How the Canada Child Benefit Works in 2026
The Canada Child Benefit (CCB) is a tax-free monthly payment made to eligible families to help with the cost of raising children under 18 years of age.
The benefit amount is recalibrated every July based on adjusted family net income (AFNI) reported on the previous year tax returns filed by both parents or guardians.
Maximum Monthly Payment Tiers
Children Under Age 6: Up to $648.91 per month ($7,787 annually per eligible child).
Children Aged 6 to 17: Up to $547.58 per month ($6,571 annually per eligible child).
Child Disability Benefit (CDB) Add-on: Up to $276.83 per month ($3,322 annually) in additional support per child eligible for the Disability Tax Credit.
Income Thresholds and Reduction Rates
Families with Adjusted Family Net Income (AFNI) under the primary threshold (approx. $36,500) receive the maximum allowable amount per child with zero clawback.
For incomes between $36,500 and $79,000, reduction rates range between 3.2% and 13.5% depending on the total number of children.
For incomes above $79,000, a secondary reduction percentage applies to the excess income.
Key Steps to Maximize Your Family Benefits
Ensure both spouses or common-law partners file on time each spring, even if income is zero.
If your child has a diagnosed neurodevelopmental, physical, or mental impairment, apply for the DTC to unlock the CDB supplement and provincial child disability top-ups.