In July 2025, Canadian Parliament debated a proposed $1,200 Canada Child Benefit (CCB) top-up, aimed for distribution in October 2025.
This potential boost is intended to support families struggling with rising living costs and provide targeted assistance to lower- and middle-income households.
The top-up would supplement the existing CCB, offering relief amid inflationary pressures.
What Is the Proposed $1,200 Canada Child BenefitTop-Up?
This proposed benefit is a one-time, tax-free top-up of up to $1,200 per eligible child under 18, delivered in addition to regular monthly Canada Child Benefit payments.
The proposal would integrate seamlessly into the existing benefit system, distributed as part of or alongside the regular scheduled payments starting in October 2025
Who Is Eligible?
Eligibility mirrors the standard Canada Child Benefit rules:
- Must live with at least one child under 18
- Must be a resident of Canada for tax purposes
- Must file a 2024 income tax return
- Household income must meet CRA thresholds
A tiered structure applies: the full $1,200 is available to lower-income families, while moderate- and higher-income households may receive a reduced amount or none at all
CCB Top-Up vs Regular CCB Comparison
| Component | Current CCB (2024–25) | Proposed Top-Up (2025) |
|---|---|---|
| Maximum CCB (child <6) | $7,787/year ($648.91/mo) | No change |
| Maximum CCB (child 6–17) | $6,570/year ($547.50/mo) | No change |
| Proposed Top-Up | Not applicable | Up to $1,200 per child, one-time payment |
| Distribution Schedule | Monthly | Likely in October, possibly with regular CCB paydays |
Regular Canada Child Benefit Figures: 2025–26 Update
For the July 2025–June 2026 period:
- $7,997/year ($666.41/month) per child under 6
- $6,748/year ($562.33/month) per child aged 6–17
Payments are recalculated annually based on Adjusted Family Net Income (AFNI) from the prior year
Why the Top-Up Now?
- Inflation Relief: With inflation hovering around 3–5%, households face sharply increased costs in groceries, housing, childcare, and more
- Targeted Support: Over 1 million Canadian children face food insecurity; middle-income families grapple with rising expenses
- Strengthening economic resilience among vulnerable families by augmenting existing benefits
Parliament Proposal & Timeline
- July 2025 – Parliament debates top-up proposal
- August 2025 – Expected parliamentary vote and formal approval
- September 2025 – CRA issues notices to eligible recipients
- October 2025 – Top-up payments begin
The proposed $1,200 Canada Child Benefit top-up, expected in October 2025, would be a timely lifeline for Canadian families navigating inflation and rising household costs.
The one-time, tax-free payment complements existing Canada Child Benefit support and requires no additional applications—CRA automatically determines eligibility based on 2024 tax filings. Stay tuned for October disbursements once Parliament gives final approval.
FAQs
Will I need to apply separately for the $1,200 top-up?
No—if you’re already eligible for monthly CCB and meet the requirements, you’ll be automatically included. CRA will use your 2024 tax information to determine eligibility
When will I receive the top-up payment?
Payments are expected to land in October 2025, likely aligned with your scheduled CCB payment that month.
Who gets the full $1,200 vs a reduced amount?
Lower-income families receive the full top-up. For households above income thresholds, the top-up amount scales down per CRA’s tiered model.