Canada Child Benefit Overview
The Canada Child Benefit (CCB) is a tax‑free monthly payment from the Canada Revenue Agency designed to help families with the cost of raising children under 18. Each July the CRA recalculates the benefit based on the adjusted family net income from the previous year. For the 2026–2027 benefit year the calculation uses 2025 income.
In July 2026 the CCB was increased by 2% to reflect inflation, as measured by the Consumer Price Index.
CCB Payment Dates for 2026
Payments are normally issued on the 20th of each month, moving to the preceding business day when the 20th falls on a weekend or statutory holiday. The 2026 schedule is:
January 20, 2026; February 20, 2026; March 20, 2026; April 20, 2026; May 20, 2026; June 19, 2026; July 20, 2026; August 20, 2026; September 18, 2026; October 20, 2026; November 20, 2026; December 11, 2026.
If a payment does not arrive on the scheduled date, wait five business days before contacting the CRA for assistance. Eligible families who were not registered may still request retroactive payments for up to 10 years.
What Is the Canada Child Benefit?
The CCB is a non‑taxable monthly benefit intended to support low‑ and middle‑income families with child‑rearing expenses. It was introduced in 2016 and has been indexed to inflation since 2018. The benefit may include the Child Disability Benefit, and some provinces and territories offer additional programs such as the Ontario Child Benefit.
As noted by Jason Heath, a Certified Financial Planner, the CCB helps cover the costs of raising a family, is tax‑free, and does not need to be reported on a tax return.
How Much Can You Receive?
For the period July 2026 to June 2027 the maximum annual benefit is $8,157 per child under six years old, which equals $679.75 per month. For children aged six to seventeen the maximum annual benefit is $6,883, or $573.58 per month.
The actual amount you receive depends on several factors: the number of eligible children in your care, the children’s ages (those under six receive a young‑child supplement), your adjusted family net income, and whether any child qualifies for the disability tax credit. For the 2026‑2027 benefit year each child eligible for the disability tax credit can add up to $3,480 annually, or $290 per month.
If your adjusted family net income for 2025 was below $38,237 you receive the maximum amount for each child. Above that threshold the benefit gradually decreases with higher income. In shared‑custody situations each parent receives 50 % of the amount they would get with full custody, based on their own adjusted family net income.
Who Is Eligible to Apply?
To qualify for the CCB you must live with and be primarily responsible for the care and upbringing of at least one child under 18. You must also be a resident of Canada for tax purposes. Additionally, you or your spouse or common‑law partner must be one of the following:
A Canadian citizen, a permanent resident, a protected person, a temporary resident who has lived in Canada for the previous 18 months and holds a valid permit in the 19th month that does not state “does not confer status,” or an individual who is registered or entitled to be registered under the Indian Act.
Recent Changes to the CCB
In January 2025 a significant change was made: previously, if a child died the CCB would stop the following month. As of that date, the CCB (and the associated Child Disability Benefit) continues for six months after a child’s death, provided the recipient still qualifies. This extension is intended to help families cover funeral costs and other expenses during a difficult period.
The article notes that it was originally published in January 2026 and has since been updated to reflect this change.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do if I do not receive my payment on the expected date? Wait five business days before contacting the CRA. If you were eligible but never registered, you can request retroactive payments for up to 10 years.
How is the benefit amount calculated? It is based on the number of children, their ages, your adjusted family net income from the prior year, and any disability tax credit eligibility.
Is the CCB taxable? No, the Canada Child Benefit is a tax‑free payment and does not need to be reported on your income tax return.
