost of raising children under 18, and recipients do not need to report it on their tax returns. The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) adjusts benefits and credits through indexation to keep pace with inflation and the cost of living. CCB payments rose by two per cent in July.

Applicants must meet all of these conditions: live with a child under 18; be responsible for the child’s care and upbringing; be a resident of Canada; and not be applying for a foster child who already receives the Children’s Special Allowance (CSA).

The CRA calculates payments each year after a family files its tax return. The amount depends on the number and ages of children in the family’s care, as well as adjusted family net income. The CRA website says the benefit decreases as family net income rises. A family with 2025 income below $38,237 could receive the maximum for each eligible child. Benefits are reduced when family income is above $38,237 and up to $82,847, or over $82,847.

Families with a child under six can receive up to $8,157 per year, or $679.75 per month, for each eligible child. For children aged six to 17, the maximum is $6,883 per year, or $573.58 per month. After the Oct. 20 payment, the remaining payment dates this year are Nov. 20 and Dec. 11. Applications can be made through the CRA website.

Families caring for a child with a severe or prolonged impairment in physical or mental functions may also qualify for the Child Disability Benefit (CDB) if the child is eligible for the disability tax credit. The family must qualify for the CCB, and the child must qualify for the disability tax credit. The maximum is $3,480 per year, or $290 per month, for each eligible child.