The Canada Child Benefit 2026 provides tax-free monthly payments to eligible families with children under 18. Administered by the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA), the benefit is designed to help families manage the everyday costs of raising children.
For the July 2026 to June 2027 benefit year, CCB maximum amounts have increased. How much your family receives depends mainly on your adjusted family net income (AFNI), the number of eligible children in your household, and their ages.
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Canada Child Benefit 2026 Maximum Amounts
For the July 2026 to June 2027 payment period, families with an adjusted family net income below $38,237 may receive the maximum CCB amount.
| Child’s Age | Maximum Annual Amount | Maximum Monthly Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Under age 6 | $8,157 | $679.75 |
| Age 6 to 17 | $6,883 | $573.58 |
These maximum amounts apply to each eligible child. Payments gradually decrease when adjusted family net income exceeds $38,237.
For example, a family with one child under age six and an AFNI of $45,000 would receive approximately $640.29 per month for the July 2026 to June 2027 period, based on the CRA’s example calculation.
How Is the Canada Child Benefit Calculated?
Your Canada Child Benefit 2026 amount is based on your adjusted family net income from the previous tax year.
For payments from July 2026 through June 2027, the CRA uses your family’s 2025 adjusted family net income. The amount also depends on the number of eligible children and their ages.
If your AFNI is below $38,237, the maximum amount is available. Above that threshold, the benefit is gradually reduced. The reduction rate varies depending on family income and the number of eligible children.
This is one reason filing your income tax return every year is important, even if you had little or no income.
Who Is Eligible for the Canada Child Benefit?
To qualify for the CCB, you must live with a child under age 18 and be primarily responsible for the child’s care and upbringing. Other CRA eligibility requirements also apply.
Your payment amount is then determined using your family income and the number and ages of eligible children.
Shared custody can affect how payments are handled. When a child lives with each parent between approximately 40% and 60% of the time, the CRA generally considers both parents to have shared custody for CCB purposes, and both should apply.
Canada Child Benefit 2026 Payment Dates
CCB payments are generally issued monthly.
For a complete list of CRA benefit payment dates 2026, including CCB and other federal benefits, see our full payment schedule.
What Happens When Your Child Turns 6 or 18?
A child’s age can change the amount of CCB your family receives.
If a child turns six during the benefit year, the family receives the under-six rate through the month in which the child turns six. The lower rate for children aged 6 to 17 applies beginning the following month.
When a child turns 18, CCB eligibility for that child ends. For example, the CRA states that a child turning 18 in December 2026 would receive their final CCB payment for December.
How to Apply for the Canada Child Benefit 2026
You should apply for the CCB when a child is born, begins living with you, returns to your care, or when you begin or change a shared custody arrangement.
Depending on your circumstances, you may be able to apply through your CRA account. Some applicants, including certain newcomers or returning residents, may need to submit additional forms and information.
You do not need to submit separate applications for many related provincial or territorial programs. The CRA determines eligibility for those programs when processing your CCB application.
What If Your Income or Family Situation Changes?
Your CCB payment can change when your family circumstances change.
Changes involving marital status, custody arrangements or who is primarily responsible for a child should be reported to the CRA when required. Shared custody changes are particularly important because they can affect which parent receives payments and how the benefit is calculated.
Keeping your information current helps the CRA calculate the correct payment and can reduce the risk of overpayments or missed benefits.
Canada Child Benefit 2026 FAQ
Is the Canada Child Benefit taxable?
No. The CCB is a tax-free monthly benefit, so eligible families do not include CCB payments as taxable income.
What is the maximum Canada Child Benefit in 2026?
For July 2026 through June 2027, the maximum is $8,157 per year ($679.75 per month) for each eligible child under six and $6,883 per year ($573.58 per month) for each eligible child aged 6 to 17.
What income year is used for 2026 CCB payments?
Payments from July 2026 through June 2027 are calculated using your family’s 2025 adjusted family net income.
Does every family receive the maximum CCB?
No. Families with AFNI below $38,237 can receive the maximum amount. Above that level, payments are gradually reduced according to income and the number of eligible children.
Do I need to apply every year?
You generally don’t submit a brand-new CCB application every year, but you and your spouse or common-law partner, if applicable, need to file tax returns each year to keep receiving the correct benefits. Changes in family circumstances should also be reported to the CRA.
Bottom Line
The Canada Child Benefit 2026 can provide significant tax-free support for families raising children. For the July 2026 to June 2027 benefit year, maximum payments reach $8,157 annually for children under six and $6,883 for children aged 6 to 17.
Because payments depend on family income and circumstances, families should keep their CRA information up to date and file their tax returns each year.