Canada Child Benefit payments for May 2025 go out soon — Here's how much parents can get
A fresh payment is landing soon — here's who's eligible for the cash. 👇
Canadian parents can get over $600 per child this month from this May child benefit payment.
Families across Canada are about to get a little extra help with those never-ending kid-related costs — the Canada Child Benefit payment for May 2025 is just around the corner.
Whether you're juggling grocery runs, day care fees or spring activities that somehow all cost money, this monthly tax-free support from the Canada Revenue Agency is a game-changer for millions of parents across the country.
The Canada Child Benefit (CCB) is one of the most widely accessed government payments in Canada, and it's designed to ease the pressure of raising kids in a world where the cost of living seems to rise every month.
The May benefit payment is dropping right on schedule next week, giving families a predictable bump to their budgets. And depending on your situation, the amount you receive could vary quite a bit — some parents will see hundreds or even thousands of dollars land in their accounts.
Here's what to know about the May 2025 CCB payment, including exactly when it hits and how much you could get.
What is the Canada Child Benefit?
The Canada Child Benefit (CCB) is a monthly payment from the federal government that helps families cover some of the day-to-day expenses of raising kids. It's tax-free and meant to ease the financial load for parents across the country.
Launched back in 2016 to replace the Universal Child Care Benefit, the CCB is now one of the biggest support programs available to Canadian families. The amount you receive each month is based on your household income, the number of children in your care and whether any of them are eligible for additional help through the Child Disability Benefit.
On top of that, some provinces and territories add their own extra payments, giving families even more support depending on where they live.
Who is eligible for the Canada Child Benefit?
To qualify for the Canada Child Benefit, you need to live in Canada and be considered a resident for tax purposes. You also have to be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, protected person, temporary resident or someone registered under the Indian Act. You must also live with one or more children and be their primary caregiver.
While the amount you get varies based on your income, there isn't a strict income limit to apply. Even families with higher earnings can still get a reduced amount. The total you receive is based on your household income and how many kids you're supporting.
How to apply for the Canada Child Benefit
If you've just had a baby or recently taken over primary care for a child, it's smart to get your Canada Child Benefit application in as soon as you can. The earlier you apply, the sooner those monthly payments can start helping with your costs.
One of the easiest times to apply is right when you register your child's birth. If you provide your social insurance number (SIN) and agree to share your details with the Canada Revenue Agency, your application is processed automatically — no extra paperwork required.
If you missed applying at birth, that's totally fine. You can apply anytime through your CRA My Account by selecting "Apply for child benefits." Prefer doing things the old-school way? Just fill out Form RC66 and mail it to your local tax centre.
And, when you apply for the CCB, the CRA will also check if you're eligible for any extra provincial or territorial payments, so you don't have to apply for those separately.
How much is the Canada Child Benefit?
The amount you get through the Canada Child Benefit depends on a few key factors — your income, family size, marital status and the ages of your children all play a role in how much you receive each month.
For the current benefit period, which runs from July 2024 to June 2025, your payments are based on your 2023 income. Families with an adjusted family net income of $36,502 or less qualify for the maximum amount: $648.91 per month for each child under 6, and $547.50 for each child aged 6 to 17.
If you earn more than that threshold, you might still get payments, but they'll be reduced. The amount gradually decreases as your income climbs. Each July, the CRA updates your benefit using your latest tax return and adjusts the numbers to keep up with inflation.
On top of the federal CCB, some provinces and territories — like B.C., Ontario, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, P.E.I., Newfoundland and Labrador and the three territories — offer their own top-ups. Depending on where you live, you could get up to $300 more per child each month.
It's important to note that both you and your spouse or partner (if you have one) need to file a tax return every year, even if you made no income, to keep those payments coming — so if you haven't filed your 2024 return yet, you'll want to do that ASAP so your payments don't stop this summer.
Canada Child Benefit calculator
If you're wondering how much you could get from the Canada Child Benefit each month, the CRA offers an online CCB payment calculator that makes it easy to find out. It takes just a few minutes and gives you a solid estimate based on your personal situation.
The tool factors in your household income, how many children you have and their ages. It also checks for extras like the Child Disability Benefit and any provincial or territorial top-ups you might qualify for.
Is the Canada Child Benefit taxable?
Nope — the Canada Child Benefit is totally tax-free. You don't have to report it as income when you file your taxes, and it won't reduce your refund or bump up what you owe. Whatever amount you receive is yours in full, with no strings attached and no tax consequences down the line.
When are the Canada Child Benefit payment dates?
Canada Child Benefit payments usually arrive on the 20th of each month — unless that date falls on a weekend or holiday, in which case the money gets sent out on the nearest business day before.
The next CCB payment is scheduled for Tuesday, May 20.
Here are all the other remaining payment dates for 2025:
- Friday, June 20
- Friday, July 18
- Wednesday, August 20
- Friday, September 19
- Monday, October 20
- Thursday, November 20
- Friday, December 12
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