The Canada Child Benefit (CCB) is a tax-free monthly payment from the federal government designed to help families with children under 18 manage the cost of raising kids. The amount a family receives depends on the number of eligible children, each child’s age, and the family’s Adjusted Family Net Income (AFNI) from the previous tax year. Additional support is available for families with a child who qualifies for the Child Disability Benefit (CDB).
Along with federal payments, some provinces and territories also offer their own child-benefit top-ups, increasing overall support for eligible families.
What’s New in 2026 — Increased Benefit Rates
For the 2026–27 benefit year, the federal government has increased CCB rates to match inflation:
- Children under 6: Up to US$ 8,157 annually (about US$ 679.75 per month)
- Children aged 6–17: Up to US$ 6,883 annually (around US$ 573.58 per month)
Families do not need to reapply. As long as they file their taxes on time, the updated amounts will be applied automatically.
Disability Benefit Update
The Child Disability Benefit (CDB) has also increased. For 2026, eligible families can receive up to US$ 3,480 annually, or approximately US$ 290 per month, per qualifying child.
Who Qualifies — Income Thresholds & Phase-Outs
Eligibility and the amount paid depend heavily on family income. For 2026:
- Families earning up to US$ 38,237 qualify for the full benefit.
- Those earning between US$ 38,237 and US$ 82,847 will see a gradual phase-out.
- Families above this threshold may still receive a reduced amount.
Lower-income families benefit the most, while higher-income households receive smaller payments.
Payment Schedule for 2026
CCB payments are typically issued on the 20th of each month. If this date is a weekend or federal holiday, payments arrive on the last business day before the 20th.
2026 CCB dates:
- Jan 20, 2026
- Feb 20, 2026
- Mar 20, 2026
- Apr 20, 2026
- May 20, 2026
- Jun 19, 2026
- Jul 20, 2026 — first payment with the new 2026 rates
- Aug 20, 2026
- Sep 18, 2026
- Oct 20, 2026
- Nov 20, 2026
- Dec 11, 2026
Parents don’t need to reapply—just ensure taxes are filed on time.
Why the 2026 Increase Matters
Although the 2026 increase is modest at 2%, it provides meaningful relief for families facing rising food prices, childcare costs, and overall inflation. For instance, a family with two children under six could receive an additional $320 per year, helping to offset essential expenses. Families with children with disabilities benefit even more due to the increased CDB.
Overall, these changes ensure that CCB and CDB payments continue supporting families in a challenging economic environment.
Seniors across Canada should stay informed as CPP and OAS Updates Start on 1 December 2025 — Key Information for Seniors, introducing revised payment amounts, eligibility adjustments, and indexing changes to match rising living costs. These updates aim to provide better financial stability for retirees, ensuring benefits reflect current economic conditions. Understanding these changes helps seniors plan monthly budgets, anticipate increased deposits, and stay prepared for any new rules affecting their retirement income.
Conclusion
The 2026 updates to the Canada Child Benefit deliver a valuable boost to Canadian families. With increased payment rates, adjusted income thresholds, and a clear monthly schedule, the revised CCB and CDB help ease financial pressures—especially for families with modest incomes or children with disabilities. Staying tax-compliant ensures parents receive the full benefits they’re entitled to under the new rates.
FAQs
Q: Do I need to reapply to receive the 2026 increased CCB amounts?
No. If you already receive CCB and file your taxes on time, the new rates are applied automatically.
Q: Will a higher income in 2025 reduce my CCB amount?
Yes. Benefits decrease gradually as AFNI rises, depending on income level and number of children.
Q: When will the new 2026 rates appear in my payments?
The first updated payment will be issued on July 20, 2026.