The Canadian government is offering much-needed support to families this summer with the launch of a new $445 Canada Family Benefit, arriving on July 27, 2025.
As grocery bills, rent, and school supply costs continue to rise, this one-time, non-taxable payment is designed to give families a financial breather just in time for the back-to-school season.
Managed by the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA), this payment will be issued automatically to eligible households—no application required. Here’s everything you need to know about who qualifies, how much you’ll get, and when to expect the money.
What Is the $445 Canada Family Benefit?
The $445 Canada Family Benefit is a non-taxable, one-time federal payment designed to provide financial relief to low- and middle-income families with children.
It’s part of the government’s broader 2025 Economic Equity Plan to reduce the pressure on parents raising kids in an increasingly expensive economy.
This benefit is not a replacement for the Canada Child Benefit (CCB) but acts as a supplemental boost to help families cover:
- Food and groceries
- Back-to-school supplies
- Rent and utility bills
- Licensed childcare expenses
Eligibility Requirements
To receive the $445 Family Benefit, families must meet the following eligibility criteria:
| Eligibility Criteria | Details |
|---|---|
| Dependent Child | Must have at least one child under 18 as of July 2025 |
| Income Limit | Family net income must be under $90,000, based on your 2024 tax return |
| Tax Filing | Must have filed your 2024 income taxes |
| CCB Eligibility | Must be eligible for or receiving the Canada Child Benefit |
| Residency Status | Must be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or protected person |
If you haven’t filed your 2024 taxes yet, do so immediately to ensure you don’t miss out.
Payment Details: When and How Will You Get It?
Here’s a complete overview of how the benefit will be delivered:
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Payment Date | July 27, 2025 |
| Payment Amount | $445 (one-time) |
| Distribution Method | Direct deposit or mailed cheque |
| Issued By | Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) |
| Application Required | No – automatic for eligible families |
Families already registered for direct deposit with CRA will receive their funds faster, while those not enrolled will get cheques by mail.
Comparison with the Canada Child Benefit (CCB)
This $445 benefit is meant to complement, not replace, the monthly Canada Child Benefit. Here’s a quick comparison:
| Feature | Canada Child Benefit (CCB) | $445 Family Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Frequency | Monthly | One-time (July 2025) |
| Amount | Up to $619 per child/month | $445 per eligible family |
| Application | Yes | No (automatic) |
| Based On | Income + child’s age | CCB eligibility + income < $90k |
| Taxable? | No | No |
This means families already receiving the CCB will receive this bonus payment on top of their regular support.
Why This Benefit Matters
The economic impact of this new benefit extends beyond a single payment:
- 1.5 million families are expected to qualify
- Helps offset back-to-school expenses
- Offers support for rising food, rent, and childcare costs
- Reduces financial stress for low- and middle-income parents
For many, this $445 could mean the difference between struggling to afford new school supplies or comfortably sending their children back to class.
How to Prepare
Although no application is required, you must ensure all your details are current:
Do This to Receive Your Payment:
- File your 2024 income tax return
- Verify your CRA My Account information
- Ensure your direct deposit details are up to date
- Keep your CCB eligibility active
If your income or dependent status has changed, update your profile on CRA My Account to avoid delays or issues.
The $445 Canada Family Benefit rolling out on July 27, 2025 is a timely and practical support measure to help families manage costs during a financially intense period.
Whether you’re using the funds to pay for groceries, childcare, or school essentials, this one-time benefit brings meaningful relief.
If you’re a parent or guardian in Canada, now is the time to check your eligibility, update your CRA account, and ensure your taxes are filed. With no application needed, this is one support payment you don’t want to miss.
FAQs
Do I need to apply for the $445 Family Benefit?
No, the CRA will automatically issue the payment to eligible families based on 2024 tax filings and CCB status.
Is the $445 payment taxable income?
No, it is a non-taxable benefit and will not affect your tax return or other income-based programs.
Can I receive the $445 if I’m not receiving the Canada Child Benefit?
Only families who are eligible for or currently receiving CCB will qualify for the one-time $445 benefit.