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The $445 Canada Family Benefit is no myth—it’s a real, one‑time cost‑of‑living bonus designed for eligible Canadian families in 2025.
This supplementary payment, aimed at easing inflationary pressure, is added on top of existing federal and provincial support. Here’s everything you need to know.
What Is the $445 Canada Family Benefit?
The $445 Canada Family Benefit is a temporary cost‑of‑living boost available in 2025 for eligible families, particularly in provinces like British Columbia.
It’s distributed monthly as part of the enhanced BC Family Benefit, designed to support families over the course of the 2024–2025 benefit year
Who’s Eligible?
To qualify:
- You must be a low‑ or middle‑income family with children under 18.
- In B.C., provincial eligibility aligns with Canada Child Benefit (CCB) rules—filing 2023 taxes is essential
- Income thresholds (2023) in B.C.:
- Under $35,902 → full benefit: $2,188 (1st child), $1,375 (2nd), $1,125 (additional)
- Between $35,902–$114,887 → reduced amounts: $969 / $937 / $906 per child
- Automatic if you filed taxes and receive CCB—no separate application needed
Payment Schedule
This $445 bonus is integrated into your regular monthly BC Family Benefit payment. The payout period spans July 2024 to June 2025—12 installments.
In 2025, payments typically arrive:
- Around the 20th of each month, deposited with other family‑benefit payments
Federal & Provincial Benefit Comparison
| Benefit Type | Payment Timing (2025) | Max. Annual Amount / Child |
|---|---|---|
| Canada Child Benefit (CCB) | Jan–Dec (20th, except Apr 17; Dec 12) | Up to $648.91/month (<6 yrs) / $547.50/month (6–17 yrs) |
| BC Family Benefit + $445 bonus | Monthly (20th approx.) Jul 2024–Jun 2025 | Up to $2,188 (1st child), $1,375 (2nd), $1,125 (other) |
| GST/HST Credit | Jan 3, Apr 4, Jul 4, Oct 3 | Varies by income; paid quarterly |
How Much Will You Receive?
- If you have a child under 6, you could receive up to $648.91/month from the federal CCB.
- On top of that, the $445 annual bonus delivers an additional ~$37/month, spread evenly over 12 months.
- In B.C., low‑income parents may get $2,188/yr (1st child) + bonus, etc., depending on household income
- Total for a child under 6 in B.C.: potentially approx. $7,787 (CCB) + $445 (bonus) = $8,232 per year.
How to Check & Get Payments
- File 2023 taxes by the CRA deadline.
- Confirm you’re enrolled in BC Family Benefit and receiving CCB.
- No separate application—the bonus is automatically added.
- Use CRA “My Account” to view your next payment or get reminders.
- Expect direct deposit around the 20th each month.
Who Should Pay Attention?
- Families in British Columbia receiving provincial plus federal child benefits.
- Any low‑ to mid‑income household with dependent children—which may vary by province.
- Those who filed 2023 taxes and are receiving CCB.
The $445 Canada Family Benefit in 2025 is a genuine, inflation‑relief payment supplementing the standard Canada Child Benefit—especially useful for families in provinces like B.C.
It’s automatic, requires no extra steps beyond filing taxes, and boosts family income by approximately $37/month per child throughout the 2024–25 benefit year.
FAQs
Who qualifies for the $445 Canada Family Benefit?
Families in Canada—particularly in B.C.—who filed 2023 taxes, have dependent children under 18, and receive the Canada Child Benefit are automatically eligible; no separate application is needed.
When and how will I receive it?
Payments are spread over 12 months (July 2024–June 2025) and arrive with your regular family‑benefit direct deposit, typically around the 20th of each month.
How much extra does this mean per month?
Although billed as a $445 annual bonus, it works out to about $37 extra per month, added on top of your existing child‑benefit payments.