CCB at a Glance
Before submitting, confirm you meet the rules in am I eligible for the Canada Child Benefit and estimate your expected benefit using Canada Child Benefit amounts. After applying, track deposits with Canada Child Benefit payment dates and use why your CCB may be lower than expected if the amount looks off.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Maximum (child under 6) | $7,787/year ($648.91/month) |
| Maximum (child 6-17) | $6,570/year ($547.50/month) |
| Income tested | ✅ Reduced above $36,502 family income |
| Taxable | ❌ No |
| Payment frequency | Monthly |
| Benefit year | July to June (based on prior year taxes) |
Eligibility Requirements
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Child’s age | Under 18 |
| Primary caregiver | You’re primarily responsible for the child |
| Residency | You and the child live in Canada |
| Tax filing | Both parents must file taxes |
| Status | Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or protected person |
How to Apply
Option 1: Automated Birth Registration (Easiest)
When you register your newborn’s birth provincially, check the box to share information with the CRA. CCB application is automatic.
Option 2: My CRA Account (Online)
- Sign in to My CRA Account
- Go to “Apply for child benefits”
- Enter child’s information
- Submit application
Option 3: Mail Form RC66
- Download Form RC66
- Complete and sign
- Attach proof of birth (birth certificate)
- Mail to your tax centre
CCB Payment Calculator
| Family Net Income | CCB per Child Under 6 | CCB per Child 6-17 |
|---|---|---|
| Under $36,502 | $7,787/year | $6,570/year |
| $50,000 | ~$6,500/year | ~$5,300/year |
| $75,000 | ~$4,800/year | ~$3,600/year |
| $100,000 | ~$3,100/year | ~$1,900/year |
| $150,000 | ~$900/year | ~$0 |
| $200,000+ | $0 | $0 |
Approximate amounts. Actual CCB depends on number of children and exact income.
CCB Reduction Rates
| Family Income | Reduction Rate |
|---|---|
| $36,502 - $79,087 | 7% of income over threshold (1 child) |
| $79,087+ | $2,981 + 3.2% of income over $79,087 (1 child) |
More children = higher income thresholds before full reduction.
2026 CCB Payment Dates
| Month | Payment Date |
|---|---|
| January | January 20 |
| February | February 20 |
| March | March 20 |
| April | April 18 (weekend adjustment) |
| May | May 20 |
| June | June 20 |
| July | July 18 (new benefit year starts) |
| August | August 20 |
| September | September 18 |
| October | October 20 |
| November | November 20 |
| December | December 12 (holiday adjustment) |
Shared Custody
| Custody Arrangement | CCB Payment |
|---|---|
| One parent has full custody | 100% to that parent |
| 50/50 shared custody | 50% to each parent |
| 60/40 or 70/30 | Varies (may need to notify CRA) |
Notify CRA of custody changes immediately.
CCB and Other Benefits
| Related Benefit | How It Works |
|---|---|
| Child Disability Benefit | Extra $3,322/year per child eligible for disability tax credit |
| Provincial child benefits | BC, Alberta, Ontario, Quebec have additional benefits |
| GST/HST Credit | Separate benefit, also income-tested |
| RESP grants (CESG) | Not related to CCB (apply separately) |
CCB for newcomers to Canada
If you are a newcomer to Canada (permanent resident, protected person, or refugee), you can apply for CCB as soon as you arrive and your children are living with you in Canada.
Steps for newcomers:
- Apply for your SIN and your children’s SINs
- File a Canadian tax return — even for a partial year, this is required for CCB
- Apply for CCB through My CRA Account or by mailing Form RC66 with proof of immigration status
Wait period: CCB does not have a waiting period based on how long you have been in Canada. You are eligible from the date of arrival if you are a permanent resident or have a protected person status. Temporary residents (work permit holders) are generally not eligible unless you have been living in Canada for the prior 18 months with valid status and your permit states you can remain for at least 6 months from your application date.
New child after arrival: notify CRA within 30 days of the birth or adoption.
What to do if your CCB application is delayed
CRA target processing time for CCB applications is 8 weeks for online applications, 11 weeks for mailed applications. If your application has been pending longer:
- Log into My CRA Account — the application status should be visible
- If past the processing window, call CRA at 1-800-387-1193 (child and family benefits line)
- Ask the agent to confirm receipt and the current status of your application
- If CRA has received all required documents, they may be able to expedite
Retroactive CCB: you can claim CCB retroactively for up to 10 years using Form RC66. If you were eligible but did not apply, you may be entitled to a lump-sum payment for missed months. This is especially valuable for families who did not know they were eligible, including newcomers, or for children not registered at birth.