Benefit cheque increase announced for eligible Canadians

Some Canadians will notice an increase to their benefit cheques this year.

As families continue to struggle with high housing and food costs, a financial boost is welcome news.

Related: All the benefit cheques coming in July in Canada

Families raising children will see an increase to the Canada Child Benefit (CCB) this month.

Benefit amounts have increased for 2025–26, Anna Gainey, secretary of state (children and youth), announced on Friday.

Families can now receive up to $7,997 per child under the age of 6 and $6,748 per child aged 6 through 17. This represents approximately a $200 increase from the previous year and will help parents manage everyday expenses like groceries, clothing or child care, providing added support as they raise their children, Gainey said.

“The Canada Child Benefit is about giving families the breathing room they need to thrive,” Gainey said. “With this year’s increase, Canada’s new Government is delivering meaningful relief, helping parents cover the costs of raising their kids, from diapers to school supplies. We are investing in Canadian families, because when families are strong, the economy is strong, and we make Canada strong.”

The CCB is a monthly, tax-free benefit based on the prior year’s adjusted net family income that provides support for low- to middle-income families with children to help with the cost of raising children under 18 years of age.

The amount received under the CCB depends on several factors, such as the number of children and their ages, and the prior year’s adjusted net family income.

For the July 2025 to June 2026 benefit year, eligible families can now receive up to $6,748 per child aged 6 through 17, and up to $7,997 per child under the age of 6.

The CCB has been indexed to inflation since 2018, using the Consumer Price Index from Statistics Canada, a trusted measure of cost-of-living changes. This annual indexation, effective every July, ensures the CCB keeps pace with rising expenses, offering predictable and stable support that families can count on year after year.

Annual indexation takes effect on July 1 to coincide with the beginning of the program year for payments, which runs from July 1 to June 30 of the following year.

See more on the Canada Child Benefit here.