Is the Canada Child Benefit (CCB) Going Up in 2026? Your Guide to the Increase

Yes. The Canada Child Benefit (CCB) went up in July 2026 for the 2026-2027 benefit year (July 2026 to June 2027). The government raises the CCB every year to keep up with inflation, and the new maximum amounts are up to $160 more per year for a child under 6 and up to $135 more per year for a child aged 6 to 17, which is roughly a 2% increase. The CRA applies the change automatically, so you do not need to reapply. This article explains what the CCB is, the current amounts, who qualifies, how payments are calculated and when they arrive.

What is the Canada Child Benefit?

The Canada Child Benefit (CCB) is a tax-free monthly payment from the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) that helps families with the cost of raising children under 18. It started in July 2016 and replaced earlier programs such as the Universal Child Care Benefit. The amount depends on your family income, the number of children and their ages.

CCB Maximum Amounts for July 2026 to June 2027

These are the maximum amounts per child, published by the CRA for the benefit year July 2026 to June 2027. They are based on your 2025 tax return.

Your actual payment is usually lower than the maximum unless your family income is low. The CRA says the reduction starts when your adjusted family net income is above $38,237. For families with one child, a second reduction tier starts above $82,847. The reduction rates depend on the number of children, so use the CRA's child and family benefits calculator for your exact amount.

How CCB Payments Are Calculated

The CCB is income-tested. The CRA uses your adjusted family net income (AFNI), which is your family net income (line 23600 for you and your spouse or common-law partner) with a few adjustments, taken from your tax return. Payments from July 2026 to June 2027 use your 2025 return. Payments from July 2027 will use your 2026 return, so file your return on time every year, even if you have no income.

Who Is Eligible for the CCB?

According to the CRA, you must meet all of these conditions for each child:

• You live with a child under 18.
• You are primarily responsible for the child's care and upbringing.
• You are a Canadian resident for tax purposes.
• You or your spouse or common-law partner is a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, protected person, temporary resident, or a person registered or entitled to be registered under the Indian Act.

Temporary residents must have lived in Canada for the previous 18 months and hold a valid permit in the 19th month that does not say it fails to confer temporary resident status. Holders of a Refugee Protection Claimant Document are not eligible.

How to Apply for the Canada Child Benefit

• Online: through CRA My Account, using the "Apply for child benefits" service.
• By mail: complete form RC66, Canada Child Benefits Application, and send it to your tax centre. Newcomers also need to include the information the form asks for about their status in Canada.
• At birth: in some provinces and territories you can apply for the CCB when you register your child's birth.

Processing times change, so check the CRA's application page for the current estimate. You also need to file your tax return, and your spouse or common-law partner must file theirs.

CCB Payment Dates 2026

The CRA usually pays the CCB around the 20th of each month. When the 20th falls on a weekend or holiday, the payment arrives earlier. These are the official 2026 dates listed by the CRA:

The CRA has not yet published the 2027 payment dates. If your payment does not arrive, the CRA asks you to wait 5 working days after the payment date before contacting them.

Child Disability Benefit (CDB)

Families caring for a child under 18 who is eligible for the disability tax credit (DTC) can get the Child Disability Benefit, paid monthly together with the CCB. For July 2026 to June 2027 the maximum is $3,480 per year ($290 per month) for each eligible child. Approval depends on the child's DTC certification by a medical practitioner.

Provincial and Territorial Programs

Provincial and territorial child benefit programs, such as the Alberta Child and Family Benefit or the BC Family Benefit, may be paid in addition to the federal CCB. They have their own rules and amounts, which change separately.

Conclusion

The CCB increased in July 2026 to up to $8,157 per year for children under 6 and $6,883 per year for children aged 6 to 17, with up to $3,480 more for a child with the disability tax credit. The change is automatic as long as your 2025 return is filed. Check canada.ca for the latest amounts and dates, because they are updated every July.

How will the 2026-2027 Canada Child Benefit increase affect your family's budget?

Related guides

• Claiming Tuition Fees as a Tax Credit for Students in Canada
• Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit (CGEB) 2026: Complete Guide
• Childcare Expense Tax Deduction in Canada for Working Parents
• What Transportation Costs are Tax Deductible in Canada?

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