2026 Alberta Child and Family Benefit Payment Dates

The Alberta Child and Family Benefit (ACFB) is a provincial program delivered by the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) for the Government of Alberta. It provides tax-free financial support to low- and middle-income families with children under 18. Eligible families receive regular payments throughout the year, usually paid at the same time as the Canada Child Benefit (CCB).

The ACFB began in July 2020 by combining the former Alberta Child Benefit and the Alberta Family Employment Tax Credit into a single streamlined program. Its goal is to improve children’s well‑being and help families with the costs of raising children. The benefit amounts are indexed to inflation and are reviewed each year. The ACFB benefit period runs from July of one year through June of the next.

Alberta Child and Family Benefit payment dates for 2026

The CRA issues ACFB payments quarterly, by direct deposit or by cheque. For 2026, the scheduled payment dates are:

February 27, 2026
May 27, 2026
August 27, 2026
November 27, 2026

For individualized payment dates and delivery method, check your CRA My Account.

Eligibility for the Alberta Child and Family Benefit

To receive the ACFB you must meet all of the following conditions:

Be a parent or primary caregiver of one or more children under age 18
Be a resident of Alberta
File an annual tax return
Meet the program’s income requirements

Do I need to apply?

You do not need to submit a separate application for the ACFB. When you file your annual tax return and qualify for the federal Canada Child Benefit, the CRA automatically assesses you for the ACFB. The CRA will regularly review your family circumstances and income; if your household changes—for example, if you have another child—your entitlement may increase. If you recently moved to Alberta, you become eligible for the ACFB beginning the month after you become a resident.

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How much does the ACFB pay?

The total annual ACFB amount depends on your adjusted family net income from the previous tax year and the number of eligible children in your household. The benefit is made up of two parts: a base component for lower-income families and a working component that supplements families with earned income.

Base component

The base component supports lower‑income families and is available regardless of employment income. For the benefit period July 2025 to June 2026, the base component amounts are:

$1,499 for the first child
$749 for the second child
$749 for the third child
$749 for the fourth child and each additional child

The base component begins to be reduced when adjusted family net income exceeds $27,565 (2025). Exact reductions are determined by CRA rules and your tax information.

Working component

The working component is meant to encourage workforce participation. Families with adjusted family net income above $2,760 can qualify for this portion. The working component increases with earned income (subject to a 15% rate on income up to the program maximum) and helps bridge the gap to higher earnings. For July 2025 to June 2026, the working component amounts are approximately:

$767 annually ($63.91 per month) for the first child
$698 annually ($58.16 per month) for the second child
$418 annually ($34.83 per month) for the third child
$138 annually ($11.50 per month) for the fourth child

The working component starts to be reduced once adjusted family net income exceeds $46,191 (2025). Use the Government of Canada’s child and family benefits calculator to estimate combined federal and provincial benefits for your household.

What is adjusted family net income?

Adjusted family net income is the figure the CRA uses to calculate ACFB eligibility and benefit amounts. It is based on line 23600 (net income) from your tax return. If you have a spouse or common-law partner, the CRA combines both partners’ net incomes to determine your household amount. This combined adjusted net income is reassessed each year after you file your tax return and determines whether benefits are reduced or phased out.

Are ACFB payments taxable?

No. ACFB payments are tax-free and are not reported as taxable income on your tax return. Receiving the ACFB does not increase your taxable income or affect entitlement to other federal benefits such as the Canada Child Benefit.

If your ACFB payment is late

If a scheduled payment does not arrive on the expected date, wait five business days before contacting the CRA. In the meantime, check your CRA My Account to confirm payment status and direct deposit details. If the payment is still missing after five business days, contact the CRA at 1-800-959-2809 for assistance.

For official program details and updates, consult the Alberta government’s ACFB information page.

Frequently asked questions

How is the Alberta Child and Family Benefit paid?

The ACFB is paid by direct deposit or by cheque, depending on how you have set up your CRA account. Direct deposit is the fastest option and helps avoid postal delays.

Does a mid-year income change immediately affect ACFB payments?

Generally no. ACFB payments are based on your previous year’s tax return, so changes to income partway through the benefit year usually won’t change your current payments. Any adjustments will typically take effect after you file your next tax return and your eligibility is reassessed for the following benefit period.

Does the ACFB affect the Canada Child Benefit?

No. The ACFB and the Canada Child Benefit are separate programs. Receiving the ACFB does not reduce your CCB entitlement; eligible families can receive both benefits concurrently.

Can families receive the ACFB if they are not working?

Yes. The base component of the ACFB is available to families regardless of employment status. The working component, however, is intended for families with earned income above the minimum threshold.

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