The Canada Child Benefit (CCB), a vital federal program aiding millions of families in raising children, has undergone a significant and compassionate policy change in 2025. Starting this year, parents grieving the loss of a child will receive extended financial support through the CCB, helping them manage the associated emotional and monetary challenges.
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Extended CCB Eligibility: A Lifeline for Grieving Families
Previously, the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) stopped CCB payments the month after a child’s death. However, as of January 2025, eligibility for the CCB will be extended for six months after the child’s passing, provided the parent or legal guardian remains eligible for the program.
In addition, the Child Disability Benefit (CDB), typically distributed alongside the CCB, will also continue during this six-month period.
This change comes in response to years of advocacy and a growing recognition of the financial strain grieving families face.
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How the New CCB Rules Work
- Notification Requirement:
Parents or legal guardians must still notify the CRA of the child’s death by the end of the month following the passing. This ensures that records are updated and payments are issued accurately. - Support Timeline:
CCB and CDB payments will continue uninterrupted for six months after the child’s death. - Purpose of the Extension:
This extension is designed to help families cope with the financial burden of funeral expenses and other costs associated with losing a child, while also providing much-needed emotional and monetary relief during an incredibly difficult time.
Background: Advocacy That Led to the Change
This policy shift follows a 2021 e-petition in the House of Commons that called for an extension of CCB payments for grieving families.
The petition emphasized the high costs of funeral arrangements and other expenses incurred by parents who had already been managing the financial challenges of raising a seriously ill child.
It argued that continuing CCB payments for two months after a child’s death would align with the program’s purpose of supporting families.
In response, then-Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland acknowledged the devastating impact of losing a child and outlined existing benefits for parents and caregivers. While no immediate action was taken then, the advocacy laid the groundwork for the 2025 extension.
Federal Budget Proposal: Going Beyond Expectations
The six-month extension, introduced as part of last year’s federal budget, far exceeds the two-month extension proposed in the original petition. This reflects a significant effort by the government to address the financial challenges faced by grieving families more comprehensively.
Maximum CCB Amount Changes Coming in July
In addition to the extension for grieving families, the maximum annual CCB payment amounts are set to change in July 2025. These adjustments are part of the regular updates to the program to reflect inflation and other economic factors.
- For children under 6 years old: Families with an adjusted net income below $36,502 can receive up to $648.91 per month.
- For children aged 6 to 17: The maximum monthly payment is $547.50.
As family income increases beyond the threshold, payments are gradually reduced. Families with eligible children with disabilities will receive additional support through the Child Disability Benefit, included in the monthly payment.
A Compassionate Shift in Policy
The six-month CCB extension represents a significant step forward in addressing the unique needs of grieving families in Canada. By extending financial support during such a challenging time, the program reaffirms its commitment to helping families navigate both the joys and hardships of raising children.
For more information on the Canada Child Benefit and how to apply or notify the CRA of a child’s death, visit the official CRA website.
Helping Families When They Need It Most
This change reflects the Government of Canada’s broader commitment to supporting parents, especially in the most challenging moments of their lives. The six-month CCB extension provides grieving families with financial relief while ensuring that the emotional weight of their loss isn’t compounded by monetary stress.
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