Canada Child Benefit Payment Dates 2026 — Full CRA Schedule
Last verified: 2 April 2026 | Source: Canada Revenue Agency (canada.ca) | Payment period: July 2025 – June 2026
The Canada Child Benefit (CCB) is paid monthly by the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA). Payments are made on or around the 20th of each month — if the 20th falls on a weekend or a federal statutory holiday, the payment is made on the last business day before it.
2026 CCB Payment Schedule
| Month | Payment Date | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| January 2026 | 20 January 2026 | Tuesday |
| February 2026 | 20 February 2026 | Friday |
| March 2026 | 20 March 2026 | Friday |
| April 2026 | 17 April 2026 | Good Friday — last business day before the 20th |
| May 2026 | 20 May 2026 | Wednesday |
| June 2026 | 19 June 2026 | Last business day before the 20th |
Note: Exact dates are provided by the CRA on the official payment dates page. Always confirm upcoming dates at canada.ca/child-family-benefits. Statutory holidays vary by year.
When Are July 2026–June 2027 Payments Recalculated?
The CRA uses your 2025 tax return to calculate payments for July 2026 through June 2027. Your new payment amount will be applied from July 2026.
To receive July 2026 onward payments: File your 2025 income tax return on time (deadline: 30 April 2026 for most filers; 15 June 2026 if you or your spouse have self-employment income). Filing late delays your July 2026 payment recalculation.
How CCB Payments Are Made
CCB is paid by direct deposit into your Canadian bank account. Direct deposit is strongly recommended — it is faster and more reliable than cheques.
To set up or update direct deposit:
- Sign in to CRA My Account at canada.ca
- Go to "Direct deposit"
- Enter or update your banking information
- Changes typically take effect within 1–2 business days
Paper cheques are also available but take longer to arrive. If you have moved, update your address with CRA promptly to avoid delays.
What to Do If a Payment Is Missing
- Wait 5 business days from the expected payment date — direct deposits occasionally have minor delays
- Check CRA My Account — you can see your payment history and next expected payment
- Confirm your tax return is filed — CRA cannot calculate your benefit if your return is outstanding
- Ensure your banking details are current — incorrect account numbers are the most common reason for missing payments
- Contact CRA at 1-800-387-1193 if the issue is not resolved
How Much Is the CCB in 2025–26?
For the July 2025–June 2026 payment period, the maximum CCB rates are:
| Child's Age | Maximum Annual | Maximum Monthly |
|---|---|---|
| Under 6 | CA$7,997 | CA$666.42 |
| 6 to 17 | CA$6,748 | CA$562.33 |
Amounts are reduced once your adjusted family net income (AFNI) exceeds CA$37,487. See our full Canada Child Benefit guide for income reduction calculations and examples.
Low Monthly Amounts — Annual Lump Sum
If your monthly CCB amount is less than CA$20, the CRA does not pay monthly. Instead, you receive one lump-sum payment at the start of the payment period (typically in July) covering the full 12 months.
Provincial Child Benefits
Most provinces and territories have their own supplementary child benefit programmes that are calculated alongside the CCB and paid in the same monthly payment. You do not need to apply separately — the provincial benefits are automatically assessed when you apply for the CCB.
Examples include:
- Ontario Child Benefit (OCB)
- Alberta Child and Family Benefit
- British Columbia Child Opportunity Benefit
Your CRA My Account shows the breakdown of federal CCB and any provincial supplement in your payment.
Use the Calculator
Use our Child Benefits Calculator to estimate your monthly CCB based on your income and number of children. Select Canada and enter your details for an instant estimate.
Related Guides
- Canada Child Benefits 2026: Complete Hub — all Canadian child benefit programmes in one place
- Canada Child Benefit 2026 — full CCB guide with amounts and income tables
- Child Benefits Calculator — estimate your CCB instantly
- Documents Needed for Child Benefit Claims — what to prepare to apply
- Family Budgeting With Child Benefits — planning your monthly finances
Payment dates are based on CRA official guidance, verified April 2026. Dates may vary in subsequent years and due to statutory holidays. Always confirm current dates at canada.ca before planning around specific payment dates.