Child Tax Credit in Ontario (2025): How Much You Get, Who Qualifies, and How to Claim It

Child Tax Credit in Ontario, Raising children is rewarding, but it’s no secret—it comes with significant financial pressure. That’s where the Child Tax Credit (CTC) steps in as a crucial support system for families in Ontario. Designed to ease the financial burden of parenting, the CTC provides monthly or annual payments to eligible families, helping with everything from groceries to school supplies.

Whether you’re a single parent in Toronto, a newcomer family in Ottawa, or a rural household in Thunder Bay, understanding how to access and maximize the Ontario Child Tax Credit in 2025 can put thousands of dollars back in your pocket. In this guide, we’ll explore what it is, who qualifies, how much you could get, and how to claim it.

What is the Child Tax Credit?

In Canada, the Child Tax Credit is officially part of the Canada Child Benefit (CCB), a federal tax-free monthly payment made to eligible families to help with the cost of raising children under 18. The Ontario Child Benefit (OCB) complements this by offering additional provincial support.

Together, these benefits form a powerful financial package for Ontario families. They are not taxable, meaning you won’t need to pay income tax on the amount received.

Key Components:

Canada Child Benefit (CCB) – Administered by the CRA (Canada Revenue Agency)
Ontario Child Benefit (OCB) – Provincial portion delivered alongside the CCB

CRA’s Role in the Child Tax Credit

The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) plays a central role in managing, assessing eligibility, and issuing monthly payments. When you file your taxes annually, the CRA uses your family’s net income to determine how much you’re eligible to receive for the next benefit year (July to June).

You must:

File your taxes each year, even if you had no income.
Update marital status and child custody information with the CRA.

Eligibility: Who Qualifies for the Child Tax Credit in Ontario?

You may qualify for the CTC and OCB if you meet the following requirements:

✅ You live with a child under 18

✅ You are the primary caregiver

✅ You are a Canadian resident for tax purposes

✅ You or your spouse/common-law partner is a:

Canadian citizen
Permanent resident
Protected person
Temporary resident living in Canada for the past 18 months

Special Situations:

Shared custody: Payments may be split 50/50
New immigrants: Eligible after 18 months of residency

Income Limits for Child Tax Credit 2025

The benefit is income-tested, meaning the amount you receive decreases as your family net income increases.

For the 2025–2026 payment year, here are projected income thresholds:

Maximum benefit if your family income is under $35,000
Benefits begin to phase out between $35,000 to $120,000
Higher-income families may receive reduced or no benefits

Tip: Filing taxes as early as possible ensures uninterrupted payments.

How Much is the Child Tax Credit in 2025?

Here’s the breakdown of the maximum annual amounts families in Ontario could receive in 2025:

Canada Child Benefit (CCB)

$7,437 per year for each child under 6 ($619/month)
$6,275 per year for each child aged 6 to 17 ($522/month)

Ontario Child Benefit (OCB)

Up to $1,607 per child annually (approx. $133/month)

Total Potential Benefits:

A family with two children under age 6 could receive:

$14,874 (CCB) + $3,214 (OCB) = $18,088 annually

That’s over $1,500/month tax-free!

Real-Life Example: The Smith Family in Toronto, Ontario

Let’s say the Smiths have:

2 children: ages 3 and 7
Combined net income: $42,000/year

They may receive:

$7,437 for child 1 (under 6)
$6,275 for child 2 (age 7)
$3,214 from Ontario Child Benefit

Total annual benefit: $16,926
Monthly benefit: approx. $1,410

This could cover rent, groceries, school supplies, and more—demonstrating how impactful these credits can be for working-class families.

How to Claim the Child Tax Credit in Ontario

Step-by-Step:

File your income tax return annually – Even if you had no income.
Register your child’s birth in Ontario.
Apply for the CCB/OCB by:
- Using CRA’s My Account online
- Submitting Form RC66 (Canada Child Benefits Application)
Update marital status, custody changes, or address with CRA

Online Tools:

My CRA Account
CRA’s Child and Family Benefits Calculator

What About Families with No Income?

Good news: Even families with no income qualify for the maximum benefit. As long as you’re a resident, the primary caregiver, and file a tax return, you can receive the full benefit amount.

This includes:

Students
New immigrants
Stay-at-home parents
Low-income families

In addition to the CCB and OCB, Ontario families can also benefit from:

✅ Canada Workers Benefit (CWB)

Extra support for low-income earners

✅ Child Disability Benefit (CDB)

Additional $3,173/year for children with disabilities

✅ GST/HST Credit

Quarterly payments to help cover sales tax costs

✅ Childcare Expense Deduction

Deduct daycare or babysitting expenses on your tax return

Tips for Maximizing Your Credit (2025)

File Early: Do your taxes before April 30 to avoid delays.
Update Info: Keep your marital status, address, and custody info current.
Apply for Direct Deposit: Get your payments faster and safer.
Claim All Benefits: Explore the CRA’s calculator for what else you may be eligible for.
Consider Splitting Custody Carefully: If divorced or separated, how custody is arranged affects benefit allocation.

Final Thoughts: The CTC is More Than a Credit—It’s a Lifeline

For many Ontario families, the Child Tax Credit is not just a government perk—it’s a monthly financial lifeline. In 2025, understanding and applying for both federal and provincial benefits could mean over $18,000 per year in tax-free income.

Whether you’re struggling to make ends meet or simply looking for smart ways to manage your family finances, the Ontario Child Tax Credit system is here to help. Make sure you’re informed, up to date, and taking full advantage of every dollar you’re entitled to.

20 FAQs on Child Tax Credit by Ontario (2025): What Every Parent Must Know

1. What is the Child Tax Credit in Ontario and how is it different from the federal Canada Child Benefit (CCB)?

The Child Tax Credit in Ontario refers primarily to the Ontario Child Benefit (OCB), which is a provincial supplement to the Canada Child Benefit (CCB). While the CCB is administered by the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) and funded by the federal government, the OCB is funded by the Ontario provincial government and is intended to support low- to moderate-income families with the cost of raising children under 18.

Both are non-taxable and paid monthly, often bundled together in one deposit from the CRA. The key difference lies in the source of funding and the amount provided. Eligible families in Ontario can receive both benefits if they meet the income and residency requirements.

2. How much can I expect to receive from the Child Tax Credit in Ontario in 2025?

In 2025, the Canada Child Benefit offers:

$7,437 per year ($619.75/month) for each child under 6
$6,275 per year ($522.91/month) for each child aged 6 to 17

The Ontario Child Benefit (OCB) provides:

Up to $1,607 annually per child, depending on family income

For example, if you have two children (ages 3 and 8), your total annual child tax benefits can exceed $17,500/year if your family qualifies for the full amount.

3. Who is eligible to receive the Child Tax Credit in Ontario?

To qualify for the Child Tax Credit (CCB and OCB), you must:

Be the primary caregiver of a child under age 18
Be a resident of Ontario and a Canadian resident for tax purposes
Be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, protected person, or a temporary resident living in Canada for at least 18 months
File your income tax return annually, even if you had no income

Newcomers and refugees can also be eligible once they meet the residency requirement and submit the correct documents.

4. Do I need to apply separately for the Ontario Child Benefit?

No. You only need to apply once for the Canada Child Benefit (CCB) through the CRA. If you are eligible for the Ontario Child Benefit, it will be automatically assessed and included in the same monthly payment. The CRA handles both CCB and OCB disbursements.

5. What income is used to calculate my eligibility for the Child Tax Credit?

The CRA uses your family net income from your previous year’s tax return to determine your eligibility and benefit amount. For example, your 2023 income tax return will be used to calculate benefits for July 2024 – June 2025.

Family net income is the total income of both parents after deductions, such as RRSP contributions and union dues. The lower your net income, the higher your benefit.

6. What happens if my income increases or decreases mid-year?

Your child tax credit amount is recalculated annually. However, if your income changes significantly (up or down), you should report the change to CRA. While benefits are generally locked in from July to June, some changes may affect the Child Disability Benefit or trigger a reassessment.

Income increases might reduce your next year’s benefits, while income decreases may increase them. Always keep your CRA profile updated to avoid overpayments or underpayments.

7. When are Child Tax Credit payments issued in Ontario?

Payments are issued monthly, typically on the 20th of each month. If the 20th falls on a weekend or holiday, the payment is issued on the last business day before that date. Payments include both CCB and OCB, combined into a single deposit from the CRA.

8. Can separated or divorced parents both claim the child tax credit?

Yes, but it depends on the custody arrangement:

If one parent has full custody, only that parent will receive the full benefit.
If custody is shared 50/50, both parents can apply and may receive 50% of the payment each.

You must notify the CRA about shared custody using Form RC66 and provide evidence of the arrangement.

9. What if I didn’t file taxes? Can I still get the Child Tax Credit?

No. You must file a tax return annually to receive or continue receiving the CCB and OCB. Even if you had no income, filing is required for assessment. Both you and your spouse (if applicable) must file to avoid disruption.

Filing your return ensures you’re also eligible for other benefits like the GST/HST credit and Canada Workers Benefit (CWB).

10. Is the Ontario Child Benefit taxable?

No. Both the Ontario Child Benefit and the Canada Child Benefit are non-taxable. You do not report them as income when you file your taxes. They are meant to directly support the cost of raising children and are not considered earnings.

11. What is the Child Disability Benefit and how do I get it?

The Child Disability Benefit (CDB) is a supplement to the CCB for families caring for a child with a severe and prolonged disability.

To qualify:

Your child must be approved for the Disability Tax Credit (DTC)
You must qualify for the CCB

In 2025, the maximum annual CDB is about $3,173 per child. Apply using Form T2201, which must be signed by a medical practitioner and approved by CRA.

12. Can newcomers to Canada receive the Child Tax Credit in Ontario?

Yes, newcomers can qualify once they meet the requirements:

18 months of continuous residency as a temporary resident, or
Become a permanent resident, refugee, or Canadian citizen

You must file a tax return and submit Form RC66 and Schedule RC66SCH along with immigration documents.

13. How can I track or check my Child Tax Credit payments?

You can track your payments through:

CRA My Account
CRA mobile app
By calling the CRA Benefit Enquiries line: 1-800-387-1193

You’ll see upcoming payment dates, amounts, and your eligibility history.

14. What if I miss applying after my child’s birth?

You can apply retroactively for up to 10 years, but you must submit:

Tax returns for each missed year
Proof of custody (like a birth certificate)
Form RC66 and RC66SCH for each child

CRA may issue back payments if eligible.

15. What’s the deadline to apply for the Child Tax Credit?

There is no strict deadline, but to avoid missing payments, apply immediately after your child is born or when you become eligible. CRA generally backdates payments up to 11 months, so delays could cost you money.

16. How does CRA define “primary caregiver”?

The primary caregiver is the person mainly responsible for the child’s care and upbringing, including daily routines, healthcare decisions, and supervision. In two-parent homes, this is usually the mother unless otherwise indicated.

17. Can I receive benefits for a child not biologically mine (like a foster or grandchild)?

Yes, if you are the legal guardian or have custody, and are the primary caregiver, you can apply. You’ll need documentation like:

Court orders
Guardianship agreements
Proof of residency with the child

Besides the CCB and OCB, eligible families may also benefit from:

Child Disability Benefit (CDB)
Canada Workers Benefit (CWB)
GST/HST Credit
Childcare expense deduction
Tuition and education credits (for older children)

19. What should I do if I receive an overpayment?

Overpayments happen if your income increases or your marital status changes and CRA isn’t notified in time. You may be asked to repay the excess, either in a lump sum or via monthly deductions.

To avoid this:

Keep your information updated
File taxes on time
Report changes immediately

20. Is the Child Tax Credit adjusted for inflation each year?

Yes. Each July, the CRA adjusts the CCB and OCB amounts based on the Consumer Price Index (CPI) to keep up with inflation. This ensures that your benefits maintain their real-world value, even as costs rise.

Bycsannusharma

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