New Canada Child Benefit Payment To Be Sent On May 20
Families across Canada are set to receive a new installment of the Canada Child Benefit (CCB) on May 20, 2025. This tax-free monthly payment, administered by the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA), provides critical financial support to families raising children under the age of 18. With updated payment amounts for the 2025–2026 benefit year, the CCB aims to help families cover the rising costs of childcare, groceries, and other essential expenses.
The CCB is a cornerstone of Canada’s family support system. It is designed to be flexible, with payment amounts adjusted annually based on inflation and family income. For the period from July 2025 to June 2026, the maximum annual benefit has increased to $7,997 per child under age 6 (approximately $666.41 per month) and $6,748 for children aged 6 through 17 (about $562.33 per month). This represents an increase of roughly $200 per child compared to the previous year, offering much-needed relief for families navigating higher living costs.
Eligibility for the CCB is determined by a family’s adjusted net income from the previous year. Families with a net income below $37,487 are eligible for the maximum benefit, while those with higher incomes will receive reduced payments. The CRA calculates benefits based on the previous year’s tax return, ensuring that support is targeted to those who need it most. For the 2025–2026 benefit year, the CRA will use income information from the 2024 tax return to determine payment amounts.
“The Canada Child Benefit is more than just a payment—it’s a lifeline for families working hard to make ends meet,” said a CRA spokesperson. “By indexing payments to inflation and adjusting them based on family income, we ensure that the benefit reaches those who need it most, helping to reduce financial stress and support the well-being of children across Canada.”
Families can expect their CCB payments to be deposited directly into their bank accounts on May 20, provided their tax returns have been filed and processed. If a payment is not received by the expected date, the CRA advises waiting five business days before contacting them for assistance. This ensures that any delays related to processing or banking transactions are accounted for.
For those who have not yet applied for the CCB, now is the time to act. Families must file their annual tax returns to remain eligible, and new applicants can retroactively claim benefits for up to 10 years if they meet the eligibility criteria. Additionally, families caring for children with disabilities may qualify for the Child Disability Benefit (CDB), which provides further financial support.
While the CCB is the most well-known program, it’s not the only one. Provincial benefits like the Ontario Trillium Benefit and the Alberta Child and Family Benefit offer additional support, though their payment dates and eligibility criteria may differ. Families are encouraged to explore these programs to maximize their financial support.
As the May 20 payment approaches, families are reminded to ensure their tax information is up to date. By doing so, they can continue to receive the full benefits they are entitled to, helping to ease the financial pressures of raising a family in Canada.
Child’s Age | Maximum Annual Amount | Maximum Monthly Amount |
---|---|---|
Under 6 | $7,997 | ~$666.41 |
Ages 6–17 | $6,748 | ~$562.33 |
Understanding the Canada Child Benefit: Eligibility, Calculation, and Additional Benefits
The Canada Child Benefit (CCB) is a tax-free monthly payment provided by the Government of Canada to support families with the cost of raising children under the age of 18. Payment amounts and eligibility are managed by the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) and are recalculated every July based on the previous year’s tax information and indexed to inflation.
For the period from July 2025 to June 2026, the maximum annual CCB amount is:
– $7,997 per child under age 6 (about $666.41 per month).
– $6,748 per child aged 6 through 17 (about $562.33 per month).
These amounts reflect an increase of approximately $200 per child compared to the previous period, providing additional support for everyday expenses such as groceries, clothing, and child care.
Eligibility and Calculation
Eligibility for the CCB depends on the family’s adjusted net income from the previous year. The CCB is gradually reduced as the net family income exceeds $37,487. The maximum benefit is available only to families below this threshold.
Families with higher incomes will receive a reduced benefit, with payments decreasing as income rises above the threshold. CCB amounts are adjusted yearly according to inflation as measured by the Consumer Price Index (CPI).
If both parents share custody, each parent receives half of the amount they would get if they had sole custody.
Payment Dates
For May 2025, the CCB payment date is May 20, 2025.
Payments are usually deposited directly into the recipient’s bank account, provided that tax returns have been filed and processed. If a payment is not received on the expected date, families are advised to wait five business days before contacting the CRA.
How to Receive the CCB
Families must file their annual tax returns to remain eligible for the CCB, as CRA uses the previous year’s income information to calculate the benefit. For the 2025–2026 benefit year, information from the 2024 tax return will be used.
New residents or those who have not previously received CCB can apply retroactively for up to 10 years, as long as they were eligible during that period.
Additional Related Benefits
Benefits such as the Ontario Trillium Benefit and the Alberta Child and Family Benefit have separate payment dates and eligibility criteria.
Families caring for a child with a disability may also qualify for the Child Disability Benefit (CDB), which provides additional, non-taxable support.
Child’s Age | Maximum Annual Amount | Maximum Monthly Amount |
---|---|---|
Under 6 | $7,997 | ~$666.41 |
Ages 6–17 | $6,748 | ~$562.33 |
To maximize your payments, ensure that your tax returns are filed on time and all eligible children are properly registered. The CCB offers significant support to help families with the cost of raising children in Canada, especially for those with lower and moderate incomes.
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Conclusion
The Canada Child Benefit remains a vital source of financial support for families across Canada, helping to alleviate the pressures of raising children. With increased payment amounts for the 2025–2026 benefit year, the CCB ensures that families receive the assistance they need to cover essential expenses. By filing tax returns on time and staying informed about eligibility criteria, families can maximize their benefits and access additional support through related programs like the Child Disability Benefit and provincial benefits.
As the May 20, 2025, payment approaches, families are encouraged to verify their eligibility, ensure their bank account details are up to date, and explore all available benefits to make the most of this critical financial support.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What is the Canada Child Benefit (CCB)?
The Canada Child Benefit is a tax-free monthly payment provided by the Government of Canada to help families with the cost of raising children under the age of 18.
2. How much is the CCB for the 2025–2026 benefit year?
The maximum annual amounts are $7,997 per child under age 6 (about $666.41 per month) and $6,748 for children aged 6 through 17 (about $562.33 per month).
3. What are the eligibility criteria for the CCB?
Eligibility is based on your adjusted net income from the previous year. Families with a net income below $37,487 are eligible for the maximum benefit, while higher-income families receive reduced payments.
4. How is the CCB payment calculated?
The CRA calculates payments using the previous year’s tax return and adjusts amounts based on family income and inflation.
5. When will the CCB payment be sent in May 2025?
The payment will be deposited on May 20, 2025, provided your tax return has been filed and processed.
6. How do I apply for the CCB?
Families must file their annual tax returns to remain eligible. New applicants can apply retroactively for up to 10 years if they meet the eligibility criteria.
7. What if I don’t receive my CCB payment on May 20?
If your payment is not received by May 20, wait five business days before contacting the CRA for assistance.
8. Can I receive additional benefits along with the CCB?
Yes, families may qualify for the Child Disability Benefit (CDB) or provincial benefits like the Ontario Trillium Benefit or Alberta Child and Family Benefit.
9. Do I need to apply separately for the Child Disability Benefit?
Yes, families caring for a child with a disability must apply separately for the Child Disability Benefit (CDB) through the CRA.
10. How do I update my bank account details for CCB payments?
Update your bank account details through your CRA My Account or contact the CRA directly to ensure payments are deposited correctly.
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