The Canada Child Benefit is the most significant government transfer most families receive. Understanding the maximum — and how phase-out works at higher incomes — lets you plan realistically.
Maximum CCB Amounts (July 2025 – June 2026)
| Child’s Age | Maximum Annual | Maximum Monthly |
|---|---|---|
| Under 6 | $7,787 | $648.92 |
| Age 6 to 17 | $6,570 | $547.50 |
CCB is indexed to inflation and updated each July for a new benefit year.
Maximum CCB by Family Size
| Family Composition | Maximum Annual | Maximum Monthly |
|---|---|---|
| 1 child under 6 | $7,787 | $648.92 |
| 1 child ages 6–17 | $6,570 | $547.50 |
| 2 children under 6 | $15,574 | $1,297.84 |
| 2 children (1 under 6, 1 age 6–17) | $14,357 | $1,196.42 |
| 2 children ages 6–17 | $13,140 | $1,095.00 |
| 3 children under 6 | $23,361 | $1,946.75 |
| 4 children (mixed ages) | Varies | Varies |
How Income Affects Your CCB
CCB is tax-free but income-tested. Your benefit reduces as adjusted family net income rises above the threshold.
Phase-Out Rate by Number of Children
| Number of Children | Reduction Rate Above $36,502 |
|---|---|
| 1 child | 13.5% of income above $36,502 |
| 2 children | 19.0% |
| 3 children | 22.0% |
| 4+ children | 23.0% |
Second Phase-Out (Above $79,087)
A second, smaller reduction applies above $79,087:
| Number of Children | Second Reduction Rate |
|---|---|
| 1 child | 5.7% |
| 2 children | 8.0% |
| 3 children | 9.5% |
| 4+ children | 10.0% |
CCB Estimates by Income: 1 Child Under 6
| Family Net Income | Annual CCB | Monthly CCB |
|---|---|---|
| $0–$36,502 | $7,787 | $648.92 |
| $50,000 | $5,865 | $488.75 |
| $60,000 | $4,515 | $376.25 |
| $80,000 | $3,939 | $328.25 |
| $100,000 | $2,799 | $233.25 |
| $120,000 | $1,659 | $138.25 |
| $150,000 | $948 | $79.00 |
| $165,000+ | ~$0 | ~$0 |
Approximate figures based on 2025–2026 benefit year rates.
CCB Estimates by Income: 2 Children (Both Under 6)
| Family Net Income | Annual CCB | Monthly CCB |
|---|---|---|
| $0–$36,502 | $15,574 | $1,297.84 |
| $50,000 | $11,890 | $990.83 |
| $80,000 | $8,748 | $729.00 |
| $100,000 | $7,148 | $595.67 |
| $150,000 | $3,748 | $312.33 |
| $200,000 | ~$1,348 | ~$112.33 |
Additional CCB: Register for Child Disability Benefit
Families with a child with a severe disability who qualifies for the Disability Tax Credit receive the Child Disability Benefit (CDB) on top of regular CCB.
| Benefit | 2026 Amount |
|---|---|
| Child Disability Benefit | Up to $3,322/year ($276.83/month) |
To receive CDB, the child must have an approved T2201 (Disability Tax Credit Certificate) on file with CRA.
Common CCB Mistakes
| Mistake | Impact |
|---|---|
| Not filing taxes | CCB stops — must file every year |
| Not reporting common-law status | Incorrect benefit calculation |
| Not updating CRA when child turns 6 or 18 | Over/underpayment, clawback |
| Not applying when first eligible | Retroactive payments limited to 11 months |
| Not updating direct deposit | Cheques mailed, delayed receipt |
CCB Payment Dates 2026
CCB is paid on the 20th of each month (or nearest business day):
| Month | Payment Date |
|---|---|
| January | January 20, 2026 |
| February | February 20, 2026 |
| March | March 20, 2026 |
| April | April 17, 2026 |
| May | May 20, 2026 |
| June | June 20, 2026 |
| July | July 18, 2026 |
| August | August 20, 2026 |
| September | September 19, 2026 |
| October | October 20, 2026 |
| November | November 20, 2026 |
| December | December 12, 2026 |
CCB benefit year and how it is updated
CCB runs on a July-to-June benefit year, not the calendar year:
- The July 2025 – June 2026 CCB amount is based on your 2024 tax return
- The July 2026 – June 2027 amount will be based on your 2025 tax return
- If your income drops significantly (e.g., job loss, parental leave), your CCB will not increase until the following July — even if your current income is low
This delay is important to understand: you cannot get a mid-year CCB adjustment for income changes. If your income dropped this year, the higher CCB will kick in the following July once your return is assessed.
Exception: CRA may allow an in-year recalculation if your income drops by 25% or more due to job loss or business closure. In that case, you can ask CRA to estimate your benefit using your current-year income.
CCB in shared custody
When parents share custody roughly equally (approximately 40–60% of the time), CRA typically splits the CCB payment between both parents. Each parent receives 50% of the benefit they would receive if the child lived with them full-time.
This applies even if both parents received equal incomes. A higher-income parent who has shared custody receives 50% of a lower benefit; a lower-income parent receives 50% of a higher benefit.