Canada Child Benefit (CCB)

FederalFamilyChecked November 2, 2026

The Canada Child Benefit is a tax-free monthly payment to help families with the cost of raising children under 18. The amount depends on your family income and how many children you have.

How much

For July 2026–June 2027: up to $8,157 per year ($679.75/month) for each child under 6, and up to $6,883 per year ($573.58/month) for each child aged 6–17. Full amounts go to families with adjusted family net income under $38,237; above that the benefit is reduced on a sliding scale up to $82,847 and then more slowly, with steeper reductions for more children. Shared-custody parents each get half, based on their own income.

When it's paid

Paid monthly by the CRA, by direct deposit or cheque. Amounts are recalculated every July using the previous year's tax returns.

Next payment date

November 20, 2026 · All payment dates

Estimate your CCB

Who qualifies

You live with a child under 18
You are mainly responsible for the child's care and upbringing
You are a resident of Canada for tax purposes
You or your spouse/partner is a citizen, permanent resident, protected person or meets certain temporary-resident or Indigenous status rules
You and your spouse/partner file tax returns every year
If two partners live with the child, the CRA presumes the female parent is primarily responsible, unless she signs a letter naming the other parent
If you share custody, the amount depends on the time the child lives with you: the full amount above 60%, half at 40% to 60%, and no CCB below 40%

How to apply

Apply when your child is born using the birth registration form in your province, or
Apply through CRA My Account (Apply for child benefits), or
Mail Form RC66 to the CRA
File your tax return (and your partner's) every year to keep payments going

What to have ready

Social Insurance Number
Child's birth date and name
Proof of birth or citizenship/immigration status if requested
Direct deposit banking details
Spouse/partner's income information

Add to a printable checklist with other benefits

Common mistakes to avoid

Not filing a tax return because you had little or no income
Not telling the CRA about a change in marital status or custody
Not telling the CRA about a change of address, or when a child turns 18 or leaves your care
Not applying for a newborn when the provincial birth form was skipped

Still being confirmed: Application channels (RC66, birth registration) are from prior CRA guidance and were not re-opened in this check. Check the official page for the latest details.

Official sources

Last checked against these pages on November 2, 2026.

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BenefitCanada is independent and not affiliated with any government. This guide summarizes official sources in plain language; rules and amounts change, so always confirm on the official page before applying.