Canada Child Benefit (CCB)

FederalFamilyChecked October 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; payments shrink gradually above that, 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.

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

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

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 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 October 2, 2026.

Child Disability Benefit (CDB)The Child Disability Benefit is extra tax-free money added to the Canada Child Benefit for a child with a disability.…
Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit (formerly GST/HST credit)The Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit is a tax-free quarterly payment for people with low and modest incomes. It…
Canada Learning Bond (CLB)The Canada Learning Bond puts free money into an RESP for children from low-income families. You do not have to…
Canada Education Savings Grant (CESG)The government adds money to a child's RESP when you save for their education after high school. Lower-income families…
Having a babyLife-event checklist
Losing your jobLife-event checklist
Living with a disabilityLife-event checklist
After a deathLife-event checklist

Which of these could you get?

Answer a few anonymous questions and our AI checks federal, provincial and local programs for your household — with estimated amounts and how to apply. No name, SIN or address needed.

Start my free preview

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.