Canada Child Benefit December Payment 2025: All You Need to Know
On December 12, 2025, millions of Canadian families will receive the last Canada Child Benefit payment of the year, coming in earlier than usual to help with winter expenses and holiday costs.
💰 Amount You’ll Receive on December 12
The amount of Canada Child Benefit you get depends on your child’s age and your family income:
- Children under 6: Up to $666.41 per month ($7,997 per year)
- Children aged 6 to 17: Up to $562.33 per month ($6,748 per year)
Your actual payment is based on your 2024 tax return’s adjusted family net income.
📅 Why the Payment Date Changed to December 12
The Canada Revenue Agency moved the payment date earlier to December 12 to avoid holiday banking delays and year-end processing backlogs.
🎯 Who Qualifies for the December 12 Payment
To receive the December Canada Child Benefit payment, you must meet the eligibility criteria, including living in Canada, being responsible for a child under 18, and filing your 2024 income tax return.
📊 How Income Affects Your Payment
Your payment amount is determined by your adjusted family net income from 2024, with low-income families receiving the maximum benefit and higher incomes qualifying for partial amounts.
🆕 Changes in 2025
The Canada Child Benefit increased in July 2025 to adjust for inflation, resulting in higher monthly payments for families and expanded income thresholds.
⚠️ Reasons Your Payment Could Differ
Various life changes such as income fluctuations, family additions, or marital status changes can impact your benefit amount. Update your information promptly to avoid payment issues.
🚨 Missing Payment: What To Do
If your payment doesn’t arrive on December 12, wait a few days, check your CRA My Account, and contact the CRA benefits line if needed to resolve any issues.
💡 Maximizing Your Benefit
Ensure you file your taxes annually, report life changes promptly, and stay up to date with CRA to receive the full Canada Child Benefit you’re entitled to.
To ensure you receive your Canada Child Benefit (CCB) payments on time, it is essential to keep your banking information updated with the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA). If you have recently changed banks, make sure to update your direct deposit information in your CRA My Account. This will ensure that your CCB payments are deposited into the correct bank account.
If your income has changed significantly in 2024, you can use the Child and Family Benefits Calculator on the CRA website to estimate the amount you will receive starting in July 2026. This tool will help you understand the benefits you are eligible for based on your current income situation.
To check the exact amount of your CCB payment, you do not have to wait until December 12. You can log into your CRA My Account and navigate to the “Benefits and Credits” section. From there, select “Canada Child Benefit” to view the specific payment amount that will be deposited into your account on December 12. This will provide you with a breakdown of the payment amount for each child.
The CRA issues CCB payments once a month, usually around the 20th. In 2026, the official payment dates are as follows:
– January 20, 2026
– February 20, 2026
– March 20, 2026
– April 20, 2026
– May 20, 2026
– June 19, 2026
– July 20, 2026 (will be increased based on inflation)
– August 20, 2026
– September 18, 2026
– October 20, 2026
– November 20, 2026
– December 11, 2026
These dates are important to mark in your calendar so you know when to expect your CCB payments each month.
Newcomers and temporary residents in Canada may qualify for the Canada Child Benefit if they meet certain criteria, such as having valid work or study permits, living in Canada for at least 18 consecutive months, remaining legally in Canada during the payment period, and filing their income tax return. It is important to apply as soon as possible to receive retroactive payments for months you were eligible but did not receive benefits.
To apply for the Canada Child Benefit, you can authorize the automatic sharing of information when registering your child’s birth, apply online through your CRA My Account, or submit a paper application by mail. Once approved, payments usually begin within 4 to 8 weeks.
Several significant changes introduced in 2024 and 2025 continue to impact the December CCB payment. These changes include an inflation adjustment in July 2025, increased income thresholds, a 6-month continuation rule for families following the death of a child, and stronger verification measures to prevent fraud and ensure payments reach eligible families.
On December 12, 2025, Canadian families can expect their CCB payment to arrive 8 days early. The maximum amounts per child are $666.41 for children under 6 and $562.33 for children aged 6-17. It is crucial to check your exact payment amount in your CRA My Account to ensure you are prepared for the deposit.
If you are not currently receiving the Canada Child Benefit but believe you qualify, it is recommended to apply as soon as possible. Retroactive payments may be available, providing you with additional financial support. For existing recipients, ensuring that your information is up to date will help avoid any surprises on December 12.
For more information or assistance, you can visit the CRA Benefits website or contact the CRA benefits line at 1-800-387-1193 (Monday to Friday, 8 AM to 8 PM Eastern Time).
