Welcoming a new child brings joy, change, and financial responsibility. To help ease this transition, Canada offers comprehensive parental benefits through Employment Insurance (EI) and the Canada Child Benefit (CCB). Whether you’re planning a pregnancy, adopting, or already caring for a child, understanding the Canada CRA Parental Benefits in 2025 is key to securing the financial support you’re entitled to.
This updated guide walks you through eligibility rules, benefit amounts, payment dates, and how to apply. Stay informed and get the most out of these crucial federal programs.
Canada CRA Parental Benefits 2025 Overview
| Benefit Type | Eligibility | Max Payment (2025) | Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|
| EI Maternity Benefits | Biological mothers with 600+ insured hours | Up to $695/week (15 weeks) | Weekly |
| EI Parental (Standard) | New/adoptive parents with 600+ insured hours | Up to $695/week (up to 40 wks) | Weekly |
| EI Parental (Extended) | Same as above | Up to $417/week (up to 69 wks) | Weekly |
| Canada Child Benefit (CCB) | Parents/guardians of children under 18 | Up to $7,787/year (under age 6) | Monthly |
1. EI Maternity and Parental Benefits (Service Canada)
These benefits offer paid leave to allow parents time off work after the birth or adoption of a child.
✅ Eligibility Requirements
• 600 insured work hours in the last 52 weeks
• Regular weekly earnings reduced by at least 40%
• Must be employed in insurable work
• Apply within 4 weeks of leaving work to avoid delays
🍼 EI Maternity Benefits (For Birth Mothers Only)
• Duration: Up to 15 weeks
• Amount: 55% of weekly earnings, capped at $695/week in 2025
• Can start up to 12 weeks before the due date
👶 EI Parental Benefits (For Any Parent)
Choose One Option When You Apply:
| Plan Type | Duration | Benefit Rate | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Plan | Up to 40 weeks (35 per parent max) | 55% (Max: $695/week) | Higher weekly payment, shorter leave duration |
| Extended Plan | Up to 69 weeks (61 per parent max) | 33% (Max: $417/week) | Lower weekly payment, longer leave period |
🔒 Note: You cannot switch plans after submitting your application.
2. Canada Child Benefit (CCB) – CRA Program
The CCB is a monthly, tax-free payment to support the cost of raising children under age 18.
✅ Eligibility Requirements
• Live with the child and are the primary caregiver
• Must be a Canadian tax resident
• Both parents must file annual tax returns
• Have legal status (citizen, PR, protected person, etc.)
💰 Payment Amounts for July 2024 – June 2025
| Child Age | Annual Maximum | Monthly Average |
|---|---|---|
| Under 6 years | $7,787/year | ≈ $648.91/month |
| Ages 6–17 | $6,570/year | ≈ $547.50/month |
Payments are income-tested and decrease gradually if family net income exceeds $36,500.
📅 2025 CCB Payment Dates
| Month | Date |
|---|---|
| January | Jan 20 |
| February | Feb 20 |
| March | Mar 20 |
| April | Apr 17 |
| May | May 20 |
| June | Jun 20 |
| July | Jul 18 |
| August | Aug 20 |
| September | Sep 19 |
| October | Oct 20 |
| November | Nov 20 |
| December | Dec 12 |
How to Apply for Parental Benefits
✅ EI Maternity/Parental Leave
-
Apply online at Service Canada
-
Submit your Record of Employment (ROE)
-
Choose standard or extended parental leave
-
Provide the baby’s birth date or expected due date
-
Wait for approval and begin receiving weekly payments
✅ Canada Child Benefit
-
Apply via CRA My Account or using Form RC66
-
Ensure both parents file their tax returns
-
Payments are automatically issued monthly once approved
Pro Tips for Parents in 2025
• Track your hours early during pregnancy or adoption planning
• Budget wisely: Consider the trade-off between standard and extended parental leave
• Use direct deposit for faster, safer payments
• Keep records of ROEs, application confirmations, and benefit letters
• Don’t delay: Apply within 4 weeks of work stoppage to avoid gaps in income
FAQs About Canada CRA Parental Benefits in 2025
Q: Can I receive both EI maternity/parental benefits and the CCB?
Yes. These are separate programs and can be received at the same time.
Q: Are EI parental benefits taxable?
Yes. EI maternity and parental benefits are taxable income. CRA may deduct taxes before issuing weekly payments.
Q: Is the CCB taxable?
No. The Canada Child Benefit is fully tax-free.
Q: Can same-sex couples and adoptive parents apply?
Absolutely. All eligible parents, regardless of gender or family type, can apply.
Q: What if I’m self-employed?
You can qualify for EI special benefits if you registered and contributed to EI for at least 12 months before applying.
Conclusion
Canada’s 2025 parental benefits provide crucial support for families during life’s most important transition: welcoming a new child. With weekly EI benefits and monthly child benefit payments, families can focus on what matters most — bonding, caregiving, and nurturing a healthy home.
Stay informed, apply early, and take advantage of every resource Canada offers to build a stronger future for your family.
👉 Learn more or apply now: