Last Updated On 21 December 2025, 9:40 AM EST (Toronto Time)
The Canada Child Benefit is set to increase again in 2026, delivering higher tax-free monthly payments to millions of families across Canada.
The increase reflects the federal government’s annual inflation indexation for income-tested benefits, ensuring that support keeps pace with rising living costs.
With housing affordability stretched, grocery prices still elevated, and childcare expenses continuing to pressure household budgets, the 2026 Canada Child Benefit increase arrives at a crucial time.
Higher base benefit amounts, expanded income thresholds, and adjusted phase-out levels will collectively boost financial support for families raising children.
The CCB payments will be automatically adjusted for families who have filed their taxes on time.
Table of Contents
What is the Canada Child Benefit?
The Canada Child Benefit (CCB) is a tax-free monthly payment designed to help eligible families with the cost of raising children under the age of eighteen.
It is administered by the Canada Revenue Agency and is one of the largest and most impactful social benefit programs in Canada.
The amount a family receives depends on several factors, including household income, the number of children, and the age of each child.
Families with lower and middle incomes receive the highest payments, while higher-income households receive reduced amounts through a structured phase-out system.
Unlike taxable benefits or deductions, the CCB is paid directly to families without being included as taxable income, making it more effective as a cost-of-living support measure.
Who is eligible for the Canada Child Benefit in 2026?
To qualify for the CCB, you must:
- Live with a child under age 18
- Be primarily responsible for the care and upbringing of the child
- Be a resident of Canada for tax purposes
- Meet immigration or residency status requirements
Eligibility is reassessed every year based on tax filings.
CCB eligibility for new permanent residents
New permanent residents can apply for the Canada Child Benefit as soon as they land in Canada.
There is no waiting period once permanent resident status is granted.
Families can apply immediately after arrival, provided they meet residency and caregiving requirements.
For many newly landed families, the CCB becomes a critical source of financial support during settlement, especially while securing employment and arranging childcare.
CCB eligibility for temporary residents
Temporary residents can also qualify for the CCB, but stricter conditions apply.
To be considered an eligible temporary resident, both of the following conditions must be met:
- You lived in Canada for the previous 18 months
- You have a valid permit in the 19th month that does not state “does not confer status” or “does not confer temporary resident status.”
Temporary residents who meet these criteria and are primarily responsible for a child under eighteen may qualify for the Canada Child Benefit.
Failure to meet either condition will result in ineligibility until requirements are satisfied.
New CCB Payment Dates 2026
Below are all the confirmed CCB payment dates in 2026:
- 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
When does the Canada Child Benefit increase in 2026?
Increases to the Canada Child Benefit take effect on July 1, not January 1.
This is because the CCB operates on a benefit-year cycle that runs from July to June.
For the 2026 benefit year:
- New payment amounts begin in July 2026
- Payments continue through June 2027
- Eligibility and payment calculations are based on the previous year’s tax return
Families already receiving the CCB do not need to reapply. Updated amounts will be calculated automatically once tax assessments are completed.
CCB amounts for 2026
The table below shows how the maximum annual Canada Child Benefit amounts have increased over time due to inflation indexation.
Maximum annual CCB amounts
| Description | 2026 | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CCB base benefit for child under age 6 | $8,157 | $7,997 | $7,787 | $7,437 |
| CCB base benefit for child aged 6 to 17 | $6,883 | $6,748 | $6,570 | $6,275 |
These increases translate into higher monthly payments starting July 2026.
Monthly Canada Child Benefit payments in 2026
Although the CCB is expressed as an annual amount, families receive payments monthly.
| Child age | Annual maximum | Monthly amount |
|---|---|---|
| Under age 6 | $8,157 | ~$679 |
| Age 6 to 17 | $6,883 | ~$573 |
Actual monthly payments may be lower depending on adjusted family net income.
New CCB Income thresholds and phase-out structure for 2026
The Canada Child Benefit is income-tested, meaning payments are reduced as family income rises.
In 2026, both phase-out thresholds increase, helping protect families from benefit erosion due to inflation-driven income growth.
CCB income thresholds
| Threshold type | 2026 | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Adjusted family net income where phase-out begins | $38,237 | $37,487 | $36,502 | $34,863 |
| Second phase-out threshold | $82,847 | $81,222 | $79,087 | $75,537 |
Families earning below the first threshold may receive the full benefit.
CCB phase-out amounts by family size
The base phase-out amounts also increase in 2026, preserving benefit value for larger families.
| Number of eligible children | 2026 | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| One child | $3,123 | $3,061 | $2,981 | $2,847 |
| Two children | $6,022 | $5,904 | $5,749 | $5,491 |
| Three children | $8,476 | $8,310 | $8,091 | $7,728 |
| Four or more children | $10,260 | $10,059 | $9,795 | $9,355 |
Definition of adjusted family net income
Adjusted family net income plays a central role in determining how much Canada Child Benefit a family receives.
Your adjusted family net income is:
- Your family net income, which is line 23600 of your tax return, plus line 23600 of your spouse’s or common-law partner’s tax return, if applicable
- Minus any Universal Child Care Benefit and registered disability savings plan income received, reported on line 11700 and line 12500 of your or your spouse’s tax return, if applicable
- Plus any Universal Child Care Benefit and registered disability savings plan amounts repaid, reported on line 21300 and line 23200 of your or your spouse’s tax return, if applicable
AFNI determines both eligibility and the rate at which benefits are reduced as income increases.
Both parents or guardians must file their tax returns every year, even if income is low or zero. Failure to file can result in delayed or suspended payments.
Late tax filing is one of the most common reasons families miss out on Canada Child Benefit increases.
The 2026 increase strengthens the Canada Child Benefit’s role as a cost-of-living stabilizer.
Higher base amounts, expanded income thresholds, and gradual phase-outs ensure continued support across a wide range of family incomes.
Because payments are tax-free and predictable, the CCB remains one of the most effective tools for reducing child poverty and supporting family financial security.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How to estimate your Canada Child Benefit payment?
The Canada Revenue Agency provides an official online tool called the Child and family benefits calculator that allows parents to estimate their monthly and annual payments in advance.
The calculator uses the same income-testing rules applied to actual benefit payments, including adjusted family net income, marital status, number of children, and each child’s age. While estimates are not legally binding, they provide a highly accurate preview of expected benefit amounts.
Can the Canada Child Benefit be backdated if you forgot to apply earlier?
Yes, the CCB can generally be backdated for up to ten years, as long as eligibility conditions were met during those years and required documents are provided. This is especially relevant for newcomers, new parents, or families who were unaware they qualified. Backdated payments are issued as a lump sum once approved.
Does shared custody affect how the Canada Child Benefit is paid?
Yes, in shared custody arrangements, where a child lives with each parent at least forty percent of the time, the CRA typically splits the Canada Child Benefit evenly between both parents. Each parent receives fifty percent of the amount they would have received if they had full custody, based on their individual adjusted family net income.
Is the Canada Child Benefit affected by parental leave or maternity benefits?
Employment Insurance maternity and parental benefits count as taxable income and are included in adjusted family net income. This means they can slightly reduce future Canada Child Benefit amounts. However, because parental benefits are usually lower than regular employment income, many families still see higher CCB payments in the following benefit year.
What happens to the Canada Child Benefit when a child turns 18?
CCB payments stop the month after a child turns 18. There is no partial payment for that year beyond the eligibility cutoff. Families should plan for the reduction in household income and may want to explore other supports such as education-related tax credits or provincial youth benefits, depending on circumstances.
Does my child's income change when they turn 18?
When your child turns 18, their eligibility for the Canada Child Benefit (CCB) typically ends, as this benefit is intended for families with children under 18. If your child continues to live with you and is enrolled in school, they may qualify for other forms of financial assistance, but not through the CCB. For more information on available benefits, visit the Canada Child Benefit page.
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