TORONTO, April 17, 2025 – Canadian families will see their April child benefit deposited three days early this year, as the regular 20th‑of‑the‑month payment has been moved up to Thursday, April 17. This advance comes ahead of Easter weekend and Good Friday, ensuring parents receive funds before banks and government offices close for the holiday.
What the Canada Child Benefit Covers
The Canada Child Benefit (CCB) is designed to help households manage expenses such as childcare, food, clothing and extracurricular activities. Payment amounts vary according to a family’s net income, the number of children and each child’s age. Eligible families may also receive the Child Disability Benefit on top of their regular CCB entitlement, while many provinces and territories provide additional top‑up amounts.
Early Deposit Explained
Typically issued on the 20th of each month, the April payment is arriving early because the 20th falls on Easter Sunday and April 18 is a federal holiday (Good Friday). When the scheduled date coincides with a weekend or holiday, the benefit is automatically paid on the last preceding business day, giving parents extra time to prepare for spring costs.
April Payment Amounts
For the benefit year running July 2024 to June 2025, payments are calculated using adjusted family net income (AFNI) from 2023 tax returns:
- Children under 6: Up to $648.91 per month ($7,787 annually)
- Children aged 6–17: Up to $547.50 per month ($6,570 annually)
Families with an AFNI of $36,502 or less receive the full amounts. Payments gradually phase out for higher incomes, with steeper reductions above $81,222. Even households earning $150,000 or more may qualify for a reduced benefit if they have multiple children. Annual recalculations each July ensure amounts reflect the most recent tax information.
Applying for the Benefit
New applicants can enroll in several ways:
- At Birth: When registering a newborn’s birth, include your Social Insurance Number and opt to share information with tax authorities to trigger automatic CCB enrollment.
- Online: Sign up for an account, select “Apply for child benefits” and submit the required details. Approval often arrives within weeks.
- By Mail: Complete and mail the official application form to your nearest tax centre; processing can take 8–12 weeks.
All applicants must file annual tax returns—even if income is zero—and report any changes in income, marital status, custody or address to maintain accurate payments.
Maximizing Your Benefit
- File Early: Submit your 2024 tax return by April 30 to avoid delays.
- Report Changes Promptly: Add new children or update personal details right away.
- Claim All Eligible Children: Ensure every dependent under 18 is included.
- Explore Add‑Ons: Apply for the Child Disability Benefit and check provincial top‑ups.
- Switch to Direct Deposit: Receive funds instantly and avoid cheque‑mail delays.
A simple budget plan—allocating part of the payment for essentials, groceries and savings—can help families stretch their CCB further.
Extra Support for Children with Disabilities
Families caring for a child with a severe, long‑term disability may receive up to an additional $276.83 per month once the Disability Tax Credit is approved. To qualify, submit the required medical form signed by a health professional; upon approval, the extra amount is added automatically to each monthly benefit.
Provincial and Territorial Top‑Ups
Several regions boost the federal benefit with their own payments:
- Ontario: Up to $149.33 per child per month
- British Columbia: $145–$208 depending on family size and income
- Nova Scotia, P.E.I., New Brunswick: $50–$100 per child
- Yukon, Northwest Territories, Nunavut: $50–$300 per child
Quebec administers its own child benefit, while Alberta and Saskatchewan rely solely on the federal CCB.
Remaining 2025 Payment Dates
Mark your calendars for the rest of the year’s deposits (subject to early scheduling if the 20th falls on a weekend or holiday):
- May 20
- June 20
- July 18
- August 20
- September 19
- October 20
- November 20
- December 12
What’s Ahead: July Increase
Beginning with the July 18, 2025 payment, the CCB is expected to rise by approximately 2.7%, indexed to inflation. Projected new maximums:
- Children under 6: Up to $666.42 per month
- Children aged 6–17: Up to $562.33 per month
- Child Disability Benefit: Up to $284.30 per month
This adjustment will help families keep pace with rising costs for rent, food and other essentials.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is the April payment early? Because April 20 is a Sunday and April 18 is Good Friday, so the deposit moves to the last business day before the holiday.
What if my payment doesn’t arrive by April 22? Check your online account for status, verify your banking details and ensure your 2024 tax return is filed. Contact the tax agency if issues persist.
How do I confirm my exact amount? Use the online benefit calculator or view your notice in your account before the payment date.
Is the CCB taxable? No. The benefit is entirely tax‑free and does not need to be reported on your return.
Families across Canada can expect this early deposit to arrive on April 17, providing timely relief as spring expenses begin.
