Canadians might get December child tax payments later than expected

Parents eligible for Canada Child Benefit (CCB) payments expect the money to arrive on December 13, but that won't happen for everyone.

Usually, payments are sent out on the 20th of each month unless it falls on a holiday or weekend, in which case they go out on the working day before.

Child tax payments always come a week early in December due to the gift-shopping-heavy holiday season. If you're signed up for direct deposit, expect a payment on the 13th. Those receiving money by cheque won't be so lucky due to the ongoing Canada Post strike.

"Canada Post will deliver benefit cheques for the Canada child benefit and related provincial and territorial benefits on December 20, 2024, one week later than expected. CCB payments by direct deposit will still be made on December 13, 2024," the CRA states on its website.

"All other benefit and credit payments issued by cheque from the CRA will be held until the strike has been resolved. To avoid any interruption to future benefit payments, sign up for direct deposit."

How much you'll get from the Canada Child Benefit

With the new benefit year beginning in July, the Canada Child Benefit has increased, giving Canadians a small but much-needed child tax boost to support their kids.

Since 2018, the government has indexed CCB amounts to better support parents as the cost of living changes.

"This indexation means that the maximum benefit amounts and income thresholds at which benefits begin to be reduced are increased annually to keep pace with the rising cost of living, giving parents more support each month to help them provide for their children," an Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) spokesperson explained in an email.

"Both the maximum benefits and the income thresholds are indexed annually based on the Consumer Price Index (CPI)."

Last year, the government increased the maximum annual Canada Child Benefit payment per child under six to $7,437 a year.

The amount per child aged six through 17 also increased from $5,903 to $6,275 — an extra $372 a year.

Child tax payments have since increased by 4.7 per cent, meaning the maximum benefit for a child under six has increased by $350, from $7,437 to $7,787 per year, or $648.91 a month. For kids aged six to 17, it's increased by $295, from $6,275 to $6,570, or $547.50 a month.

If your adjusted family net income is under $36,502, you'll get the maximum amount for each child. This benefit is tax-free, too.

Take the criteria test to determine if your family is eligible for the updated CCB.