The Canada Child Benefit (CCB) is a tax-free, monthly payment designed to help Canadian families with the cost of raising children. Each July, the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) recalculates CCB entitlements for eligible families based on adjusted family net income from the previous tax year (for the July 2026–June 2027 benefit year, that is 2025 income). The benefit is indexed to inflation using Consumer Price Index (CPI) data, which can affect the payment amounts year to year.
What are the CCB payment dates for 2026?
January 20, 2026February 20, 2026March 20, 2026April 20, 2026May 20, 2026- June 19, 2026
- July 20, 2026
- August 20, 2026
- September 18, 2026
- October 20, 2026
- November 20, 2026
- December 11, 2026
If you expected a payment on one of the dates above but did not receive it, the CRA recommends waiting five business days before contacting them. If you discover you were eligible but not registered, you may still be able to claim retroactive payments going back up to 10 years. Speak with the CRA or a qualified advisor to confirm your eligibility and the steps needed to request retroactive benefits.
What is the CCB?
The Canada Child Benefit is a non-taxable monthly payment the CRA issues to eligible families with children under age 18. Intended to help low- and middle-income households with child-rearing costs, the program was introduced in 2016 and has been indexed to inflation since 2018.
CCB payments can include the Child Disability Benefit (CDB) when a child qualifies for the disability tax credit, and some provinces and territories provide additional top-ups or related supports—such as the Ontario Child Benefit (OCB) in Ontario.
“The Canada Child Benefit is meant to indirectly help cover the costs of raising a family for parents whose incomes are below the applicable thresholds, The more kids you have, the higher your benefit entitlement, and the higher the income means-testing limit will be for you. Best of all, it is a tax-free benefit, so you do not report the income on your tax return.” —Jason Heath, Certified Financial Planner
How much is the Canada Child Benefit?
For the benefit year running July 2026 through June 2027, the maximum annual CCB amounts are:
- $8,157 per child under age 6 (equivalent to $679.75 per month)
- $6,883 per child aged 6 to 17 (equivalent to $573.58 per month)
In addition, families may receive a supplement for children eligible for the disability tax credit. For July 2026–June 2027, that supplement can be up to $3,480 annually (about $290 per month) for each eligible child.
The total amount your household receives depends on several factors:
- The number of eligible children in your care
- Your children’s ages (children under age 6 qualify for the young child supplement)
- Your adjusted family net income (AFNI) for the prior year
- Whether a child qualifies for the disability tax credit
If your adjusted family net income in 2025 was below $38,237, you would be eligible for the maximum amount for each child. Above that threshold, CCB payments are gradually reduced as income rises. The benefit phases out further at higher income levels; for planning, use the CRA’s published tables and the CCB calculation tools to estimate your entitlement. Shared custody arrangements typically entitle each parent to half of the payment they would receive with full custody, and payment amounts are calculated based on each parent’s adjusted family net income.
Who can apply for the CCB?
To receive the Canada Child Benefit you must live with and be primarily responsible for the care and upbringing of at least one child under 18, and you must be a resident of Canada for tax purposes. In addition, either you or your spouse or common-law partner must meet one of these status conditions:
- Canadian citizen
- Permanent resident
- Protected person
- Temporary resident who has lived in Canada for the previous 18 months and holds a valid permit in the 19th month (excluding permits that explicitly state they do not confer status)
- An individual registered, or entitled to be registered, under the Indian Act
Read more: Eligibility for the CCB
Changes to the CCB in 2025
A notable change introduced in 2025 affects families when a child dies. Previously, benefits stopped the month after the child’s death. As of January 2025, CCB payments—and the Child Disability Benefit, where applicable—continue for six months following the death of a child if the recipient still qualifies. This change aims to provide short-term financial support, including helping cover funeral and related expenses.
FAQs
How much is CCB per month?
For each eligible child under age 6, the maximum is $8,157 per year (about $679.75 per month). For children aged 6–17, the maximum is $6,883 per year (about $573.58 per month). Exact payments depend on adjusted family net income and other eligibility factors; see the amounts section above for details.
Are child tax and CCB the same?
The Canada Child Benefit replaced earlier programs such as the Canada Child Tax Benefit (CCTB). The CCB is a tax-free, income-tested monthly payment intended to help eligible families with the costs of raising children.
What is the maximum salary to get CCB?
If your adjusted family net income (AFNI) was below $38,237 in 2025, you are eligible for the full CCB amount. Payments gradually reduce as AFNI increases and are substantially reduced or phased out at higher income levels—consult CRA guidance or tools for precise phase-out amounts.
When should I claim child benefits?
Claim child benefits as soon as a child is born or begins living with you. The Automated Benefits Application is often used at birth registration, but you can also apply through the CRA online services or by mail if needed.
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