Canada Child Benefit Payment Dates 2026

The Canada Child Benefit (CCB) is a monthly tax-free payment to eligible families with children under 18. It is one of the largest financial supports available to Canadian parents.

2026 CCB payment dates

Payments are deposited directly or mailed by cheque on these dates.

CCB amounts for 2026

The benefit year runs July 2025 to June 2026 (based on 2024 income) and July 2026 to June 2027 (based on 2025 income).

These are the maximums for families with income below $36,502. Payments phase out as income rises.

How the phase-out works

CCB is reduced as family net income increases above $36,502. The reduction rate depends on the number of children.

Example: A family with 2 children and $60,000 net income would see their benefit reduced by 19% of ($60,000 − $36,502) = 19% × $23,498 = $4,464 annual reduction from the maximum.

Child Disability Benefit (CDB)

If your child has an approved Disability Tax Credit certificate, you also receive the Child Disability Benefit — up to $3,322/year (from July 2025) paid on the same schedule as CCB.

July is the key month

CCB is recalculated every July based on the previous year’s tax return:

If you do not file your tax return by early July, the CRA may pause your CCB payments until the return is assessed. File as early as possible in spring to avoid interruption.

How to apply for CCB

CCB requires an initial application — it is not automatic:

1. New newborn: Register the birth with your province — many provinces have an “express” registration process that also applies for CCB
2. Existing child or adoption: Apply through My CRA Account or mail Form RC66
3. New to Canada: Apply as soon as you meet the residency requirements

Reporting changes that affect CCB

You must notify the CRA if:

• Your marital status changes (marriage, separation, divorce)
• A child leaves your care
• Your eligible child turns 18
• You move (update your address in My CRA Account)

Failure to report can result in overpayments that the CRA will recover.

Key takeaway

CCB is paid on the 20th of each month (or the nearest business day). Make sure your tax return is filed each year before the July recalculation, update your address and direct deposit in My CRA Account, and report any family changes promptly.

What to do if your CCB is wrong or missing

To speak with CRA about CCB specifically: 1-800-387-1193 (child and family benefits).

Setting up direct deposit for CCB

If you have not set up direct deposit, CCB is mailed by cheque — which can add 5–10 business days to the payment:

1. Log into My CRA Account
2. Go to “Direct deposit” under Profile
3. Enter your institution number, transit number, and account number
4. Confirm — changes take effect on the next payment cycle

Direct deposit arrives exactly on the payment date listed above. Cheques can be delayed and lost in the mail.

CCB and shared custody

If you and your co-parent share custody of a child approximately equally (close to 50/50), CRA splits the CCB — each parent receives 50% of the full benefit. This is automatic once both parents notify CRA of the shared custody arrangement. Neither parent receives the full CCB on behalf of the child in a recognized shared custody situation.

If one parent has primary custody (more than 60%), that parent receives 100% of the CCB. The custody split must be reported to CRA — disputes over who receives the CCB can be escalated through CRA’s review process.

Related Reading

• Canada Workers Benefit Payment Dates 2026 | CWB & ACWB Schedule
• CCB Payment Dates 2026 | Canada Child Benefit Schedule
• Alberta Child Benefit 2026 | Payment Dates & Amounts

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