Updated: August 2026

Canada Child Benefit 2026: Payment Dates, Eligibility and How Much You Can Get

The Canada Child Benefit, commonly known as the CCB, is a tax-free monthly payment designed to help eligible families with the cost of raising children under 18.

For Canadian families, the benefit can represent thousands of dollars per year, but the amount is not the same for everyone.

Your payment can depend on your family income, the number of children in your care, their ages and other factors considered by the Canada Revenue Agency.

What is the Canada Child Benefit?

The Canada Child Benefit is administered by the Canada Revenue Agency, or CRA.

It is a tax-free monthly benefit for eligible families responsible for children under the age of 18.

Depending on where you live and your circumstances, your payment may also include certain provincial or territorial child benefit programs.

Unlike a loan, the CCB does not need to be repaid simply because you received a legitimate benefit payment. However, overpayments or changes in eligibility can affect future payments or create an amount owing.

How much is the Canada Child Benefit in 2026?

The CCB benefit year runs from July to June.

Beginning in July 2026, maximum benefit amounts increased.

These are maximum amounts. Your actual payment may be lower depending on your adjusted family net income and household circumstances.

Canada Child Benefit payment dates for 2026

The CRA publishes official CCB payment dates for the entire year.

Who is eligible for the Canada Child Benefit?

Eligibility depends on your circumstances.

Generally, the CRA evaluates whether you are responsible for the care and upbringing of a child under 18 and whether you meet Canadian residency requirements for tax purposes and the applicable status requirements.

Your spouse or common-law partner’s information can also be relevant to the calculation.

You should keep your information updated

Changes in your family circumstances may affect your benefit.

Examples can include:

• marriage;
• common-law relationship;
• separation or divorce;
• a child beginning or ending residence with you;
• shared custody arrangements;
• a change of address;
• a change in residency status.

Always use the CRA’s official services to report relevant changes.

How is the Canada Child Benefit calculated?

The CCB is income-tested.

This means that the amount generally decreases as adjusted family net income increases beyond the thresholds established for the benefit year.

The calculation can take into account:

• adjusted family net income;
• number of eligible children;
• ages of the children;
• shared custody situations;
• eligibility for the Child Disability Benefit;
• other applicable circumstances.

Can two families with the same number of children receive different amounts?

Yes.

For example, two households may each have two children but receive different CCB payments because their family income, children’s ages or custody arrangements are different.

How can you estimate your CCB payment?

The Canada Revenue Agency provides an official Child and Family Benefits Calculator.

It can help you estimate what benefits you may be eligible for and approximately how much you could receive.

Use the Official CRA Benefits Calculator →

How do you apply for the Canada Child Benefit?

There are multiple ways to apply.

1. Birth registration

In many provinces and territories, parents may use the Automated Benefits Application when registering a newborn.

2. CRA My Account

Eligible applicants can use the CRA’s online services to apply for child benefits.

3. Form RC66

The Canada Child Benefits Application form may also be used when appropriate.

Do you need to file taxes to keep receiving the CCB?

This is one of the most important points for families receiving the benefit.

Your CCB amount is generally recalculated using income information from your tax return.

If you have a spouse or common-law partner, both individuals generally need to file their income tax returns each year so that the CRA has the information required to calculate benefits.

What happens if your income increases?

An increase in family income may reduce your CCB payment during a later benefit period.

This does not necessarily mean you lose the benefit completely.

The amount depends on the CRA calculation for your household.

What happens if your income falls?

A lower adjusted family net income may result in a higher benefit in a later benefit year, subject to the official calculation rules.

Is the Canada Child Benefit taxable?

The Canada Child Benefit is a tax-free payment.

That is one of the major differences between the CCB and taxable employment income.

What if you share custody?

Shared custody can affect CCB payments.

The CRA has specific rules regarding how benefits are calculated when a child lives with two individuals at different times.

If your custody arrangement changes, review the CRA’s current guidance rather than assuming that the previous payment amount will continue unchanged.

What if your payment does not arrive?

First, confirm the official payment date.

Then check your CRA account and direct deposit information.

The CRA advises recipients to allow time after the scheduled payment date before reporting a missing payment.

Never provide banking credentials to someone who contacts you unexpectedly claiming that they need to “release” your CCB.

What is the Child Disability Benefit?

Families with a child who qualifies for the Disability Tax Credit may also qualify for the Child Disability Benefit.

For the period from July 2026 through June 2027, the maximum Child Disability Benefit is C$3,480 per eligible child, or up to C$290 per month.

The CRA automatically calculates this benefit when the applicable eligibility conditions are satisfied.

CCB vs Child Disability Benefit

Can provincial benefits be added to your payment?

Yes.

Some provincial and territorial programs are administered together with federal child benefits.

The exact program depends on where you live.

Ontario example

For July 2026 to June 2027, eligible families may qualify for the Ontario Child Benefit, with amounts depending on family income and other conditions.

British Columbia example

British Columbia also has a family benefit that may be combined with the CCB payment for eligible households.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much is CCB per month in 2026?

For July 2026 to June 2027, the maximum works out to approximately C$679.75 per month for a child under 6 and approximately C$573.58 per month for a child aged 6 to 17.

Actual payments may be lower depending on family income and other factors.

When is the next Canada Child Benefit payment?

The scheduled August 2026 payment is August 20, followed by September 18, October 20, November 20 and December 11.

Does everyone receive the maximum amount?

No. Maximum benefit amounts apply only when the household meets the relevant calculation criteria.

Do I have to pay tax on CCB?

The Canada Child Benefit is tax-free.

Can newcomers receive the Canada Child Benefit?

Some newcomers may qualify when they meet the applicable residency and immigration-status requirements. The CRA has specific rules for new and returning residents.

Can I receive CCB if I am separated?

Possibly. Separation, custody and the child’s living arrangement can affect who receives the payment and how much is paid.

Why did my CCB amount change in July?

The new benefit year begins in July and payments are recalculated based on updated tax information and indexed benefit amounts.

Is CCB the same as a tax refund?

No. The Canada Child Benefit is a monthly family benefit, while a tax refund results from the calculation of income tax already paid or credits claimed.

What should you do now?

If you believe you may qualify for the Canada Child Benefit:

1. make sure your income tax returns are filed;
2. confirm that your family information is current;
3. check your CRA account;
4. use the official benefits calculator;
5. confirm your direct deposit details;
6. check the official payment calendar.

Official sources

• 
  Canada Revenue Agency — Canada Child Benefit
  
• 
  CRA — CCB Payment Dates
  
• 
  CRA — How Much You Can Get
  
• 
  CRA — Child and Family Benefits Calculator
  
• 
  CRA — How to Apply for the CCB
  

Editorial disclaimer:
This article is provided for informational purposes only and is not affiliated with the Government of Canada or the Canada Revenue Agency. Benefit amounts, eligibility rules and payment dates can change. Always verify your individual situation using official Government of Canada services.