Raising children in Canada has become increasingly expensive. With grocery prices climbing, rent at historic highs, and daycare costs straining family budgets, parents across the country have been calling for stronger financial support. In response, the federal government has announced the Canada Family Benefit (CFB)—a new monthly payment designed to provide direct relief to households with children.
Starting January 20, 2025, eligible families will receive \$445 per month per household, making it one of the most significant new family support initiatives in recent years. But how does it work, who qualifies, and how can families ensure they don’t miss out?
Overview: What Is the Canada Family Benefit?
The CFB is a monthly, income-tested benefit that targets low- and middle-income families. Unlike universal programs of the past, this payment is structured to provide more help where it is needed most.
Key details include:
- Monthly Amount: \$445
- Start Date: January 20, 2025
- Eligibility: Families with children under 18 living in Canada
- Income Tested: Yes—based on household earnings
- Linked Program: Requires enrollment in the Canada Child Benefit (CCB)
- Payment Method: Direct deposit or mailed cheque
This approach ensures that the money flows to families balancing the heaviest financial burdens.
Purpose: Why the Government Introduced the CFB
The Canadian government has positioned the Canada Family Benefit as part of its broader affordability agenda. The goals include:
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- Reducing child poverty by targeting struggling families.
- Supporting family well-being by making daily essentials like food and childcare more affordable.
- Easing financial strain during a period of high inflation and rising household costs.
Rather than replacing the CCB, the CFB works alongside it, functioning as an additional monthly boost for families already in the system.
Eligibility: Who Can Receive the \$445 Payment?
Eligibility is determined through several factors:
- Residency – You must be a Canadian resident and physically present in Canada for at least 183 days per year.
- Children’s Age – Payments are only available for households with children under 18 years old.
- Household Income – The benefit is income-tested:
- Families earning under \$35,000 annually may qualify for the full \$445.
- Families with higher incomes will see reduced payments.
- Tax Filing – You must file your 2024 tax return to determine eligibility.
- CCB Registration – Families already receiving the Canada Child Benefit will automatically be considered. Those not enrolled must apply.
This ensures the CFB goes directly to households with genuine financial need.
Timeline: When Payments Will Arrive
The CFB will be issued monthly on the 20th of each month, beginning in January 2025. If the 20th falls on a weekend or holiday, payments will be processed on the next business day.
2025 Payment Schedule:
| Month | Payment Date |
|---|---|
| January | Jan 20, 2025 |
| February | Feb 20, 2025 |
| March | Mar 20, 2025 |
| April | Apr 20, 2025 |
| May | May 20, 2025 |
| June | Jun 20, 2025 |
| July | Jul 20, 2025 |
| August | Aug 20, 2025 |
| September | Sep 20, 2025 |
| October | Oct 20, 2025 |
| November | Nov 20, 2025 |
| December | Dec 20, 2025 |
This consistency gives families a reliable schedule to plan monthly budgets.
Claiming the Canada Family Benefit: Step-by-Step
Claiming the new benefit is straightforward if you’re already receiving the CCB. For new applicants, here’s what to do:
- File Your Taxes – Submit your 2024 tax return, even if you had no income.
- Register for CCB – If you’re not yet enrolled, apply through your CRA My Account or by submitting the RC66 form.
- Keep Information Updated – Notify CRA of any changes, such as:
- Birth of a new child
- Change in marital status
- Household income updates
- Set Up Direct Deposit – Faster and more secure than mailed cheques.
- Track Payments – Use CRA My Account to confirm deposits and ensure accuracy.
Comparison: How the CFB Differs From Past Programs
The Canada Family Benefit is designed to avoid the pitfalls of older programs.
- Universal Child Care Benefit (UCCB): Paid all families the same amount, regardless of income.
- Canada Child Benefit (CCB): Provides scaled support based on family size and income.
- Canada Family Benefit (CFB): Adds a monthly top-up, prioritizing households with lower earnings.
Together, the CCB and CFB create a double safety net, ensuring families get stronger and fairer support.
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Funding: Where the Money Comes From
The CFB is federally funded through general taxation. By reallocating government revenue, Ottawa is effectively reinvesting in Canadian families. Officials argue this is a cost-effective way to reduce poverty and support children’s long-term success.
Extras: Other Programs Families Can Access
In addition to the new CFB, Canadian families should also be aware of:
- Canada Child Benefit (CCB) – The core monthly benefit for children under 18.
- Universal Child Care Benefit (historic program) – Replaced by the CCB, but often compared.
- Tax-Free Savings Account (TFSA) – For long-term savings.
- Canada Student Loan Program (CSLP) – For older children pursuing higher education.
When combined strategically, these programs can significantly reduce financial stress.
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Why the \$445 Matters Now
For many families, an extra \$445 per month could mean:
- Putting healthier meals on the table.
- Covering rising daycare and after-school program costs.
- Paying for extracurricular activities or tutoring.
- Saving for emergencies or future education.
In a climate where parents are juggling higher expenses with stagnant wages, this benefit acts as a stabilizing force.
5 FAQs
Q1. Is the \$445 Family Benefit a new program?
Yes, the Canada Family Benefit (CFB) begins in January 2025 as an additional monthly support for families with children under 18.
Q2. Do I need to apply if I already get the CCB?
No. Families already receiving the Canada Child Benefit will be automatically considered for the CFB.
Q3. How is eligibility determined?
Based on residency, children’s age, household income, and whether you’re enrolled in the CCB.
Q4. Are payments taxable?
Like the CCB, the CFB is non-taxable, meaning you receive the full amount.
Q5. When will the first payment be issued?
The first \$445 payment is scheduled for January 20, 2025.