Canada Child Benefit Calculator 2025

Estimate your combined federal CCB and provincial child benefits based on your family income, province, and number of children.

tl;dr

Canadian families receive child benefits from both the federal government (CCB) and their province or territory. This calculator estimates your total annual benefits from all programs, and shows how RRSP/FHSA contributions can increase your payments by lowering your Adjusted Family Net Income (AFNI).

Canada Child Benefit Calculator

Enter your family income and children's ages to calculate your monthly and annual CCB payments.

Benefits are based on your Adjusted Family Net Income (AFNI) and reduce as income increases.

Your Family Details

Province/Territory

Tax Year

Your Income

Net Income

RRSP/FHSA Contributions

Children (under 18)

Add children to calculate CCB

Add at least one child to calculate CCB

Why CCB Calculation Matters

The Canada Child Benefit is the largest federal support program for Canadian families with children, providing billions in tax-free benefits annually. For many families, CCB represents a significant portion of household income - potentially $7,787 per child under 6 and $6,570 per child aged 6-17 annually. Unlike the previous system, CCB is entirely tax-free, meaning you keep every dollar. However, CCB is income-tested, reducing as family net income increases. Understanding your CCB amount helps with family budgeting and financial planning. Many families don't realize how sensitive CCB is to income changes - even a moderate income increase can significantly reduce benefits. This creates important tax planning considerations: maximizing RRSP contributions to lower net income, strategic timing of income (like bonuses or investment sales), and understanding how spousal income affects benefits. CCB is based on previous year's income, so July 2025 payments are based on your 2024 tax return. This lag creates planning opportunities. Additionally, CCB affects eligibility for other programs like reduced-cost childcare and provincial benefits, making it a critical calculation for family finances.

How Canada Child Benefit Is Calculated

CCB calculation is complex, involving base amounts, income thresholds, and phase-out rates:

1. Base Benefit Amounts: For 2024-25, the maximum annual CCB is $7,787 for each child under 6 and $6,570 for each child aged 6-17. These amounts are indexed to inflation annually.
2. Family Net Income: CCB is based on adjusted family net income (AFNI) from your tax return (line 23600). For couples, this includes both spouses' income. It includes employment income, self-employment, pensions, dividends, capital gains (taxable portion), and most other income sources.
3. First Income Threshold: Benefits begin reducing when family income exceeds $34,863 (2024-25). Below this threshold, you receive the full base amount for each child.
4. Phase-Out Calculation for Families with One Child: Above $34,863, CCB reduces by 7% for one child under 6 (or 3.2% for one child 6-17) of income over the threshold. For example, at $50,000 income with one child under 6: Reduction = ($50,000 - $34,863) × 7% = $1,060. You'd receive $7,787 - $1,060 = $6,727 annually.
5. Phase-Out for Multiple Children: The reduction rate is higher for multiple children: 13.5% for two children, 19% for three, etc. This affects income over $34,863.
6. Second Income Threshold: At higher incomes ($75,537 for 2024-25), a second phase-out rate applies, further reducing benefits until they reach zero.
7. Monthly Payment: The annual CCB amount is divided by 12 and paid monthly (usually mid-month). Payments run from July to June, based on the previous year's tax return.

Boost Your CCB with RRSP and FHSA Contributions

RRSP and FHSA contributions are powerful tools for increasing your Canada Child Benefit. Both types of contributions reduce your Adjusted Family Net Income (AFNI), which is the key factor in determining your CCB amount.

RRSP Contributions

Every dollar contributed to your RRSP reduces your net income. For families in the CCB phase-out range, a $10,000 RRSP contribution could increase CCB by $700-$1,900 depending on the number of children - plus the tax refund!

FHSA Contributions

The First Home Savings Account (max $8,000/year) also reduces AFNI. If you're saving for a home AND have children, FHSA contributions give you a triple benefit: tax deduction, tax-free growth, AND increased CCB.

Common Questions

When do I need to apply for CCB?

You should apply as soon as your child is born or begins living with you. You can apply online through CRA My Account, by mail, or automatically when registering a birth in some provinces. Payments can be retroactive up to 10 months, but applying early ensures you don't miss payments.

What provincial child benefits are available?

Every province and territory offers additional child benefits on top of the federal CCB. Major programs include: Ontario Child Benefit ($1,727/child), BC Family Benefit ($1,750 first child), Alberta Child and Family Benefit ($1,499-$3,746 base + working component), and Quebec Family Allowance (up to $3,006/child, administered separately). Most provinces also have income thresholds where benefits phase out as family income increases.

Do I need to apply separately for provincial benefits?

In most provinces, you're automatically enrolled when you file your tax return and receive federal CCB. However, Manitoba requires a separate provincial application. Quebec administers its own family benefits through Retraite Quebec, not through the CRA. Saskatchewan's Employment Incentive also requires a separate monthly application.

Does CCB count as income or affect my taxes?

No! Both federal CCB and provincial child benefits are completely tax-free and don't need to be reported as income on your tax return. You keep every dollar. However, eligibility is based on your Adjusted Family Net Income (AFNI), so your tax situation affects how much you receive.

Can I increase my benefits by contributing to my RRSP or FHSA?

Yes! Both RRSP and FHSA contributions reduce your Adjusted Family Net Income, which can increase both federal CCB and provincial benefits. For families near phase-out thresholds, this can be very valuable. A $5,000 contribution by a family with two young children could increase combined benefits by $500-$1,000 annually, plus generate tax savings.

What if I'm separated or share custody?

For shared custody (40%+ time with each parent), CCB can be split 50/50 between parents. Each parent would receive half the benefit amount. The primary caregiver (who primarily fulfills care responsibilities) typically receives CCB for non-shared custody situations. Provincial benefits follow similar rules.

Do I need to reapply every year?

No! As long as you file your tax return every year, CRA automatically recalculates your CCB based on your updated income. Most provincial benefits are also recalculated automatically. Your July payment reflects your most recently filed tax return.

What are the CCB income thresholds?

For 2025, the CCB begins reducing when family net income exceeds $37,487 (Phase 1). The reduction rate depends on number of children: 7% for one child, 13.5% for two, 19% for three, 23% for four+. A second phase-out begins at $81,222 with lower rates. Benefits can phase out completely at very high incomes. Provincial benefits have their own thresholds.

Maximizing Your Canada Child Benefit

✓File Taxes on Time: CCB is recalculated each July based on your tax return. File by April 30 to ensure uninterrupted payments.
✓Maximize RRSP Contributions: RRSP contributions reduce your net income, potentially increasing your CCB. For families near phase-out thresholds, this can add hundreds to annual CCB payments.
✓Time Capital Gains: Since capital gains increase your net income, consider timing large investment sales to minimize impact on CCB (sell in years when you're above phase-out anyway).
✓Claim All Deductions: Child care expenses, moving expenses, and other deductions reduce net income and can increase CCB. Don't miss eligible deductions.
✓Keep CRA Updated: Report changes in custody, marital status, or address immediately. Incorrect CCB payments must be repaid.
✓Budget Annually, Not Monthly: CCB is recalculated every July. If your income increased significantly, expect lower payments starting in July. Budget accordingly to avoid surprises.
✓Apply for Provincial Benefits: Most provinces offer additional child benefits. CCB often determines eligibility for these programs automatically.