The Canada Child Benefit is a monthly tax-free benefit available to eligible families with children under the age of 18. Its name has changed over the years, and it’s often still referred to by many as the “Child Tax Benefit.”
The CCB is aimed at eradicating child poverty in Canada. It is unique in that the benefits received are not considered taxable income.
This means that the families benefitting from the program will not lose other income-tested benefits such as the GST/HST credit and the Guaranteed Income Supplement.
Below I cover the CCB payment dates in 2024 and everything you need to know about the Canada Child Benefit.
Canada Child Benefit Dates 2024
Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) will send Canada Child Benefit payments for this year on the following dates:
| CCB payment month | CCB payment dates 2024 |
| December 2023 | December 13, 2023 |
| January 2024 | January 19, 2024 |
| February | February 20, 2024 |
| March | March 20, 2024 |
| April | April 19, 2024 |
| May | May 17, 2024 |
| June | June 20, 2024 |
| July | July 19, 2024 |
| August | August 20, 2024 |
| September | September 20, 2024 |
| October | October 18, 2024 |
| November | November 20, 2024 |
| December | December 13, 2024 |
Payments are made directly to the bank account you register with CRA.
While payments are generally made by the 20th of the month, you should wait about a week or so before contacting CRA if you haven’t yet received the benefit.
Canada Child Benefit Amount
For July 2024 to June 2025 payment cycle, the CCB provides a maximum annual benefit of $7,787 for each child under the age of 6 and up to $6,570 per year for each child between the age of 6 and 17.
The Canada Child Benefit (CCB) Explained
The CCB is a tax-free benefit available to eligible families. The amount you receive is dependent on:
- The number of children who live with you and their ages.
- Your adjusted family net income.
- Your child’s eligibility for the child disability benefit.
- Your marital status.
- Your province of residence and whether you qualify for other provincial child benefits that are administered by the CRA and combined with your CCB.
The CCB payment period runs from July to June, and the amount you receive is based on your income tax return for the previous year.
For example, CCB payment amounts for July 2024 to June 2025 payment cycle are based on your family’s net income for the 2023 tax year.
Starting in July 2025, your net income in 2024 will be used to calculate your CCB benefit eligibility.
To continue receiving the CCB, you and your spouse must file an income tax return every year, even if you have not earned taxable income during the year.
How To Apply for the CCB
You may be eligible to apply for the CCB if you are directly responsible for a child who is a minor (under age 18) and live with them. You must also be a resident of Canada for tax purposes. The female parent is typically considered the primary caregiver.
Automatic application for the CCB occurs when you register the birth of your child with your province.
Alternatively, you can register via CRA My Account or complete Form RC66, Canada Child Benefits Application.
Newcomers who come to Canada with kids born abroad can complete Form RC66 and mail it to the tax centre closest to them (there are centres in Winnipeg, Sudbury, and Quebec).
You must provide proof of birth, e.g. a birth certificate, passport, or permanent resident card, and complete the form Schedule RC66SCH, Status in Canada/Statement of Income.
It may take up to 11 weeks for your CCB application to go through.
If you have questions about your CCB application, reach out to the CRA via its Canada Child Benefits phone at 1-800-387-1193.
If you live in the Yukon, Nunavut, or the Northwest Territories, the number to call is 1-866-426-1527.
Canada Child Benefit Calculation: How Much CCB You Will Get
The government has a child and family benefits calculator (CCB payment calculator) you can use to estimate your monthly payments.
For July 2024 to June 2025 payment period, the following maximum benefits apply:
- Children under 6: $7,787 or $648.91 per month
- Children between 6 and 17: $6,570 or $547.50 per month
As your adjusted family net income (AFNI) increases, the amount of CCB you get reduces. The phase-out rate starts at $36,502.
| # of eligible children July 2024 – June 2025) | AFNI over $36,502 and up to $79,087 | AFNI over $79,087 |
| 1 child | 7.0% | 3.2% |
| 2 children | 13.5% | 5.7% |
| 3 children | 19.0% | 8% |
| 4 or more children | 23.0% | 9.5% |
Provincial Child Benefit Programs and the CCB
Some provincial child benefit programs are administered by the CRA and are combined with CCB payments, including:
- New Brunswick Child tax benefit
- Newfoundland and Labrador child benefit
- Northwest Territories child benefit
- Nova Scotia child benefit
- Nunavut child benefit
- Yukon child benefit
- BC early childhood tax benefit
- Ontario child benefit
The Alberta Child Benefit and Alberta Family Employment tax credits have been combined and are now called the Alberta Child and Family Benefit (ACFB). This benefit is paid out separately from the CCB.
Quebec offers a Family Allowance payment via Retraite Quebec.
Other child benefits available in Quebec include the Supplement for Handicapped Children Requiring Exceptional Care and Supplement for the Purchase of School Supplies.
CCB Increase in 2024
CCB payments increased in July 2024 to keep up with inflation. Another increase is slated for July 2025.
The maximum annual CCB benefit for a child under 6 increased to $7,787, and for those aged 6-17, the maximum annual benefit is now $6,570 per child.
This increase extends to 2025 until the current payment cycle ends in June 2025.
Here are some strategies for increasing your CCB and how to invest in your kid’s RESP account.
Child Disability Benefit Payment Dates
The Child Disability Benefit (CDB) is paid to eligible families who have a child under 18 who suffers from a severe and prolonged impairment that limits them physically or mentally.
The maximum Canada Disability Benefit for the period of July 2024 to June 2025 is $276.83 per month or $3,322 per year.
The CDB is included in CCB payments for those who qualify, and payment dates occur on the same dates as the CCB as follows:
- January 19, 2024
- February 20, 2024
- March 20, 2024
- April 19, 2024
- May 17, 2024
- June 20, 2024
- July 19, 2024
- August 20, 2024
- September 20, 2024
- October 18, 2024
- November 20, 2024
- December 13, 2024
Canada Child Benefit FAQ
For children under age 6, the current maximum monthly benefit is $648.91 per child. For children older than 6 through 17, the maximum monthly benefit is $547.50 per child. Families with a net income below $36,502 will receive the maximum benefit.
No, the Canada Child Benefit is a tax-free benefit and does not count toward your taxable income when you file your income tax return.
Yes. The CCB increased in July 2024, and this increase will be reflected in all payments during the cycle that runs from July 2024 to June 2025.
How much you receive depends on your family’s net income for the previous year, the age and number of your children, and your province of residence.
Child benefits stop when your child turns 18, or your family’s net income exceeds the maximum threshold.
If the CRA pays you too much CCB, they will let you know how much was overpaid, and the excess amount may be deducted from your future CCB payments, income tax refund, or GST/HST credit.
Related: Ontario Trillium Benefit Dates.
I arrived in Canada January 2019 with two daughters (4 and 10 years old) and my wife as refugees. However we were accepted as permanent residents in March 2023. we never received any nor did we ever apply for CCB i am now thinking about applying will the children be paid from the time we arrive in canada?
@Bem: If you filed tax returns for those years, you might be able to receive retroactive payments. Best to visit a Service Canada location to determine your best line of action.
Hi there,
Is the CCB paid for the month received or for the following month?
I cant find this on any government sites. I always thought January payment was for February month.
@Eagle: CCB is paid for the month it is received.
How to apply for child disabiry payment? My son has autism
@JJ Smith: If your child is eligible for the disability tax credit (DTC) and Canada Child Benefit, they automatically receive the Child Disability Benefit. You can call 1-800-959-8281 for information related to the DTC, or 1-800-387-1193 for information relating to the CDB.
Hi Enoch, Thanks for your work! I really appreciate it as I walk with a number of new Canadians. I have a friend who has a 17 year old son. Both adults are on disability (ODSP) and the son turned 17 on May 4 of this year. I had read that the Child Benefit continues until December of the year he turns 18. Is that correct, or is his last payment the month he turns 18? Thanks
@Ron: My understanding is that it stops the month the child turns 18. That said, I could not find a specific reference to this on the govt’s website.
Hi I’m waiting to get my first payment but it’s gone be for mail how much time i have to wait? It’s gone came on 20 June? Or its longer time ? Thanks
If my child is born on June 27th would he qualify for June ccb or July ?
@Ness: As per Service Canada, “You are eligible to receive the CCB in the month following the month you become an eligible individual.”
This means that he would qualify starting in July.
I am also wondering like the other two people who have inquired –
if we will receive the CTB on June 20th as my daughter turns 18 on the 13th?