In 2025, the Canadian government is rolling out a powerful new support measure for families: the $445 Canada Family Benefit (CFB).
This monthly, tax-free payment is designed to ease the financial burden on households raising children under 18—covering essentials from food and clothing to school supplies and utilities.
Here’s everything you need to know in one place: eligibility, payment schedule, claim steps, and key rules.
What is the $445 Canada Family Benefit?
The Canada Family Benefit is a federal initiative aimed at helping families cope with rising costs of living. Under this new program, eligible families will receive $445 per month for each qualifying child.
The payment is administered by the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) and is completely tax-free—meaning the entire amount goes directly into the household budget without deduction.
Key features include:
- A monthly, consistent payment of $445 per child.
- Payment begins in the early part of 2025, once eligibility and tax-return requirements are met.
- Income-based: households with lower net income receive full benefit; higher incomes may see a reduced amount under a sliding scale.
- It works alongside existing benefits like the Canada Child Benefit (CCB) and provincial/territorial support programs.
Payment Schedule & Key Dates for 2025
To help you plan, here is the expected payment calendar for the 2025 benefit year.
| Month | Expected Payment Date | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| January | January 20, 2025 | First payment if eligibility confirmed |
| February | February 20, 2025 | Regular monthly payment |
| March | March 20, 2025 | |
| April | April 17–20, 2025 | Slight variation may occur |
| May | May 20, 2025 | |
| June | June 20, 2025 | |
| July | July 18, 2025 | |
| August | August 20, 2025 | |
| September | September 19, 2025 | |
| October | October 20, 2025 | |
| November | November 20, 2025 | |
| December | December 12–20, 2025 | Year-end adjustment |
With this schedule, families can plan their budgets and have clarity about when the $445 monthly benefit is deposited.
Eligibility Rules & Important Requirements
To qualify for the $445 Canada Family Benefit in 2025, you must meet the following rules:
- Residency: Be a legal resident of Canada (citizen, permanent resident or protected person) and have a valid SIN.
- Children Under 18: Have at least one dependent child living with you who is under the age of 18.
- Tax Filing: File your 2024 T1 Income Tax & Benefit Return by the CRA deadline (typically April 30, 2025), even if your income is zero, so your eligibility and adjusted net family income can be assessed.
- Income Thresholds: Your benefit amount depends on your adjusted family net income. Lower-income families receive the full $445 per month per child; higher-income families will see the amount gradually reduced according to a sliding scale.
- Banking / Direct Deposit: Set up direct deposit through your CRA “My Account” for faster, secure payments. Update any changes in family composition, address, or custody as soon as possible to avoid overpayments.
These rules ensure the benefit reaches the families who need it most and that payment disruptions are minimized.
How to Claim the Benefit with CRA
Follow these steps to claim your benefit and ensure you receive the $445 monthly payment:
- File Your 2024 Tax Return – Submit your T1 by the deadline to establish eligibility.
- Check CRA My Account – Log in and verify your personal information is up to date, including family size, dependents and marital status.
- Enroll via CRA – If you are already receiving the Canada Child Benefit, you may be automatically enrolled. If not, apply via the “Apply for child and family benefits” link in your CRA account or submit the form as required.
- Set Up Direct Deposit – Choose your bank account in CRA My Account to receive payments directly.
- Monitor Payment Dates – Once approved, watch for deposits on the dates listed above. Use CRA My Account to view your next payment and amount.
- Report Changes Promptly – If your situation changes (e.g., new child, child turning 18, separation, change of address), report it immediately to avoid incorrect payments or repayment obligations.
The $445 Canada Family Benefit 2025 offers an important boost to families with children under 18, helping with everyday costs in a challenging economy.
With monthly payments of $445 per child, clear eligibility rules and straightforward claim steps through the CRA, eligible households can access this valuable support.
By filing taxes, staying informed about payment dates, and updating CRA with any changes, families can ensure they receive the full benefit.
This initiative marks a powerful enhancement of Canada’s family support framework—making a real difference for households across the country.
FAQs
Who can get the $445 monthly family benefit in 2025?
Families who reside in Canada, have one or more children under 18, file their 2024 tax return, and meet the income thresholds are eligible for the full or partial benefit.
How much will I receive under this benefit?
Eligible families receive up to $445 per month, per child. The exact amount may be reduced for households with higher adjusted net income.
Do I need to apply separately if I already get the Canada Child Benefit (CCB)?
If you receive the CCB, you may be automatically enrolled for the new benefit. If not, you can apply online via CRA My Account or submit the required form.