Canadian families raising children under the age of 18 are eagerly awaiting the $445 Canada Family Benefit (CFB) increase in 2025. This benefit has been announced as a key government initiative to help households manage rising costs of groceries, housing, utilities, and childcare.
The new benefit is designed to ensure children’s well-being remains a priority, especially as inflation and living expenses continue to pressure family budgets.
Although the program is under review as of September 2025, the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) has confirmed that families can prepare by filing taxes, registering with CRA, and setting up direct deposit to make sure payments flow smoothly once the benefit is rolled out.
Overview of $445 Canada Family Benefit
| Department | Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) |
|---|---|
| Post Title | $445 Canada Family Benefit Increase 2025 |
| Country | Canada |
| Amount | $445 monthly |
| Age Criteria | Children under 18 years |
| Payment Mode | Direct Deposit |
| Verification | CRA approval based on tax filings |
| Category | Canada Finance |
| Official Website | canada.ca |
Who is Eligible for the $445 Family Benefit?
Eligibility for the Canada Family Benefit follows a simple but strict framework:
- Residency: Families must legally reside in Canada, with parents and children holding valid Social Insurance Numbers (SINs).
- Children Under 18: At least one dependent child under 18 must live with the family.
- Tax Filing: Parents or guardians (and their spouses, if applicable) must file their 2024 tax return by April 30, 2025. CRA uses this to determine adjusted family net income (AFNI).
- Income Thresholds: Families with lower incomes will receive the full $445, while households above a certain income level may receive reduced amounts on a sliding scale—similar to the Canada Child Benefit (CCB).
Why is this Increase Important?
With the average Canadian family facing higher grocery costs, utility bills, and rents, the $445 monthly benefit offers much-needed relief.
- A family with three children could receive $5,340 per year, helping cover expenses such as school supplies, childcare, and winter clothing.
- The initiative also builds on Canada’s success in reducing child poverty—through similar programs like the CCB, which lifted more than 435,000 children out of poverty between 2015 and 2019.
- It also ensures middle- and low-income families have a reliable safety net.
How to Apply and Claim the Benefit
Applying for the CFB will be simple, especially for families already enrolled in the Canada Child Benefit (CCB).
- File 2024 Taxes: Ensure tax returns are submitted on time to avoid payment delays.
- Register with CRA: Families not currently receiving CCB can register through the CRA My Account portal or by mailing Form RC66.
- Update Family Information: Report any life changes (birth of a child, marital status change, or relocation) to keep payments accurate.
- Direct Deposit Setup: Connect your bank account through CRA My Account for faster, safer access to monthly benefits.
Payment Dates for 2025
The CRA has not yet released a fixed payment schedule for the $445 increase, but the rollout is expected to align with existing CCB and family benefit timelines. Families using direct deposit will receive funds quicker than those relying on cheques, which may be delayed by mail.
Latest Updates on the Program
As of September 2025:
- The program is still under review, with final confirmation expected by late fall.
- The government has urged families to file 2024 taxes and prepare for enrolment.
- Payment amounts may be adjusted further depending on inflation and budgetary changes.
This proactive step by the government reflects its commitment to ensuring that families can cope with economic challenges while protecting the well-being of children nationwide.
The $445 Canada Family Benefit Increase 2025 promises to deliver meaningful relief to families with children under 18.
With clear eligibility rules and a streamlined application process, millions of households could soon see additional monthly support to help with food, clothing, education, and childcare costs. While final rollout details are pending, Canadian families should prepare now by filing taxes, updating CRA records, and setting up direct deposit.
This benefit is more than financial support—it is a commitment to children’s well-being and family stability in the face of rising living costs.
FAQs
What is the $445 Canada Family Benefit?
It is a monthly payment of $445 designed to help families cover essential expenses for children under 18.
Who qualifies for the benefit?
Families must be legal Canadian residents, have at least one dependent under 18, and file their 2024 taxes.
How do I claim the $445 benefit?
Families already receiving the CCB will be automatically linked. Others must register through CRA My Account or by submitting Form RC66.