Canada CRA Parental Benefits

Canada CRA Parental Benefits April 2025: Check Eligibility, Amount & Payment Dates

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If you’re a parent or expecting a child in 2025, the Canada CRA Parental Benefits provide critical financial relief to support you during this life-changing moment. These benefits include EI maternity and parental leave and the Canada Child Benefit (CCB)—offering weekly and monthly payments to ease financial stress while you focus on your growing family.

This article breaks down who qualifies, how much you can get, when payments are made, and how to apply in April 2025.

Canada CRA Parental Benefits

Types of CRA Parental Benefits and Payments

Benefit Type Eligibility Requirements Maximum Benefit (2025) Payment Frequency
EI Maternity Benefits Biological mothers with 600 insured work hours Up to $695/week for 15 weeks Weekly (via claim)
EI Parental Benefits – Standard Either parent with 600 insured work hours Up to $695/week for 35 weeks (shared: max 40 weeks) Weekly
EI Parental Benefits – Extended Same as above Up to $417/week for 61 weeks (shared: max 69 weeks) Weekly
Canada Child Benefit (CCB) Parents of children under 18, income-based $7,787/year per child under 6, $6,570 for 6–17 years Monthly

What Are CRA Parental Benefits?

CRA Parental Benefits are a set of financial supports for families welcoming a newborn or adopted child. The system includes:

  • EI Maternity and Parental Leave (handled by Service Canada)

  • Canada Child Benefit (CCB) (administered by CRA)

These benefits ensure parents can take time off work without worrying about their income and receive tax-free support for raising children.

EI Maternity and Parental Benefits

These are temporary payments for people who are away from work due to pregnancy, birth, or adoption. To qualify, you must:

  • Be working in insurable employment

  • Have worked at least 600 hours in the last 52 weeks

  • Have earnings reduced by at least 40% due to parenting responsibilities

Maternity Benefits

  • Available only to biological mothers

  • Starts up to 12 weeks before due date

  • Duration: 15 weeks

  • Payment: 55% of average weekly income, up to $695/week

Standard Parental Benefits

  • Shared between parents for up to 40 weeks (max 35 weeks per parent)

  • Payment: 55% of earnings (up to $695/week)

  • Higher weekly pay, shorter total leave

Extended Parental Benefits

  • Shared between parents for up to 69 weeks (max 61 weeks per parent)

  • Payment: 33% of earnings (up to $417/week)

  • Lower weekly pay, longer leave duration

How to Apply

  • Visit Service Canada online and submit your EI claim

  • Provide your Record of Employment (ROE)

  • Choose between standard or extended benefit (irreversible)

  • Supply your child’s date of birth or expected due date

  • Wait for approval and payment

Canada Child Benefit (CCB) – CRA Monthly Support

The CCB is a tax-free monthly payment that helps families with the cost of raising children under 18 years of age. It’s one of the most generous child benefits in the world.

Eligibility

You must:

  • Live with and be primarily responsible for a child under 18

  • Be a Canadian resident for tax purposes

  • Be a citizen, permanent resident, or protected person

  • File an annual tax return (both parents required)

Payment Amounts (July 2024 – June 2025)

  • Up to $7,787/year per child under 6 years (approx. $648.91/month)

  • Up to $6,570/year per child aged 6–17 (approx. $547.50/month)

  • Payments are income-tested and reduce gradually above $36,500 annual income

How to Apply

  • Online via CRA My Account

  • By mail with Form RC66

  • Automatically when registering a birth in your province (opt-in system)

CCB Payment Date for April 2025

  • Next CCB Payment: April 17, 2025

Remaining 2025 CCB dates:

  • May 20

  • June 20

  • July 18

  • August 20

  • September 19

  • October 20

  • November 20

  • December 12

Smart Tips for Parents in 2025

  • Track your hours early to meet the 600-hour EI requirement

  • Choose your plan wisely: standard pays more per week, extended lasts longer

  • Apply early to avoid delays in payments

  • Use direct deposit for faster transfers

  • Update CRA and Service Canada info if you move or change status

FAQs

What is the difference between maternity and parental benefits?

Maternity benefits are only for biological mothers and last up to 15 weeks. Parental benefits can be shared between both parents and last up to 40 or 69 weeks, depending on the type chosen.

Can I switch between standard and extended parental benefits after applying?

No. Once you choose a benefit type, it cannot be changed during your leave period.

Do I need to apply separately for the Canada Child Benefit?

Yes. CCB is a separate program administered by the CRA, and you must apply unless you opted in during birth registration.

What happens if I don’t file taxes?

Both parents must file annual tax returns to continue receiving CCB. Without this, your benefits could be delayed or stopped.

How soon can I apply for EI benefits?

You should apply as soon as you stop working. Delays can reduce the benefits you receive.

How long does it take to receive EI parental payments?

Once your claim is approved, EI payments typically begin within 28 days, provided you submit all documents on time.

What if I’m self-employed?

You can qualify for EI maternity and parental benefits if registered in the EI special benefits program for at least 12 months and have earned the minimum required income.

Click here to know more.

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