Starting in June 2025, families across Canada will begin receiving the Canada Family Benefit (CFB), a new monthly payment of \$445 aimed at helping parents with the growing cost of raising children. This income-tested benefit, announced as part of the federal government’s broader effort to reduce child poverty and improve affordability, is designed to provide consistent support for low- to middle-income households.
If you’re unsure about how the CFB works, who qualifies, or how to apply, this complete guide walks you through eligibility, payment dates, income thresholds, and important application steps.
Overview: What Is the Canada Family Benefit?
The Canada Family Benefit (CFB) is a federally funded monthly payment introduced to support families with children under 18. It supplements existing benefits, such as the Canada Child Benefit (CCB), and is based on household income. The lower the income, the larger the benefit.
| Key Point | Details |
|---|---|
| Benefit Amount | \$445/month per eligible family |
| Eligibility | Canadian residents with children under 18 |
| Income Threshold | Full amount under \$35,000/year |
| Start Date | June 20, 2025 |
| Payment Frequency | Monthly on the 20th (or next business day) |
| Administered By | Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) |
Why the CFB Matters in 2025
Raising children in Canada—especially in major cities like Toronto, Vancouver, or Calgary—has become significantly more expensive. Inflation, housing costs, childcare, and grocery bills continue to rise. The CFB aims to ease this pressure, making parenting more affordable while improving opportunities for children in lower-income households.
The CFB is designed to assist with:
- Groceries and school meals
- Clothing, supplies, and housing
- Daycare or after-school programs
- Extracurricular fees and activities
Who Is Eligible for the Canada Family Benefit?
To receive the CFB in 2025, you must meet several eligibility conditions:
1. Canadian Residency
- Must be a resident of Canada for tax purposes, living in the country for at least 183 days per year.
2. Child Under 18
- You must have at least one dependent child under the age of 18 living with you.
3. Income-Based Qualification
- Households earning:
- Under \$35,000/year receive the full \$445/month
- Above \$35,000/year receive reduced amounts
- High-income families may receive no CFB
4. Tax Return Requirement
- Filing an annual T1 Income Tax Return is mandatory, even with zero income. The CRA uses your tax info to assess your eligibility.
5. Must Be Enrolled in the CCB
- If you’re already receiving the Canada Child Benefit, you’re automatically considered for the Canada Family Benefit. No separate application is required.
Monthly Payment Dates for 2025
CFB payments will be issued monthly, starting in June 2025, and follow the same schedule as the CCB:
| Month | Payment Date |
|---|---|
| January | January 20, 2025 |
| February | February 20, 2025 |
| March | March 20, 2025 |
| April | April 20, 2025 |
| May | May 20, 2025 |
| June | June 20, 2025 |
| July | July 20, 2025 |
| August | August 20, 2025 |
| September | September 20, 2025 |
| October | October 20, 2025 |
| November | November 20, 2025 |
| December | December 20, 2025 |
Payments are sent via direct deposit or mailed cheque, based on your CRA account settings. Direct deposit is strongly recommended for faster and more secure transactions.
How to Apply for the Canada Family Benefit
If you’re not already enrolled in the CCB, here’s how to get started and avoid delays:
Step 1: File Your Taxes
- Complete and file your T1 General Tax Return, even if you earned no income.
Step 2: Register for the Canada Child Benefit
- If you’re not receiving the CCB, apply via CRA My Account or submit Form RC66.
Step 3: Update Family Information
- Notify the CRA of any changes to:
- Marital status
- Number of children
- Custody arrangements
- Mailing address or banking info
Step 4: Set Up Direct Deposit
- Link your banking information through CRA My Account for quicker payments.
Step 5: Start Receiving Payments
- Once verified and eligible, your monthly \$445 payments will be deposited based on the posted schedule.
How Does the CFB Compare to Other Child Benefits?
The Canada Family Benefit complements the Canada Child Benefit while offering stronger monthly support for low-income households.
| Benefit | Max Monthly Amount | Income-Based? | Child Age Limit | Taxable? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CFB | \$445 | Yes | Under 18 | No |
| CCB | Varies | Yes | Under 18 | No |
| UCCB (old) | \$160 (under 6) | No | Under 6 | Yes |
The CFB and CCB together now form a two-tiered support system, replacing the Universal Child Care Benefit (UCCB) with a more targeted and generous structure.
Extra Tips for Maximizing Your CFB
- File taxes early—before April 30—to avoid delays.
- Check eligibility annually if your income or family size changes.
- Use the CRA benefit calculator to estimate your payment.
- Keep records of CRA notices and payment deposits.
- In shared custody situations, each parent may receive 50% if they split parenting time equally.
