Canadian families relying on the Canada Child Benefit (CCB) will receive some welcome news this April. The government has confirmed an early payment date for the month, along with updated CCB rates for the benefit year and reminders on eligibility requirements.
The Canada Child Benefit is a monthly, tax-free payment made to eligible families to help them with the cost of raising children under the age of 18. It is administered by the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) and adjusted annually to reflect inflation.
Early CCB Payment Date for April 2025
While CCB payments are typically issued on the 20th of each month, April’s disbursement will arrive earlier than usual due to the Good Friday holiday on April 18. This year, eligible families will receive their CCB on Thursday, April 17, 2025.
This adjustment ensures that payments are not delayed over the Easter weekend, providing families timely access to their benefits for essential expenses like groceries, clothing, and childcare.
Updated CCB Payment Amounts for 2024–2025
The CCB payment amounts for the benefit year of July 2024 to June 2025 have been updated to account for inflation. The maximum annual amounts are as follows:
- $7,787 per child under 6 years old
(equivalent to approximately $648.91 per month) - $6,570 per child aged 6 to 17
(equivalent to approximately $547.50 per month)
These amounts are non-taxable, meaning families receive the full amount without deductions.
Eligibility Criteria for CCB
To receive the CCB, you must meet the following requirements:
- Be a resident of Canada for tax purposes
- Be the primary caregiver of a child under 18 years of age
- File your income tax return for the previous year (in this case, 2023)
- Satisfy the Adjusted Family Net Income (AFNI) threshold
Income-Based Reductions
Families with an AFNI below $36,502 are eligible for the full benefit. As income rises above this level, the CCB is gradually reduced based on a tiered formula.
More details on income thresholds and benefit reduction formulas can be found on the Canada Child Benefit calculator and the CRA eligibility guide.
Full List of CCB Payment Dates for 2025
Here’s a list of confirmed CCB payment dates for the rest of 2025:
- April 17, 2025 (early due to Good Friday)
- May 20, 2025
- June 20, 2025
- July 18, 2025
- August 20, 2025
- September 19, 2025
- October 20, 2025
- November 20, 2025
- December 12, 2025
How to Apply for the CCB
If you’re a new parent or haven’t applied yet, you can apply for the CCB in one of the following ways:
- Online via CRA My Account
- By submitting Form RC66
Make sure to keep your banking information and address up-to-date to avoid payment delays. Also, ensure both you and your spouse (if applicable) file your tax returns annually, as this determines eligibility and payment amounts.
Final Notes
The early April CCB payment is a timely move by the CRA to ensure families have access to their funds before the Easter long weekend. With updated inflation-adjusted benefits and a streamlined application process, the CCB remains a critical support system for millions of Canadian households.
For more information or updates, check the official Government of Canada CCB page or call the CRA’s helpline at 1-800-387-1193.
This article has been carefully fact-checked by our editorial team to ensure accuracy and eliminate any misleading information. We are committed to maintaining the highest standards of integrity in our content.
