The Canada Child Benefit (CCB) is a tax-free monthly payment from the CRA for families with children under 18. In 2026, eligible families can receive up to $7,786.92 per year per child under 6, and up to $6,570 per year per child aged 6–17. Here's everything you need to know.
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This page is written and maintained by Easy Finance Tools, checked against official Canadian sources where applicable, and not reviewed by a licensed financial advisor unless a reviewer is explicitly named.
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Checked against official Canadian sources where applicable
Last updated: April 2, 2026
Last verified for 2026: official rule pages and source links checked where they apply.
Primary sources used
What was checked
- - CCB amount and eligibility caveats
- - Payment-date context
- - Income and tax-planning links
- - Educational disclaimer
Known limitations
- - CRA My Account is the official source for a family's actual benefit amount.
- - This guide does not calculate every custody, disability, newcomer, or shared-care situation.
2026 CCB Payment Amounts
CCB amounts are based on your family's adjusted family net income (AFNI) and the age of your children. Here are the maximum annual and monthly amounts for 2026:
| Child Age | Max Annual Amount | Max Monthly Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Under 6 years old | $7,786.92 | $648.91 |
| 6 to 17 years old | $6,570.00 | $547.50 |
📌 Important: CCB Reduces with Income
The maximum amounts above apply to families with adjusted family net income under $36,502. Above this threshold, the CCB is gradually reduced. However, many middle-income families still receive a significant partial benefit — it's worth calculating your specific amount on the CRA website.
How CCB Phases Out by Income
The CCB reduction rate depends on how many children you have and your family income:
| Number of Children | Reduction Rate (Income $36,502–$79,087) | Reduction Rate (Income $79,087+) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 child | 7% | 3.2% |
| 2 children | 13.5% | 5.7% |
| 3 children | 19% | 8% |
| 4+ children | 23% | 9.5% |
2026 CCB Payment Dates
The CRA pays the CCB on or around the 20th of each month. Here are all 12 payment dates for 2026:
January
20, 2026
February
20, 2026
March
20, 2026
April
17, 2026
May
20, 2026
June
20, 2026
July
20, 2026
August
20, 2026
September
19, 2026
October
20, 2026
November
20, 2026
December
12, 2026
CCB payments are usually direct deposited the same day. If you don't have direct deposit set up, cheques may take a few extra business days to arrive.
Who Is Eligible for the CCB?
To receive the Canada Child Benefit, you must:
- Live with a child under 18 who is in your care
- Be a Canadian resident for tax purposes
- Be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, protected person, or hold certain temporary resident status
- File your tax return each year (both spouses/common-law partners must file)
How to Apply for the CCB
There are three ways to apply:
- At the hospital — when your child is born, you can register through the Automated Benefits Application (ABA). Most hospitals in Canada participate.
- Through CRA My Account — log in to your CRA account and apply online within the "Apply for child benefits" section
- By mail — complete Form RC66 (Canada Child Benefits Application) and mail it to the CRA
✅ Set Up Direct Deposit
Register for direct deposit through your CRA My Account or your online banking's "Direct Deposit" feature. You'll receive your CCB payment the morning of the payment date, with no waiting for a cheque.
How to Maximize Your CCB
Since the CCB is based on your previous year's adjusted family net income, reducing your net income can increase your benefit:
- Maximize RRSP contributions — RRSP contributions directly reduce your net income, which can increase your CCB significantly. A family at $80K with a $10K RRSP contribution reduces net income to $70K, potentially worth thousands more in CCB.
- FHSA contributions — also deduct from net income
- Childcare expense deductions — daycare, summer camps, and babysitting costs are deductible. Claim them on the lower-income spouse's return.
- Moving expenses — if you moved for work, deductible moving expenses reduce net income
- Union dues and professional fees — these reduce net income
- File on time — late tax returns delay your CCB payments
CCB and the Disability Tax Credit
If your child has a severe and prolonged disability and is approved for the Disability Tax Credit (DTC), you also receive the Child Disability Benefit (CDB). In 2026, the CDB adds up to $3,411/year ($284.25/month) on top of the regular CCB.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the CCB taxable?
No — the Canada Child Benefit is completely tax-free. You don't include it as income on your tax return.
Does the CCB affect my OAS or GIS?
No — the CCB is not considered income for OAS clawback or GIS eligibility purposes.
What happens when my child turns 18?
CCB payments stop the month after your child turns 18. You don't need to notify the CRA — they track this automatically.
What if I share custody?
For shared custody (at least 40% of the time with each parent), the CCB is split 50/50 between both parents, paid monthly to each.
Calculate Your Income Tax
See how RRSP contributions reduce your net income (and potentially increase your CCB):
Disclaimer: CCB amounts and dates are based on CRA information and may be subject to change. Always verify your specific benefit amounts through your CRA My Account. This article is for educational purposes only.