A $1,200 Canada Child Benefit (CCB) top-up is currently under consideration, promising a substantial boost to families across Canada in October 2025, if approved.
Alongside this potential one-time payment, the regular CCB amounts have also increased for 2025–26, offering more relief to households raising children.
Here’s a detailed breakdown of the latest updates, eligibility, and what to expect.
CCB 2025–26 Regular Benefit Update
| Child’s Age | Max Annual Benefit | Max Monthly Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Under 6 | $7,997 | $666.41 |
| Ages 6–17 | $6,748 | $562.33 |
These benefits reflect approximately $200 increases from the previous year and are indexed for inflation. The amounts apply from July 2025 to June 2026
How It’s Indexed
Every July, the CCB is indexed to inflation based on the Consumer Price Index to maintain purchasing power.
Total Support Example
A family with one child aged 5 and one aged 9, earning around $65,000 annual net income, will receive over $11,000 for the year—a boost of more than $500 compared to 2024–25.
$1,200 CCB Top-Up Proposal
A one-time top-up of $1,200 per eligible child is currently under discussion in Parliament and, if passed, could be disbursed starting in October 2025.
There’s no application required for those already receiving CCB—the CRA would automatically deliver the additional amount.
Eligibility & Timing Details
- Eligibility criteria mirror those of the regular CCB: must reside in Canada, be the primary caregiver of a child under 18, and have filed your 2023 tax return (for the top-up).
- Timing:
- New CCB rates: Start with the July 2025 payment.
- Top‑up (if approved): Expected to begin in October 2025.
Why It Matters
With inflation still impacting grocery bills, childcare, and education, this combination of regular increases and a possible $1,200 top-up could deliver meaningful financial support to millions of Canadian families—especially lower- and middle-income households managing tight budgets.
For 2025–26, the Canada Child Benefit now provides up to $666.41/month for children under 6 and $562.33/month for ages 6–17—both significant increases.
A $1,200 one‑time top‑up per child may also arrive by October 2025, pending parliamentary approval. If passed, these combined enhancements would be among the most substantial boosts to the CCB in years, delivering timely support where it’s needed most.