Canada Child Benefit 2026: How Much Can You Get?

Last verified: 2 April 2026 | Source: Canada Revenue Agency (canada.ca) | Payment period: July 2025 – June 2026

The Canada Child Benefit (CCB) is a monthly, tax-free payment from the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) for families raising children under 18. It is one of the most valuable family supports available in Canada — and for many households, it represents hundreds of dollars per month in direct payments.

This guide covers the current CCB amounts, how income affects your payment, the payment schedule, and exactly how to apply.

Canada Child Benefit Amounts — July 2025 to June 2026

The following maximum rates apply for the current payment period (based on your 2024 tax return, as confirmed by CRA):

Example families at maximum rate (AFNI ≤ CA$37,487):

• 1 child under 6: CA$666/month (CA$7,997/year)
• 1 child aged 10: CA$562/month (CA$6,748/year)
• 2 children (ages 4 and 8): CA$1,229/month (CA$14,745/year)
• 3 children (ages 2, 6, and 11): CA$1,791/month (CA$21,493/year)

These amounts are tax-free and do not count as income.

How Income Affects Your CCB

The CCB is income-tested. Once your adjusted family net income (AFNI) exceeds CA$37,487, the benefit is gradually reduced.

The reduction rate depends on how many children you have:

Example — Family earning CA$65,000 with 2 children (one under 6, one aged 9):

• Maximum CCB: CA$7,997 + CA$6,748 = CA$14,745
• Income above threshold: CA$65,000 − CA$37,487 = CA$27,513
• Reduction: CA$27,513 × 19% = CA$5,227
• Adjusted CCB: CA$14,745 − CA$5,227 = CA$9,518/year (CA$793/month)

For higher income levels, a second reduction rate applies for AFNI above approximately CA$75,935.

The CRA recalculates your CCB every July using your previous year's tax return. Filing your taxes on time is essential — if you don't file, CRA cannot calculate your benefit and payments will stop.

Canada Child Benefit Payment Dates 2026

CCB is paid on or around the 20th of each month. If the 20th falls on a weekend or federal statutory holiday, payment is made on the last business day before.

For your exact payment dates and upcoming amounts, log in to CRA My Account at canada.ca.

Who Is Eligible for the CCB?

To receive the Canada Child Benefit, you must:

• Be the primary caregiver of a child under 18
• Be a Canadian resident for tax purposes
• Be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, protected person, or temporary resident who has lived in Canada for at least 18 months with a valid permit
• Have filed your income tax return — both you and your spouse/common-law partner, if applicable
• Not be confined to a prison or similar institution for 90 or more consecutive days

Shared custody: If you share custody 50/50, each parent may receive 50% of the CCB amount that would have been paid to the primary caregiver.

What the CCB Does Not Cover

The calculator and this guide estimate the federal CCB only. It does not include:

• Provincial/territorial child benefits (Ontario Child Benefit, Alberta Child and Family Benefit, etc. — calculated separately and paid alongside CCB)
• Child Disability Benefit (CDB) — an additional CA$3,411/year (CA$284.25/month) for children eligible for the disability tax credit
• GST/HST credit — a separate quarterly payment for lower-income families
• Working Income Tax Benefit — a separate employment-linked benefit

The total support available to a Canadian family can be significantly higher than the federal CCB alone.

How to Apply for the Canada Child Benefit

Option 1 — Register at birth (recommended)

Most provinces have a birth registration agreement with CRA. When you register your child's birth with the provincial vital statistics agency, you can simultaneously apply for the CCB. CRA receives the information automatically.

Option 2 — CRA My Account (online)

Sign in to My Account at canada.ca, select "Child and family benefits," and complete the CCB application. You will need your child's Social Insurance Number (SIN) or proof of birth.

Option 3 — Form RC66

Complete Form RC66 (Canada Child Benefits Application) and mail it to your local tax centre with supporting documents (proof of birth, proof of residency if required).

Start receiving payments: Once your application is approved, payments typically begin within 8 weeks. Your benefit is backdated to the month the child was born if you apply promptly.

Tax-Free Status and Other Benefits

The CCB is not taxable income. You do not declare it on your tax return, and it does not reduce your eligibility for income-tested provincial programs. However, not filing your taxes will stop your payments — CRA needs your annual return to calculate the next year's benefit amount.

Use the Calculator

Use our Child Benefits Calculator to estimate your CCB based on your income and number of children. Select Canada and enter your details for an instant estimate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I claim CCB for a child born in December 2025? Yes. You can apply immediately after birth registration. Your benefit will be backdated to December for the current payment period.

What happens if my income changes significantly? The CRA uses your previous year's tax return. A major income change won't affect your current payments, but will be reflected in next July's recalculation. If your income drops significantly, contact CRA — in some cases, an adjustment can be made.

Does my spouse's income count? Yes. The CCB is based on your combined adjusted family net income, including both your income and your spouse's or common-law partner's income.

What if I miss a payment? Log in to CRA My Account to check your payment status. Ensure your banking information is up to date and your tax return has been filed. Contact CRA at 1-800-387-1193 if a payment is missing.

Is there a CCB for adopted children? Yes. Adoption does not affect eligibility. You apply the same way — through birth registration or Form RC66 — once the adoption is finalised and the child is in your care.

Related Guides

• Canada Child Benefits 2026: Complete Hub — all Canadian child benefit programmes in one place
• Child Benefits Calculator — estimate your CCB instantly
• Documents Needed for Child Benefit Claims — what to prepare before applying
• What Affects Child Benefit Eligibility? — a country-by-country guide
• Family Budgeting With Child Benefits — planning your monthly finances around benefit income

Rates shown are for the July 2025–June 2026 payment period, based on 2024 tax year income. Rates are adjusted each July. Always verify your specific entitlement at canada.ca before budgeting around benefit income.