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 2026 – June 2027)
| Child’s age | Maximum Annual | Maximum Monthly |
|---|---|---|
| Under 6 | $8,157 | $679.75 |
| 6 to 17 | $6,883 | $573.58 |
These maximums apply to families with adjusted family net income (AFNI) below $38,237. Source: Canada Revenue Agency – Canada child benefit (CCB): How much you can get, verified September 4, 2026, for the July 2026 to June 2027 benefit year (based on 2025 AFNI). View source
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 | $8,157 | $679.75 |
| 1 child ages 6–17 | $6,883 | $573.58 |
| 2 children under 6 | $16,314 | $1,359.50 |
| 2 children (1 under 6, 1 age 6–17) | $15,040 | $1,253.33 |
| 2 children ages 6–17 | $13,766 | $1,147.17 |
| 3 children under 6 | $24,471 | $2,039.25 |
| 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 $38,237 | Additional Reduction Rate Above $82,847 |
|---|---|---|
| 1 child | 7% of income above $38,237 | 3.2% |
| 2 children | 13.5% of income above $38,237 | 5.7% |
| 3 children | 19% of income above $38,237 | 8% |
| 4+ children | 23% of income above $38,237 | 9.5% |
Source: Canada Revenue Agency – Canada child benefit (CCB): How much you can get, verified September 4, 2026, for the July 2026 to June 2027 benefit year. View source
CCB Estimates by Income: 1 Child Under 6
| Family Net Income | Annual CCB | Monthly CCB |
|---|---|---|
| $0–$38,237 | $8,157 | $679.75 |
| $50,000 | $7,334 | $611.17 |
| $60,000 | $6,634 | $552.83 |
| $80,000 | $5,234 | $436.17 |
| $100,000 | $4,485 | $373.75 |
| $120,000 | $3,845 | $320.42 |
| $150,000 | $2,885 | $240.42 |
| $240,000+ | ~$0 | ~$0 |
Based on 7% reduction above $38,237 and an additional 3.2% above $82,847, applied to the $8,157 maximum. CCB doesn’t reach $0 for one child until family net income reaches approximately $240,000.
CCB Estimates by Income: 2 Children (Both Under 6)
| Family Net Income | Annual CCB | Monthly CCB |
|---|---|---|
| $0–$38,237 | $16,314 | $1,359.50 |
| $50,000 | $14,726 | $1,227.17 |
| $80,000 | $10,676 | $889.67 |
| $100,000 | $9,314 | $776.17 |
| $150,000 | $6,464 | $538.67 |
| $200,000 | $3,614 | $301.17 |
Based on 13.5% reduction above $38,237 and an additional 5.7% above $82,847, applied to the $16,314 maximum (2 children under 6). CCB doesn’t reach $0 for two children until family net income reaches approximately $263,000.
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 20, 2026 |
| May | May 20, 2026 |
| June | June 19, 2026 |
| July | July 20, 2026 |
| August | August 20, 2026 |
| September | September 18, 2026 |
| October | October 20, 2026 |
| November | November 20, 2026 |
| December | December 18, 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.