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How to Apply for Canada Child Benefit (CCB) in 2026

Updated

CCB at a Glance

Feature Details
Maximum (child under 6) $7,787/year ($648.91/month)
Maximum (child 6-17) $6,570/year ($547.50/month)
Income tested βœ… 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)

  1. Sign in to My CRA Account
  2. Go to “Apply for child benefits”
  3. Enter child’s information
  4. Submit application

Option 3: Mail Form RC66

  1. Download Form RC66
  2. Complete and sign
  3. Attach proof of birth (birth certificate)
  4. 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)