Starting in July 2026, payments under the Canada Child Benefit program have increased in Canada. This is a monthly, tax-free benefit for families with children under 18, administered by the Canada Revenue Agency.
The updated amounts will be in effect for the new benefit year—from July 2026 to June 2027.
For many families, this means slightly higher monthly payments. But it’s important to understand that not everyone will automatically receive the maximum amount. The amount of the CCB depends on family income, the number of children, their ages, and tax information from the previous year.
How Much Can You Receive Now
For the new period from July 2026 to June 2027, the maximum Canada Child Benefit amounts are:
- $8,157 per year for each child under 6 years of age;
- $6,883 per year for each child aged 6 to 17.
Converted to monthly amounts, this is approximately:
- $679.75 per month per child under 6 years of age;
- $573.58 per month per child aged 6 to 17.
Compared to the previous benefit year, the payment has increased by $160 per year for children under 6 and by $135 per year for children aged 6 to 17.
Why the payments changed in July
The Canada Child Benefit is recalculated every year in July. A new 12-month payment period begins in July.
For the period from July 2026 to June 2027, the CRA uses tax information from 2025. This means that changes in a family’s income for 2025 begin to affect benefit amounts starting in July 2026.
This means that for some people, the payment may increase; for others, it may decrease; and for others, it may remain almost unchanged.
Who Will Receive the Maximum Amount
Families with the lowest adjusted family net income will receive the maximum amount.
For the 2026–2027 period, the maximum benefit amount remains unchanged if the adjusted family net income is less than $38,237.
If a family’s income is higher, the benefit amount gradually decreases. The higher the income, the lower the monthly amount will be.
The amount of the Canada Child Benefit is affected by:
- the number of children in the family;
- the children’s ages;
- adjusted family net income;
- marital status;
- whether there is shared custody;
- the child’s eligibility for the Disability Tax Credit;
- changes in residency or immigration status.
What You Need to Know About Filing a Tax Return
To continue receiving the Canada Child Benefit, parents must file a tax return every year.
This must be done even if the person had no income.
If the applicant has a spouse or common-law partner, the partner must also file a tax return. The CRA uses both returns to calculate adjusted family net income and determine the benefit amount.
If you do not file a tax return, payments may be delayed or stopped.
When Will the First Increased Payment Be Made
The updated amounts take effect in July 2026.
The first payment for the new benefit year is scheduled to be made on July 20, 2026.
After that, payments will continue to be made monthly according to the CRA’s schedule. The Canada Child Benefit is typically paid around the 20th of each month, although the date may vary slightly in some months.
Additional payment for children with disabilities
If a child is eligible for the Disability Tax Credit, the family may also receive the Child Disability Benefit.
For the period from July 2026 to June 2027, the maximum amount of the Child Disability Benefit is up to $3,480 per year, or $290 per month, for each child eligible for this benefit.
This amount can be added to the Canada Child Benefit, but it also depends on the family’s income.
Who May Be Eligible for the Canada Child Benefit
To receive the Canada Child Benefit, you must meet the basic eligibility requirements.
The applicant must:
- live with the child;
- be the primary person responsible for the child’s care and upbringing;
- be a resident of Canada for tax purposes;
- have a child under the age of 18;
- meet the requirements regarding status in Canada.
Not only Canadian citizens can receive the CCB. Permanent residents, protected persons, certain temporary residents who have met the residency requirements, as well as individuals registered or eligible to be registered under the Indian Act, may also be eligible for the benefit.
For newcomers to Canada, the rules may be more complex, so it’s important to carefully review the CRA’s requirements before applying.
What Families Should Do Now
After the amounts have been updated, check your CRA My Account.
There you can view:
- the expected date of your next payment;
- the payment amount;
- information about the benefit year;
- payment history;
- messages from the CRA.
You should also make sure that all your information on file with the CRA is up to date:
- address;
- bank information for direct deposit;
- marital status;
- information about children;
- custody arrangement;
- immigration or residency status;
- tax returns for the relevant years.
If there have been changes in your family—such as the birth of a child, a move, a divorce, a new partner, a change in custody, or a change in status in Canada—you need to notify the CRA.
Why Your Payment Might Be Less Than Expected
Even if the maximum amounts have increased, a particular family may receive less.
The most common reasons:
- family income for 2025 has increased;
- a tax return was not filed;
- a change in family status;
- a child has moved into a different age group;
- a child has turned 18;
- a change in custody arrangements;
- the CRA is reviewing your information;
- there is an overpayment from previous periods;
- changes to your account information.
Therefore, it’s important to look not only at the maximum amounts but specifically at your personalized calculation from the CRA.