First, list of detected linkable resources in order of appearance:
1. Form RC66
(Canada Child Benefits Application) — first mention in “How to apply…” paragraph.
2. Canada Revenue Agency – Child and family benefits — referenced in “For official guidance…” paragraph.
3. Form RC66
— second mention in the numbered steps (“Apply for the program…”).
4. CRA online services — mentioned in numbered step 2 (“using CRA online services or Form RC66
“).
5. Form RC66
— final mentions in “Final reminders” paragraph and earlier citation already linked.
I will add up to 5 government (.gov/.gc.ca) links, only to the first mention of each resource in the article body, preserving all existing content and links.

Updated article with only the specified government resource links added (no other changes):
(CANADA) Families across 🇨🇦 will see the next Canada Child Benefit arrive on September 19, 2025, a date closely watched by parents who rely on this monthly support for school costs, groceries, and child care. The Canada Revenue Agency says payments remain indexed to inflation, with a roughly 2.8% increase this benefit year, and no major policy changes announced as of September 16.
The updated maximums for 2025–2026 stand at $666.42 per month for each child under 6 and $562.33 per month for each child aged 6 to 17. Amounts scale down as family income rises, keeping the program focused on lower- and middle‑income households.
Who is eligible
Eligibility remains straightforward in most cases:
- You must live in Canada and be a tax resident.
- You must have a child under 18 who lives with you.
- Parents must file taxes each year to keep payments going.
The benefit is income‑tested. Full amounts are available for families whose Adjusted Family Net Income is below $34,863; reductions apply above that threshold.
- Families caring for a child approved for the Disability Tax Credit may receive an extra $3,322 per year, added to the base Canada Child Benefit.
- Temporary residents can qualify too. Under current rules, people on valid permits may be eligible once they have lived in Canada for at least 18 months.
This policy helps settle families building a life here while on work or study permits and reflects the program’s broad intent: to support children living in Canada regardless of parents’ citizenship status, provided legal and residency requirements are met.
Policy updates and what families can expect
The central change this year is the inflation bump. By lifting payments about 2.8%, the government aims to protect buying power as food and housing costs strain household budgets.
- Indexing is widely seen as key to keeping the program effective over time, especially for families with tight margins who notice even small changes in grocery bills (analysis by VisaVerge.com).
- Provincial and territorial top‑ups can raise a family’s total monthly help. Examples include British Columbia’s Family Benefit and Quebec’s Family Allowance, which stack with the federal Canada Child Benefit.
- Families should review local programs because the mix of federal and provincial benefits can make a real difference when planning monthly expenses.
Ottawa continues to fine‑tune amounts each year to reflect inflation. Parents should watch tax time and annual reassessments, since updated income and indexation can nudge monthly figures up or down. As always, filing taxes on time keeps payments current.
Key takeaway: The program’s annual indexation helps protect buying power, but families must keep tax and residency information up to date to receive the correct amounts.
How to apply, keep payments flowing, and avoid delays
Parents new to the program, including newcomers with children, can apply online through the CRA or by using the paper application. If you apply by mail, use Form RC66
(Canada Child Benefits Application). You can find it on the CRA website here: Form RC66
.
This form is for new parents, recent immigrants, and others who have not yet enrolled. If your child was born in Canada, many provinces let you consent to share birth information at the hospital to start the process, though you may still need to confirm details or submit documents.
Important steps parents should follow now:
- File your 2024 tax return. Both parents or guardians must file each year, even with little or no income. No tax return often means no payment.
- Apply for the program if you haven’t already, using CRA online services or Form
RC66
. - Set up direct deposit in your CRA account so funds arrive faster and don’t get held up by mail issues.
- Keep your address, marital status, and number of children up to date with the CRA. Changes can affect the amount and timing of your Canada Child Benefit.
- Use the CRA child benefits calculator to estimate your monthly amount before September 19, 2025, to plan your budget.
For official guidance on Canada Child Benefit rules, payment dates, and contact details, visit the CRA’s page: Canada Revenue Agency – Child and family benefits. This page provides the latest payment schedule, RC66
instructions, and links to related credits.
Common issues and special situations
- If your payment does not arrive on or shortly after September 19, 2025, first confirm your tax filing status for 2024, then check whether the CRA requested more documents.
- Common issues include missing immigration papers for temporary residents or outdated marital status records that change the family’s calculated amount.
- For temporary residents, the 18‑month residency requirement is key. Count your time in Canada carefully, keep permits valid, and be ready to show proof if asked. Those who reach 18 months close to the payment date may not see funds immediately but will receive future payments on the standard monthly cycle.
- Parents raising a child with a disability should confirm the Disability Tax Credit status early. The extra $3,322 per year can help with therapy, devices, or specialized care. Approval is needed before the top‑up is added to your Canada Child Benefit.
Timing, indexation, and community support
As the program adjusts for inflation each July, families should expect amounts to update after tax filing and reassessment. The indexation rate can change each year; while the current 2.8% lift is modest, it helps offset everyday price increases. If inflation cools or rises, next year’s amounts will reflect that.
Employers and community groups also help. Newcomer agencies often assist recent arrivals with eligibility checks and filling out RC66
. Schools may remind parents about tax filing deadlines, since missing returns can halt payments just when families gear up for back‑to‑school costs.
Final reminders
- If you meet eligibility rules and your taxes are filed, expect your Canada Child Benefit on September 19, 2025.
- Keep documents current, watch for CRA letters, and consider provincial top‑ups to stretch your budget further this fall.
- For forms and official instructions, see Form
RC66
and the CRA’s child and family benefits page: Canada Revenue Agency – Child and family benefits.
This Article in a Nutshell
The Canada Child Benefit (CCB) payment scheduled for September 19, 2025, will reflect a 2.8% inflation increase. For 2025–2026 the maximum monthly payments are $666.42 for children under six and $562.33 for children six to 17, with payments phased out for higher incomes based on Adjusted Family Net Income (AFNI). Eligibility requires Canadian residence, tax-resident status, having a child under 18, and filing annual tax returns; some temporary residents qualify after 18 months. Parents can apply via CRA online services or by mailing Form RC66. To avoid delays, file 2024 taxes, keep personal details current with CRA, and enable direct deposit. Provincial top-ups and the Disability Tax Credit can increase total support for eligible families.