Raising a family in Canada comes with steep costs—from groceries to housing and childcare. To help ease these burdens, the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) is providing a $445 monthly family benefit for 2025.
This additional support complements existing programs like the Canada Child Benefit (CCB) and provides tax-free relief for families across the country.
What Is the $445 Monthly Family Benefit?
This new benefit delivers an extra $445 each month, totaling $5,340 annually per eligible family. Paid in addition to the CCB and provincial supplements, it’s designed to address living costs that have surged in recent years.
Who Qualifies for the Benefit?
You may be eligible if you:
- Are a resident of Canada for tax purposes.
- Have at least one dependent child under 18.
- Filed your 2024 income tax return on time.
- Fall within the CRA’s low- to middle-income thresholds.
The benefit especially supports single parents, families with multiple children, and households already receiving the CCB.
Benefit Details & Payment Schedule
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Monthly Value | $445 |
| Annual Total | $5,340 |
| Tax Treatment | Fully non-taxable |
| Eligibility | Canadian resident, 1+ dependent under 18, filed 2024 return |
| Targeted Households | Low- to middle-income, single parents, multi-child families |
| Payment Start Date | January 2025 |
| Monthly Release Day | Around the 20th, via direct deposit or cheque |
| Requirements | Up-to-date bank and address information in CRA My Account |
How It Works — No Application Needed
You don’t need to apply separately. Eligibility is automatically determined based on your 2024 tax filing. To ensure seamless payment, confirm that all your bank and address information is up to date in your CRA My Account.
If CRA needs additional documentation (e.g., proof of custodianship or birth certificates), they’ll contact you directly.
Why This Benefit Matters
- Food & groceries: Helps manage rising supermarket prices.
- Childcare support: Offsets daycare or before-and-after school costs.
- Housing relief: Adds a buffer for rent or mortgage payments.
- Education needs: Supports purchases like school supplies and extracurricular programs.
This benefit brings consistent, tax-free help, easing mental strain and improving financial stability for families.
Budgeting Considerations
While $445 per month is a meaningful amount, especially for low- to middle-income families, the program has its limitations:
- Amount may not fully match inflation, especially in high-cost areas.
- Families just over CRA thresholds may be ineligible despite financial strain.
- Those relying on multiple support programs still face affordability challenges.
Nevertheless, this benefit is a significant step in reducing daily financial pressure for many Canadian families.
The CRA’s $445 monthly family benefit in 2025 provides targeted, non-taxable relief to families with children across Canada. Paid alongside the Canada Child Benefit, this assistance offers essential support for expenses like groceries, childcare, and housing.
To benefit, ensure your 2024 tax return is filed and your CRA account details are updated. While not a complete solution to affordability, it reflects the government’s commitment to supporting families in tough economic times.
FAQs
Do I need to apply separately for the $445 benefit?
No, there’s no separate application required. Eligibility is assessed automatically based on your 2024 tax return and the CRA will issue the payment if you qualify.
When will payments begin and how are they delivered?
Payments start in January 2025, typically around the 20th of each month, and are issued via direct deposit or mailed cheque.
Is the $445 payment taxable?
No, this benefit is fully tax-free, so you receive the full amount without deductions.