The Canada Child Benefit is the largest tax-free benefit most Canadian families receive. For the 2025–2026 benefit year (July 2025 through June 2026), the CRA pays up to $7,787 per child under 6 and $6,570 per child aged 6–17. Here's everything you need to know about when payments land and how much you'll get.

2026 CCB Payment Dates

CCB is paid monthly, usually on the 20th. When the 20th falls on a weekend or statutory holiday, payment arrives on the last business day before.

Direct deposit usually arrives the morning of the payment date. Cheques by mail can take 5–10 business days after. If you're still receiving cheques, switch to direct deposit through My CRA Account — it's faster and more reliable.

Maximum CCB Amounts (2025–2026 Benefit Year)

Use our CCB calculator to get your exact monthly amount based on your family income and number of children.

Income Clawback: How Your CCB Gets Reduced

The full CCB amount is available to families with an adjusted family net income (AFNI) of $36,502 or less. Above that, the benefit is reduced in two tiers:

• $36,502 to $79,087: Reduced by 7% of the amount over $36,502 for one child, 13.5% for two, 19% for three, 23% for four or more
• Over $79,087: Further reduced by 3.2% of the amount over $79,087 for one child, 5.7% for two, 8% for three, 9.4% for four or more

Real Examples

These are approximate — the exact amount depends on whether children are under or over 6 and whether you have children with disabilities (which adds the child disability benefit). Run your exact scenario in our CCB calculator.

Eligibility Requirements

To receive the CCB, you must:

• Live with the child and be primarily responsible for their care
• Be a Canadian resident for tax purposes
• Be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, protected person, or temporary resident who has lived in Canada for the previous 18 months
• File your tax return every year (both spouses/common-law partners must file)

Newcomers: If you recently arrived in Canada, you can apply for CCB as soon as you meet the residency requirements. See our newcomer checklist for the full landing process, and check all benefits you may qualify for with our benefits finder.

July 2026: The New Benefit Year

Every July, the CRA recalculates your CCB based on your previous year's tax return. The July 2026 payment will be based on your 2025 tax return (which is due April 30, 2026). If your income changed significantly — up or down — expect a corresponding change in your benefit starting July.

This is one more reason to file your taxes on time. Late filing doesn't just mean penalties — it can delay your CCB payments entirely until your return is processed.

Related Dates

Check our CCB payment dates tool for a quick reference, and see the GST/HST credit payment dates for another quarterly benefit you may be receiving.