Canada Child Benefit: 2026–27 amounts and how families qualify
The Canada Child Benefit is a tax-free monthly payment for eligible families with children under 18. Payments from July 2026 are based on 2025 adjusted family net income.
Key facts before you decide
- Maximum July 2026–June 2027 amounts are C$8,157 a year for a child under 6 and C$6,883 for a child aged 6–17.
- Maximum payments apply when adjusted family net income is below C$38,237; amounts reduce above that threshold.
- Both spouses or partners must file annual tax returns, even when one has no income.
- Applications can be made through birth registration, CRA My Account or Form RC66.
Rules, amounts and dates can change. Confirm your situation through the official links before submitting documents.
What the Canada Child Benefit does
The Canada Child Benefit (CCB) is a tax-free monthly payment administered by the Canada Revenue Agency. It helps eligible parents and caregivers with the cost of raising children under 18. It is not a loan and does not have to be reported as taxable income.
The benefit is income-tested rather than limited to households with no earnings. Families can receive a partial payment as income rises. Provincial and territorial child benefits may be delivered with the CCB, but their rules and amounts are separate.
Maximum amounts from July 2026
For the July 2026 to June 2027 payment period, the maximum is C$8,157 per year, or C$679.75 per month, for each eligible child under age 6. For each child aged 6 to 17, the maximum is C$6,883 per year, or C$573.58 per month.
A child’s age changes the rate in the month after the birthday rules are applied. Payments stop when the child turns 18. The CRA recalculates the family’s amount every July using the previous year’s adjusted family net income.
How income changes the payment
Families with 2025 adjusted family net income below C$38,237 receive the maximum amount for each eligible child. Above that level, the payment is reduced. A second threshold at C$82,847 changes the reduction formula, and the percentages depend on the number of eligible children.
Adjusted family net income generally combines the net incomes of the applicant and spouse or common-law partner, with specific adjustments. A change during 2026 normally affects payments starting in July 2027, while relationship, custody or residence changes can affect payments sooner.
Who can qualify
The applicant must live with a child under 18, be primarily responsible for the child’s care and upbringing, and be a resident of Canada for tax purposes. The applicant or spouse must also meet an eligible citizenship or immigration status, such as Canadian citizenship, permanent residence or another status listed by the CRA.
When parents share custody, each may receive 50% of the amount they would have received with full custody, based on their own family income and circumstances. The CRA may ask for proof of where the child lives and how care is divided.
Ways to apply
For a newborn, many provinces and territories let parents apply through the Automated Benefits Application when registering the birth. Families can also use “Apply for child benefits” in CRA My Account or submit Form RC66. Newcomers may need an additional schedule giving status and income information.
Applying more than once can delay processing. Before submitting a second application, check the status in CRA My Account or contact the CRA. Proof of birth, immigration documents and custody evidence may be requested depending on the case.
Tax filing is required every year
Both the recipient and any spouse or common-law partner must file an income tax return every year, even when there is no income to report. The CRA uses those returns to recalculate the benefit. Missing returns can stop payments until the information is received and assessed.
A family should also keep marital status, address, direct deposit and custody information current. Delayed updates can lead to overpayments that must be repaid or missed payments that take time to restore.
When payments arrive
CCB is normally paid monthly. The CRA publishes annual payment dates and may combine small annual entitlements into a single payment. The first payment follows approval and can include retroactive amounts where the rules allow.
The Notice of Determination explains the calculation. If the number of children, income year or custody arrangement appears wrong, use the review and objection routes described by the CRA rather than relying on an informal calculator.
Documents and records to keep
- Proof of birth for each child when requested.
- Immigration or residency documents for newcomers.
- Custody agreements or school and medical records if care is reviewed.
- Annual tax returns for both partners.
- CRA notices and records of reported changes.
Grantalia cannot calculate an official entitlement or change a CRA decision.
This guide was checked against the responsible agency’s pages. Use these links to verify the process and any later updates.
Check the Canada Child BenefitReview 2026–27 maximum amounts
Read how to apply