Canada Child Benefit payments for April are going out early — Here's when and how much
You can get hundreds of dollars per child! 💸
Canadian parents can get up to $648 per child from this April child benefit payment.
Parents across Canada are in for an early surprise this month — the Canada Child Benefit payment for April 2025 is dropping ahead of schedule.
That means eligible families will see a little extra money in their bank accounts sooner than usual, just in time to help cover all those growing cost of living and raising kids.
Typically, the monthly Canada Child Benefit (CCB) payment lands on the 20th of each month, but this time it's being bumped up thanks to the holiday Easter weekend.
So if you're counting on that government payment to help with groceries, school fees or anything else your kiddo might need, you won't have to wait as long.
The CCB a tax-free benefit from the Canada Revenue Agency designed to make parenting a bit more affordable. It's one of many government payments Canadians can get in April to help with the rising cost of daily life.
Here's when the April child benefit payment is coming — and how much you could get.
What is the Canada Child Benefit?
The Canada Child Benefit (CCB) is a monthly tax-free payment from the federal government that helps families handle the costs of raising children. It was introduced in 2016, replacing the old Universal Child Care Benefit, and it's now a key part of how many Canadian households cover the costs of raising a family.
The amount you get each month depends on things like your annual income and how many kids you're raising. If your child has a disability, you might also be eligible for extra support through the Child Disability Benefit. Some provinces and territories even kick in their own top-up payments to give families a little more help.
Who is eligible for the Canada Child Benefit?
To get the Canada Child Benefit, you need to meet a few basic criteria. First, you have to be a resident of Canada for tax purposes. You also need to be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, protected person, temporary resident or someone registered under the Indian Act. On top of that, you must live with your child and be the one primarily responsible for their care.
There's no hard income cut-off to apply — even higher-income households might still get something, though the monthly amount goes down as your earnings go up. Your total benefit depends on your family's income level and how many children you have in your care.
How to apply for the Canada Child Benefit
If you're welcoming a new baby or just became the main caregiver for a child, it's a good idea to apply for the Canada Child Benefit as soon as possible. The sooner you apply, the sooner those payments can start rolling in.
One of the easiest ways to get set up is right when you register your child's birth. If you include your social insurance number (SIN) and give consent to share your info with the CRA, your application gets handled automatically — no extra steps needed.
Didn't apply at birth? No worries. You can still apply online anytime through your CRA My Account by clicking "Apply for child benefits." Or, if you prefer paper, you can mail in Form RC66 to the local tax centre in your area.
Plus, when you apply for the CCB, the CRA will also check if you're eligible for any provincial or territorial top-ups — no need to apply separately.
How much is the Canada Child Benefit?
Canada Child Benefit payments are based on a number of variables, including your household income, your marital status, how many kids you have and how old they are.
For the current benefit year — July 2024 to June 2025 — the amount is calculated using your 2023 income. Families with an adjusted family net income of $36,502 or less will get the maximum monthly payment: $648.91 for each child under 6, and $547.50 for each kid aged 6 to 17.
Higher-earning families may still qualify for reduced payments. The amount gradually decreases as your income goes up. Payments are recalculated every July based on your most recent tax return and adjusted for inflation.
Some provinces and territories — including B.C., Ontario, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, P.E.I., Newfoundland and Labrador and all three territories — offer additional payments through the CCB. Depending on where you live, that could mean up to $300 more per child each month.
Keep in mind that both you and your spouse or partner (if you have one) must file a tax return every year to keep getting CCB payments, even if you didn't earn any income.
Canada Child Benefit calculator
The Canada Revenue Agency has a handy online tool that lets you estimate your Canada Child Benefit payments. It’s quick, free and super useful if you want to know how much money you might receive each month.
The calculator looks at your income, how many kids you have and their ages. It also takes into account any extra support you could get — like the Child Disability Benefit or provincial and territorial top-ups — to give you a full picture of your potential payments.
If you're curious about what might land in your account, the CCB payment calculator is the easiest way to find out.
Is the Canada Child Benefit taxable?
No — the Canada Child Benefit is completely tax-free. You don't need to include it as income when you file your taxes, and it won't affect your return in any way. Whatever amount you get from the CCB is yours to keep, with no deductions or tax consequences.
When are the Canada Child Benefit payment dates?
The next Canada Child Benefit payment will arrive next Thursday, April 17 — three days earlier than usual. That's because the regular payment date falls on a Sunday this time around. And since Friday, April 18 is a federal holiday (Good Friday), the payment is being bumped up to the last business day before the weekend.
Normally, CCB payments are issued on the 20th of each month, unless that date lands on a weekend or holiday — in which case they're sent out on the nearest business day beforehand.
Here's a look at all the rest of the upcoming Canada Child Benefit payment dates for 2025:
- May 20, 2025
- June 20, 2025
- July 18, 2025
- August 20, 2025
- September 19, 2025
- October 20, 2025
- November 20, 2025
- December 12, 2025
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