The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) continues to provide financial support for parents through a variety of benefits. In 2025, eligible families can receive assistance through the Canada Child Benefit (CCB) and Employment Insurance (EI) maternity and parental benefits. These programs help parents manage the financial demands of raising a child while ensuring they receive adequate government support.
Here’s a detailed breakdown of eligibility, payment amounts, and important dates for parental benefits in Canada for 2025.
Canada Child Benefit (CCB) 2025
The Canada Child Benefit (CCB) is a tax-free monthly payment designed to help eligible families with the cost of raising children under the age of 18. The CRA administers this benefit based on the family’s adjusted net income from the previous tax year.
Eligibility for CCB
To qualify for the CCB, you must meet the following criteria:
- You must be a resident of Canada for tax purposes.
- You must be primarily responsible for the care and upbringing of a child under 18.
- You or your spouse/common-law partner must be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or a protected person.
For more details, visit the official Government of Canada website.
Payment Amounts
For the 2025 payment cycle, the CCB provides:
- Up to $7,787 per year per child under the age of 6.
- Up to $6,570 per year per child aged 6 to 17.
These amounts are subject to a reduction if the family’s net income exceeds a certain threshold.
Payment Dates for 2025
The CRA issues CCB payments on the following dates:
- January 20, 2025
- February 20, 2025
- March 20, 2025
- April 17, 2025
- May 20, 2025
- June 20, 2025
- July 18, 2025
- August 20, 2025
- September 19, 2025
- October 20, 2025
- November 20, 2025
- December 12, 2025
For the full payment schedule, visit the CRA’s payment dates page.
Employment Insurance (EI) Maternity and Parental Benefits 2025
The Employment Insurance (EI) Maternity and Parental Benefits provide financial assistance to parents who take time off work due to pregnancy, childbirth, or to care for a newborn or newly adopted child.
Eligibility for EI Benefits
To qualify for EI maternity or parental benefits, you must:
- Have accumulated at least 600 insured hours of work in the past 52 weeks or since your last EI claim.
- Have seen a significant reduction in work hours due to pregnancy or childcare.
- Have paid EI premiums as an employee.
For more information, visit the EI Maternity and Parental Benefits page.
Maternity Benefits (For Birth Mothers Only)
- Duration: Up to 15 weeks.
- Benefit Rate: 55% of your average weekly earnings, up to $695 per week (as of 2024; subject to adjustments in 2025).
Parental Benefits (For Either Parent)
Parents can choose between two options:
1. Standard Parental Benefits:
- Duration: Up to 40 weeks, with one parent receiving a maximum of 35 weeks.
- Benefit Rate: 55% of earnings, up to $695 per week.
2. Extended Parental Benefits:
- Duration: Up to 69 weeks, with one parent receiving a maximum of 61 weeks.
- Benefit Rate: 33% of earnings, up to $417 per week.
It is important to note that once you choose between standard and extended benefits, the decision is final and cannot be changed after payments begin.
How to Apply for CRA Parental Benefits
Applying for Canada Child Benefit (CCB)
You can apply for the CCB online through your CRA My Account or by submitting a Form RC66 by mail.
Applying for EI Maternity and Parental Benefits
You should apply for EI benefits as soon as you stop working to avoid delays. The application process is online via the Service Canada website. Make sure to have the following documents ready:
- Record of Employment (ROE) from your employer.
- Personal identification and banking details for direct deposit.
Additional Considerations
Québec Parental Insurance Plan (QPIP)
Residents of Québec receive parental benefits through the Québec Parental Insurance Plan (QPIP) instead of EI. For more details, visit Retraite Québec’s QPIP page.
Taxation on Benefits
Both EI maternity and parental benefits are considered taxable income. The CRA deducts federal and provincial taxes before issuing payments.
Conclusion
The CRA’s parental benefits for 2025 continue to provide crucial financial support for Canadian families. Whether through the Canada Child Benefit (CCB) or EI maternity and parental benefits, eligible parents can receive assistance to help with childcare costs while balancing work and family responsibilities.
This article has been carefully fact-checked by our editorial team to ensure accuracy and eliminate any misleading information. We are committed to maintaining the highest standards of integrity in our content.
Premlata is a seasoned finance writer with a keen eye for unraveling complex global financial systems. From government benefits to energy rebates and recruitment trends, she empowers readers with actionable insights and clarity. When she’s not crafting impactful articles, you can find her sharing her expertise on LinkedIn or connecting via email at [email protected].