The Canada Child Benefit (CCB) is a tax-free monthly payment to eligible Canadian families to help with the cost of raising children under 18. For July 2026 to June 2027, the maximum annual CCB is $8,157 per child under 6 ($679.75/month) and $6,883 per child aged 6–17 ($573.58/month). The benefit is reduced as family income rises. The CCB replaced the former Universal Child Care Benefit (UCCB) and Canada Child Tax Benefit (CCTB) in 2016.
Quick answer: The CCB is automatically paid monthly based on your previous year’s tax return. File every year, even with zero income, to keep receiving it. The amount adjusts each July based on inflation. Families with children under 6 receive the highest amounts.
CCB Amounts 2026–2027
| Child’s Age | Maximum Annual CCB | Maximum Monthly CCB |
|---|---|---|
| Under 6 | $8,157 | $679.75 |
| 6 to 17 | $6,883 | $573.58 |
Amounts are recalculated every July. These are the CRA’s July 2026 to June 2027 figures.
How Income Affects the CCB
The CCB reduces as your adjusted family net income (AFNI) rises above $38,237. The reduction depends on the number of children:
| Children | AFNI $38,237 – $82,847 | AFNI over $82,847 |
|---|---|---|
| One | 7% of income over $38,237 | $3,123 + 3.2% of income over $82,847 |
| Two | 13.5% of income over $38,237 | $6,022 + 5.7% of income over $82,847 |
| Three | 19% of income over $38,237 | $8,476 + 8% of income over $82,847 |
| Four or more | 23% of income over $38,237 | $10,260 + 9.5% of income over $82,847 |
Worked example — family with 2 children (one under 6, one aged 8), AFNI $100,000:
- Full CCB for 2 children: $8,157 + $6,883 = $15,040/year
- Reduction: $6,022 + 5.7% × ($100,000 − $82,847) = $6,999.72
- CCB: $15,040 − $6,999.72 = $8,040.28/year (about $670.02/month)
Use the CRA’s Child and Family Benefits Calculator for an exact estimate based on your income and family situation.
Canada Child Benefit Payment Dates 2026
| Month | Payment Date |
|---|---|
| January 2026 | January 20 |
| February 2026 | February 20 |
| March 2026 | March 20 |
| April 2026 | April 20 |
| May 2026 | May 20 |
| June 2026 | June 19 |
| July 2026 | July 20 (new benefit year) |
| August 2026 | August 20 |
| September 2026 | September 18 |
| October 2026 | October 20 |
| November 2026 | November 20 |
| December 2026 | December 11 |
The July payment begins the new benefit year, reflecting your 2025 income (from your 2025 T1 return). Your CCB amount may change significantly in July if your income changed materially.
Who Is Eligible for the CCB?
To receive the CCB, you must:
- Live with a child under 18 and be primarily responsible for their care and upbringing
- Be a Canadian resident for tax purposes
- Be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, protected person, or a temporary resident who has lived in Canada for the previous 18 months
- File your T1 income tax return every year (both parents must file if living together)
Custody situations: If parents share custody 50/50, each parent may receive 50% of the CCB. If one parent has primary custody (more than 50% of the time), that parent receives the full CCB. Custody arrangements must be confirmed with the CRA.
How to Apply for the CCB
Automatic registration (most newborns): When you register a birth with your province or territory, most provinces share that information with the CRA to automatically enrol you in the CCB. You should receive a letter from the CRA within 8 weeks of registering.
Manual application: Use Form RC66 (Canada Child Benefits Application). Attach:
- Proof of citizenship or status (for parents and child)
- Proof of birth (for child)
- Custody arrangements (if applicable)
Newcomers to Canada: Apply using Form RC66 along with Form RC66SCH (Status in Canada / Statement of Income).
CCB and Other Child Benefits
The CCB is paid alongside several supplemental benefits:
| Benefit | Who Receives It |
|---|---|
| Child Disability Benefit (CDB) | Families with a DTC-approved child; up to $3,322/year extra |
| Ontario Trillium Benefit (OTB) | Ontario residents — includes child amounts |
| GST/HST Credit | Includes a per-child amount |
| Province-specific top-ups | BC Family Benefit, Alberta Child and Family Benefit, etc. |
Impact of RRSP Contributions on the CCB
Because the CCB is income-tested, RRSP contributions that reduce your net income can increase your CCB entitlement. This creates a compounding benefit: contributing to an RRSP simultaneously reduces your tax bill AND increases your monthly CCB.
Example: A family with two children earning $85,000 AFNI contributes $10,000 to RRSPs, reducing AFNI to $75,000. This not only saves ~$2,700 in income tax but may also increase the CCB by $500–$800/year due to the lower income threshold.
What Happens If You Were Overpaid?
If the CRA determines you received more CCB than entitled (due to a change in income, custody, or residency), you will receive a notice of determination showing the amount to be repaid. The CRA will typically reduce future CCB payments or apply the overpayment against your next tax return.
Always update the CRA promptly if your custody situation, income, or residency status changes.
Related Canadian Benefits and Family Finance Resources
- GST/HST Credit 2026 — quarterly benefit; includes per-child amounts
- Canada Workers Benefit 2026 — working income credit for low-income families
- Ontario Trillium Benefit 2026 — Ontario energy and tax credits
- Disability Tax Credit (DTC) — opens access to Child Disability Benefit
- RRSP Contribution Limits 2026 — reduce income to maximise CCB
- CA Personal Finance Hub — income, budgeting, and benefits guides for Canada
The Canada Child Benefit is one of Canada’s most significant social programs — a family with two young children and modest income can receive over $14,000 per year in tax-free monthly payments. Filing your tax return every year is the only requirement to keep the payments flowing.
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