In 2025, the Canadian government remains committed to supporting children and young adults under 25 by offering the Canada Pension Plan (CPP) Children’s Benefit. This financial assistance helps families where a parent is either deceased or receiving a CPP disability benefit, easing some of the financial stress during difficult times.
Understanding who qualifies, how much they can receive, and when payments are made is important for families to receive the full benefit.
Eligibility Criteria
To receive the CPP Children’s Benefit, the child must meet specific requirements:
Age Requirements:
- Be younger than 18 years old, or
- Be between 18 and 25 years old while attending a recognized school or university either full-time or part-time.
Relationship to the Contributor:
- Be the biological child of a CPP contributor.
- Be legally adopted by the contributor before turning 21.
- Have been in the care and custody of the contributor before reaching the age of 21.
Contributor’s Situation:
- The child’s parent or guardian is currently receiving a CPP disability pension, or
- The parent or guardian has passed away after contributing to the CPP for the required period.
Important: Children aged 18 to 25 must show proof of school enrollment to continue receiving the benefit.
Benefit Amounts for 2025
The CPP Children’s Benefit provides a standard monthly payment, which is reviewed and updated annually. For the year 2025, the amounts are:
| Category | Monthly Amount (2025) |
|---|---|
| Children under 18 years old | $301.77 |
| Children aged 18–25 (full-time students) | $301.77 |
| Children aged 18–25 (part-time students) | $150.89 |
These payments aim to help cover basic living costs and education-related expenses.
Payment Schedule for 2025
CPP Children’s Benefit payments are issued every month. Below is the 2025 schedule:
| Month | Payment Date |
|---|---|
| January | 29th |
| February | 26th |
| March | 27th |
| April | 28th |
| May | 28th |
| June | 26th |
| July | 29th |
| August | 27th |
| September | 25th |
| October | 29th |
| November | 26th |
| December | 22nd |
Payments are usually sent directly to the recipient’s bank account on the listed dates.
Application Process
For Children Under 18:
- A parent or legal guardian must submit the application on the child’s behalf.
- Applications can be made online via My Service Canada Account (MSCA) or by filling out the paper form ISP1152.
For Children Aged 18 to 25:
- The child must apply personally.
- They must complete the ISP1402 form and provide proof of enrollment from their school.
Note: It is advisable to apply as soon as possible. Retroactive payments are limited to a maximum of 12 months.
The CPP Children’s Benefit provides crucial financial support to children and young adults under 25 who have lost a parent or whose parent is receiving CPP disability benefits
This benefit serves as a financial lifeline for families experiencing the loss of a parent or those dealing with a parent’s disability. By staying informed about eligibility requirements, payment amounts, and deadlines, families can ensure they receive the support they deserve.
Applying promptly and following all necessary procedures is key to accessing the full range of available benefits.
FAQs
Can a child receive the benefit if they are studying part-time?
Yes. Students between 18 and 25 years old who attend a recognized school or university part-time can receive a reduced benefit of $150.89 per month in 2025.
What happens if the child stops attending school?
If a student between 18 and 25 stops attending school, either full-time or part-time, they will no longer qualify for the benefit. Payments will cease starting the month after school attendance ends.
Are the benefit amounts taxable?
No. The CPP Children’s Benefit is not considered taxable income and does not need to be reported as such.
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Janice R. Phillips is a seasoned finance writer with a keen eye for simplifying complex financial concepts. With over a decade of experience covering personal finance, investing, and economic trends, she empowers readers to make informed money decisions. Janice specializes in creating content that bridges the gap between financial theory and real-world application, making her a trusted voice for both novice and experienced investors.