Canadian families who have children under 18 years old will get larger tax-free Canada Child Benefit payments in 2026. The highest amount families can receive is $7997 for each child under six years old & $6,748 for each child between six and 17 years old. These payments apply to the benefit period from July 2026to June 2026. The government increased these amounts to help parents pay for basic needs like food & childcare & clothing and housing. The goal is to support families and make sure children have what they need.
The Canada Child Benefit (CCB) is a federal, tax-free monthly payment managed by the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) to help eligible families cover the costs of raising children under the age of 18.
The benefit is income-tested, meaning families with lower or moderate incomes receive higher payaments, while amounts gradually decrease as a family’s adjusted family net income (AFNI) increases.
For the 2025–26 benefit year (July 2025 to June 2026), the CCB has been indexed upward. Eligible families can receive up to $7,997 per year for each child under six, and up to $6,748 annually for each child aged six to 17.
Payments are issued in 12 monthly instalments and are recalculated every July based on information from the previous year’s tax returns.
Updated CCB Maximum Payments for 2026
The most notable update for 2026 is the increase in maximum annual and monthly CCB amounts, reflecting inflation adjustments and policy changes aimed at strengthening child support.
Families eligible for the full Canada Child Benefit will see larger monthly deposits, particularly households with children under six.
For the July 2025 to June 2026 period, these figures represent the national maximum limits. The actual amount each family receives depends on factors such as family income, number of children, children’s ages, custody arrangements, and disability eligibility.
Lower-income families with multiple children may receive combined monthly payments totaling several thousand dollars.
Income Limits and Benefit Reductions in 2026
CCB payments begin to decline once a family’s adjusted family net income exceeds a specific threshold. In 2026, this threshold has been increased, allowing more families to retain a larger share of the benefit.
The first reduction point now starts at $37,487 of AFNI, meaning families near this income level receive more support than in previous years.
A second threshold at approximately $81,222 applies steeper reduction rates. Benefits continue to decrease as income rises and eventually phase out at higher income levels.
The reduction rate varies depending on the number of children, with larger families facing higher combined clawback percentages while maintaining a progressive structure.
Who Qualifies for the $7,997 CCB in 2026
To receive the maximum $7,997 CCB amount, applicants must meet all CRA eligibility requirements and remain below the income thresholds where reductions begin.
In general, an applicant may qualify if they:
– Are resident in Canada for tax purposes and live in the country for most of the year
– Live with a child under 18 and are primarily responsible for the child’s care and daily decisions
– File an annual income tax and benefit return, along with any spouse or common-law partner
Canadian citizens, permanent residents, protected persons, and certain temporary residents may qualify if all residency and caregiving conditions are met.
Newcomers may begin receiving CCB once they establish eligible status and file the required tax returns covering their time in Canada.
How the CRA Calculates Your 2026CCB
The CRA uses a base-year income system, meaning payments from July 2025 to June 2026 are calculated using 2024 tax return information.
If income or family circumstances change, adjustments are typically applied in the next July cycle or sooner if updates are reported promptly.
The calculation process includes:
– Determining adjusted family net income from the latest assessed tax returns
– Confirming the number of eligible children, their ages, and disability status
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– Applying the 2026 maximum amounts and reducing them once income exceeds $37,487 and $81,222
Because the CCB is non-taxable, the full amount deposited each month is available for household expenses.
Illustrative CCB Examples for 2026
The maximum amounts translate into different annual totals depending on family size and children’s ages.
These examples assume full eligibility with no income reduction and are for illustration only. Actual payments may be lower for middle- and higher-income families.
The higher income threshold in 2026 provides a noticeable increase for families near the lower-middle income range.
Applying for or Updating CCB in 2026
Many parents are automatically considered for CCB shortly after a child’s birth through provincial registration or the Automated Benefits Application.
Others, including newcomers or new caregivers, must apply directly through the CRA.
Application options include:
– Online via CRA My Account once the child has a Social Insurance Number
– Paper application submitted to the appropriate tax centre with required documents
Families should promptly update the CRA about changes in marital status, custody arrangements, address, or immigration status to avoid overpayments or missed benefits.
CCB Payment Schedule and Delivery Method
The Canada Child Benefit is paid monthly, usually in the middle or latter part of each month.
Payment dates may shift slightly due to weekends or public holidays, but the schedule generally follows the standard CRA benefits calendar.
Direct deposit is the fastest and most secure payment method. Families who receive cheques by mail may experience longer delivery times.
How the 2026 Increase Affects Families
The rise to $7,997 for children under six and $6,748 for older children represents several hundred dollars more per child compared to previous years.
For lower-income households, this increase can help cover essentials such as food, childcare, rent, and utilities.
By indexing benefits and raising income thresholds, the federal government aims to keep the CCB aligned with rising living costs and ongoing poverty reduction efforts.
CCB and Other Benefits
The CCB is intended to supplement other federal and provincial supports, not replace them.
Because it is tax-free, it does not increase federal tax payable and generally does not reduce eligibility for benefits like the GST/HST credit.
Many provinces and territories offer additional child benefits that are coordinated with CCB eligibility, providing further monthly support.
How to Maximise Your Canada Child Benefit
Families can help ensure they receive the full CCB amount they qualify for by staying on top of administrative requirements.
Key steps include filing 2024 tax returns on time for both partners, ensuring each child has a valid SIN, and keeping personal details up to date with the CRA.
Being aware of the 2026 maximum amounts and income thresholds can help families avoid interruptions and make the most of the strengthened Canada Child Benefit.
