If you’re raising a child in Quebec, you’re probably feeling the pinch — daycare, clothes, and school lunches aren’t getting any cheaper. But there is some financial help on the way.
The Canada Child Benefit (CCB) — or Allocation canadienne pour enfants (ACE) — is a tax-free monthly payment from the federal government that helps families cover the cost of raising kids. And this April, eligible parents in Quebec could receive up to $648.91 per child.
Here’s what to know about the April 2025 payment — including how much you might get, when it’s coming, and how to apply if you’re not already signed up.
What is the Canada Child Benefit?
The CCB is a non-taxable monthly benefit paid to parents or guardians of children under 18. It’s intended to ease the financial pressure of raising children in Canada, and for many families, it’s a key source of support.
To be eligible, you must:
- Live in Canada and file taxes here
- Be the primary caregiver of the child
- Live with the child full-time
- Have filed your income tax return (and your partner’s, if applicable)
In shared custody situations, where the child spends 40% to 60% of their time with each parent, the benefit is usually split equally.
More about CCB payment amounts
How much can you receive this month?
Benefit amounts vary based on income, but families with an adjusted net income under $36,502 could qualify for:
- $648.91 per month for children under 6
- $547.50 per month for children aged 6 to 17
Families with higher incomes may still receive a reduced amount. The CRA uses a sliding scale to calculate how much you qualify for. The CRA offers a Child and Family Benefits Calculator to help estimate your specific monthly payment.
Looking ahead: Starting in July 2025, new income thresholds and updated amounts will take effect based on your 2024 tax return. The new maximums will be:
- $666.41/month for children under 6
- $562.33/month for children 6 to 17
When is the April 2025 payment coming?
The next CCB deposit will be made on Saturday, April 20, 2025. If you’re set up for direct deposit, you should see it in your account that day. Mailed cheques may take a few extra business days to arrive.
Here are the next upcoming payment dates:
- May 20, 2025
- June 20, 2025
More about federal benefit payment dates
How to apply
If you’re a new parent or haven’t applied for the CCB yet, there are a few ways to get started:
- Online through your CRA My Account
- At the time of registering your child’s birth
- By mailing Form RC66 to the Canada Revenue Agency
Once you’re enrolled, there’s no need to reapply each year — as long as you keep your tax filings up to date, the CRA will automatically recalculate your payments.
More about applying for the CCB
The Canada Child Benefit is fully tax-free, which means the full amount goes directly to you — no deductions, no need to report it as income. If you’re eligible and haven’t applied yet, now’s the time to make sure you’re set up before the next payment lands.
Love this? Check out our MTL Blog noticeboard for details on jobs, benefits, travel info and more!
AI tools may have been used to support the creation or distribution of this content; however, it has been carefully edited and fact-checked by a member of MTL Blog’s Editorial team. For more information on our use of AI, please visit our Editorial Standards page.
