Amounts, eligibility, payment dates, and how to make sure you are getting every dollar you are entitled to
The Canada Child Benefit (CCB) is a tax-free monthly payment from the federal government to help families with the cost of raising children under 18. It is income-tested — families with lower net income receive more. This guide covers the 2025–2026 benefit year amounts, payment dates, and how to make sure your CCB is calculated correctly.
The CCB benefit year runs from July to June. The amounts for July 2025 – June 2026 are based on your 2024 net family income (from your 2024 tax return).
| Child's Age | Maximum Annual CCB | Maximum Monthly CCB |
|---|---|---|
| Under 6 years | $7,787 per child | $648.91 per child |
| 6 to 17 years | $6,570 per child | $547.50 per child |
Maximum amounts apply to families with net income below $36,502. Above this threshold, CCB gradually reduces based on your income and number of children.
CCB is paid on the 20th of each month, or the nearest business day. Remaining 2025–2026 payment dates:
| Month | Payment Date |
|---|---|
| June 2026 | June 20, 2026 |
| July 2026 (new benefit year) | July 19, 2026 |
Set up direct deposit through CRA My Account to receive your CCB directly in your bank account on payment day — no waiting for a cheque.
To receive the CCB you must meet all of the following:
If you share custody of a child equally (roughly 50/50), each parent receives 50% of the CCB they would otherwise be entitled to. CRA uses its own criteria to determine shared custody status — not just what is written in a custody agreement.
Your CCB depends on:
Once your income exceeds the first phase-out threshold ($36,502 for 2025–2026), CCB is reduced at a percentage rate that depends on how many children you have:
| Number of Children | Phase-out Rate (Income $36,502–$79,087) | Phase-out Rate (Income above $79,087) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 child | 7.0% | 3.2% |
| 2 children | 13.5% | 5.7% |
| 3 children | 19.0% | 8.0% |
| 4+ children | 23.0% | 9.5% |
For example: a family with one child under 6 and combined net income of $70,000 receives approximately $4,200/year ($350/month) in CCB.
The fastest way is to apply through the Automated Benefits Application when you register your child's birth with your province. This links directly to CRA — no separate application needed. Most provinces participate.
Log into CRA My Account, go to "Benefits and Credits" and select "Apply for child benefits." You will need your child's date of birth, SIN (if they have one), and your relationship to the child.
Complete Form RC66 (Canada Child Benefits Application) and mail it to your CRA tax centre. Processing takes 8–11 weeks.
Both partners must file their tax returns every year to receive CCB — even if one partner had zero income. Missing one return can cause CRA to pause or cancel your payments.
If your child qualifies for the Disability Tax Credit (DTC), you may also receive the Child Disability Benefit (CDB) on top of the regular CCB. For 2025–2026, the CDB maximum is $3,173 per year per eligible child. Apply for the DTC with Form T2201 certified by a medical practitioner.
Most families who receive CCB also receive the GST/HST Credit, which is paid quarterly (January, April, July, October). You do not need to apply — CRA calculates it automatically when you file your taxes. For 2025–2026, single adults receive up to $519/year; couples up to $680/year; plus $179 per child.
A Smart Canada Tax advisor can review your situation and ensure your benefits are optimized — CCB, OTB, disability credits, and more.
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