Canadians to Receive $264.41 Child Benefit in October 2025 – Check Your Eligibility Now

As living costs continue to rise across Canada, families are eagerly awaiting the next round of Canada Child Benefit (CCB) payments. For October 2025, eligible parents can expect to receive up to $264.41 per child, depending on their income and number of dependents.

This financial support is designed to help Canadian households cover essential child-related expenses such as food, education, healthcare, and clothing. The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) will begin issuing these payments on October 20, 2025, directly into beneficiaries’ bank accounts.

In this detailed guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about the $264.41 Canada Child Benefit, including payment schedules, eligibility criteria, how to check your payment status, and what to do if your funds don’t arrive on time.

What Is the Canada Child Benefit (CCB)?

The Canada Child Benefit (CCB) is a tax-free monthly payment administered by the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA). Its purpose is to support eligible families with the cost of raising children under the age of 18.

Introduced in 2016, the program replaced multiple child-related benefits (like the Universal Child Care Benefit) with a simpler, income-based system that provides greater assistance to lower- and middle-income families.

Each month, millions of Canadian families rely on the CCB to help with daily living expenses, particularly as inflation continues to affect food prices, housing costs, and childcare.

Why the $264.41 Payment Amount?

For October 2025, the average Canada Child Benefit payment is $264.41 per child, though the actual amount may vary depending on several factors, including:

• Your family’s adjusted net income
• Number of eligible children
• Ages of your children

This $264.41 figure represents a mid-range average payment for families within the low- to middle-income brackets.

To ensure fairness, the CRA calculates each household’s benefit annually, adjusting for inflation and cost-of-living increases. This means your CCB amount can change from year to year depending on your tax filings and economic factors.

When Will the $264.41 Payment Be Issued?

The Canada Child Benefit payment for October 2025 will be deposited on Monday, October 20, 2025.

Payments are typically sent via direct deposit into registered bank accounts. If you’re receiving a physical cheque, please allow an extra 3–5 business days for delivery, depending on postal delays.

October 2025 CCB Payment Schedule

Month	Payment Date
July 2025	July 19, 2025
August 2025	August 20, 2025
September 2025	September 20, 2025
October 2025	October 20, 2025
November 2025	November 20, 2025
December 2025	December 13, 2025 (early due to holidays)

If the 20th falls on a weekend or holiday, the CRA issues payments on the business day before.

Who Is Eligible for the Canada Child Benefit (CCB)?

To qualify for the $264.41 Child Benefit payment in October 2025, you must meet the CRA’s eligibility requirements.

You can receive the CCB if:

1. You live with a child under 18 years of age.
2. You are primarily responsible for the child’s care and upbringing.
3. You are a resident of Canada for tax purposes.
4. You or your spouse/common-law partner is a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, protected person, or temporary resident (living in Canada for at least 18 months).
5. You and your spouse file annual tax returns — even if you have no income.

The CRA uses your most recent tax return to calculate your monthly payment amount.

How Is the $264.41 Amount Calculated?

The CCB amount depends on your adjusted family net income (AFNI) and your children’s ages.

Here’s how the CRA generally determines your payment:

• Families with lower income levels receive higher CCB payments.
• Payments decrease gradually as income increases.
• Additional supplements may apply for children under 6 years old.

For the 2025–2026 benefit year, the maximum annual CCB amounts are:

• Children under 6 years: Up to $7,437 per year (≈ $619.75/month)
• Children aged 6–17: Up to $6,275 per year (≈ $522.92/month)

Thus, a typical family with moderate income and two children could see around $264.41 per child after income adjustments.

How to Receive Your CCB Payment

The CRA issues CCB payments in two main ways:

1. Direct Deposit (Recommended)

• Fastest and most secure method.
• Payments are automatically deposited into your registered bank account.
• You can register through:
• Your CRA My Account, or
• Your bank’s online platform under “CRA Direct Deposit.”

2. Cheque Delivery

• If you haven’t registered for direct deposit, the CRA will mail a cheque to your address on file.
• Cheques typically arrive 3–5 business days after the official payment date.
• To avoid postal delays, it’s best to switch to direct deposit through your CRA account.

How to Check Your Payment Status

If you’re unsure whether your $264.41 CCB payment has been processed or deposited, you can easily check your status using one of the following methods:

1. CRA My Account

• Visit https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency.html.
• Log in to your CRA My Account.
• Go to the “Benefits and Credits” section.
• View your payment details and deposit history.

2. My CRA Mobile App

• Download the My CRA App on Android or iOS.
• Log in securely to view your upcoming payment dates and benefit details.

3. CRA Automated Phone Line

• Call 1-800-267-6999.
• Follow the automated prompts to check your benefit status or recent deposits.

Why You Might Not Receive Your Payment on Time

If your CCB payment doesn’t arrive on October 20, don’t worry — there are several common reasons for delays:

• Bank Processing Times: Some banks take up to 48 hours to post government payments.
• Unfiled Taxes: Both parents must file taxes yearly to remain eligible.
• Recent Changes: Updates to marital status, address, or custody arrangements may delay processing.
• CRA Reviews: Occasionally, CRA conducts verification checks to confirm eligibility.
• Incorrect Banking Information: Ensure your bank details are current in your CRA profile.

If you haven’t received your payment within five business days, contact the CRA’s Benefits Department for assistance.

How to Apply for the Canada Child Benefit

If you haven’t yet applied for the CCB, you can do so in a few simple steps.

1. Apply Online

• Log in to your CRA My Account.
• Click “Apply for Child Benefits.”
• Provide your child’s name, birth date, and Social Insurance Number (SIN).
• Submit any supporting documents if requested.

2. Apply at Birth

In most provinces, you can apply for the CCB when registering your child’s birth — simply check the box that authorizes automatic CRA registration.

3. Apply by Mail

• Complete Form RC66 – Canada Child Benefits Application and mail it to your local tax centre.

Processing usually takes up to 11 weeks, after which your monthly payments begin automatically.

Recent Adjustments to the Canada Child Benefit (2025)

The 2025–2026 benefit year includes modest increases to reflect inflation and the cost of living. This ensures families continue receiving adequate financial support despite rising prices.

Key updates include:

• Indexed benefit amounts for both age groups.
• Streamlined application processes for new parents.
• Improved digital tools on CRA My Account for easier tracking.
• Faster direct deposit enrollment through participating banks.

These enhancements make it easier for families to apply, manage, and receive their CCB benefits on time.

Final Thoughts

The $264.41 Canada Child Benefit payment in October 2025 provides essential financial relief to families during a time of rising costs and economic uncertainty. By supporting parents with tax-free monthly assistance, the government ensures that children across Canada can grow and thrive in a stable environment.

If you’re eligible, make sure your tax filings are up to date, your CRA account information is accurate, and your direct deposit is activated to avoid payment delays.

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