Starting April 2025, Canadian families with children under 18 will have a new reason to breathe a little easier. The Canadian government is rolling out the Canada Family Benefit (CFB), a financial assistance program designed to provide $445 per month to eligible households. Announced as a cornerstone of the government’s strategy to combat rising living costs, this initiative promises to deliver substantial relief to parents and guardians, ensuring that children’s well-being remains a priority amid economic challenges. As of April 4, 2025, with the program’s launch just days away, here’s everything you need to know about when you’ll get paid and how to claim this vital support.
What Is the Canada Family Benefit?
The Canada Family Benefit (CFB) is a tax-free monthly payment aimed at supporting families with dependent children under 18 years old. Set to begin in April 2025, the program offers $445 per month per eligible household, a figure intended to help cover essentials like food, clothing, childcare, and education expenses. Building on the framework of the existing Canada Child Benefit (CCB), the CFB is tailored to address the financial strain felt by families as inflation and interest rates continue to squeeze budgets. The government’s goal? To reduce child poverty and provide a safety net for low- and middle-income households across the country.
Who Qualifies for the $445 Monthly Payment?
Eligibility for the CFB is straightforward but comes with specific requirements. To qualify, families must:
- Reside in Canada: You and your children must be legal residents with a valid Social Insurance Number (SIN).
- Have Children Under 18: At least one dependent child under 18 must live with you and rely on you for financial support.
- File Taxes Annually: Both you and your spouse or common-law partner (if applicable) must submit a T1 Income Tax and Benefit Return for 2024, even if you have no income to report. The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) uses this to assess your adjusted family net income (AFNI).
- Meet Income Thresholds: The full $445 monthly benefit is targeted at lower-income families, though exact income cutoffs are still being finalized. Families with higher incomes may receive a reduced amount, similar to the CCB’s sliding scale.
If you’re already enrolled in the Canada Child Benefit, you’re likely pre-qualified, as the CFB will leverage existing CRA data to streamline eligibility checks.
Payment Schedule: When Will You Get Paid?
The CFB payments are set to roll out monthly, starting April 20, 2025, and continuing on the 20th of each subsequent month. If the 20th falls on a weekend or holiday, payments will be issued on the preceding business day. Here’s the confirmed schedule for the first few months of 2025:
- April 20, 2025: First payment (a Sunday, so expect it by Friday, April 18).
- May 20, 2025: Second payment.
- June 20, 2025: Third payment.
Payments will be delivered via direct deposit for those registered with the CRA, ensuring quick and secure access to funds. If you haven’t set up direct deposit, you’ll receive a cheque by mail, though delivery may take a few extra days. To avoid delays, the CRA recommends enrolling in direct deposit through your My Account portal now.
How to Claim the Canada Family Benefit
Claiming the CFB is designed to be hassle-free, especially for families already receiving the CCB. Here’s how to ensure you’re ready:
- File Your 2024 Taxes: Submit your T1 Income Tax and Benefit Return by April 30, 2025, to establish eligibility. Late filers may still qualify but could face payment delays.
- Register with the CRA: If you’re not enrolled in the CCB, apply for it through the CRA’s My Account portal or by mail using Form RC66 (Canada Child Benefit Application). The CFB will piggyback on this system, so registration is a one-step process for both benefits.
- Update Your Info: Report any changes in family status—new children, separations, or moves—to the CRA promptly to keep your payments accurate.
- Set Up Direct Deposit: Log into My Account, navigate to “Arrange My Direct Deposit,” and link your bank account for faster payments.
Once approved, payments will begin automatically on the next scheduled date. New applicants should allow a few weeks for processing, so apply early to catch the April 20 rollout.
Why This Matters Now
With grocery prices, rent, and utility bills climbing, the $445 monthly boost couldn’t come at a better time. For a family of three, this could mean an extra $5,340 over the year—money that can go toward school supplies, winter clothing, or simply keeping the lights on. The program also aligns with Canada’s broader commitment to reducing child poverty, a mission that has seen success through the CCB, which lifted over 435,000 children out of poverty between 2015 and 2019. The CFB aims to build on that legacy, offering targeted relief where it’s needed most.
What’s Next?
As the April launch approaches, the CRA is urging families to prepare now—file taxes, check eligibility, and sign up for direct deposit. While the $445 monthly amount is confirmed for 2025, future adjustments could depend on inflation rates and government budgets. For now, this initiative stands as a beacon of support for Canadian households navigating uncertain times.
For more details or to apply, visit the CRA website or call 1-800-387-1193. With the first payment just weeks away, don’t miss out on this chance to ease your family’s financial load in 2025.
