Updated June 2026
Canada Child Benefit (CCB) Payment Dates 2026: Amounts and Schedule
If you’re a parent in Canada, the 20th of the month probably means something to you. That’s when the Canada Child Benefit (CCB) usually lands, and a lot of households build their grocery runs, daycare payments, and bill due dates around it. This guide lays out the 2026 CCB payment dates, how much you can expect per child, and why the amount sometimes shifts in July. Everything below is based on Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) figures, and we note where you should double-check on canada.ca.
The CCB is a tax-free monthly payment to help with the cost of raising kids under 18. You don’t apply for it with a separate form once you’re in the system. Filing your tax return is the application. Here’s what 2026 looks like.
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CCB Payment Dates 2026
The CRA pays the CCB around the 20th of each month. When the 20th falls on a weekend or a holiday, the payment moves earlier so it doesn’t get held up. December is the exception every year and always pays early. Here’s the full 2026 schedule.
| Month | Payment Date |
|---|---|
| January | Tuesday, January 20 |
| February | Friday, February 20 |
| March | Friday, March 20 |
| April | Monday, April 20 |
| May | Wednesday, May 20 |
| June | Friday, June 19 (shifted earlier) |
| July | Monday, July 20 |
| August | Thursday, August 20 |
| September | Friday, September 18 (shifted earlier) |
| October | Tuesday, October 20 |
| November | Friday, November 20 |
| December | Friday, December 11 (always early) |
If you’re on direct deposit, the money typically shows up on the date listed. Cheques in the mail can take a few extra days, which is one of several reasons direct deposit is worth setting up.
How Much Is the CCB in 2026?
The CCB amount depends on your adjusted family net income (AFNI), how many kids you have, and their ages. The maximum amounts below are per child, tax-free, and paid only to families under the income threshold. Note that 2026 spans two benefit years, so the figures change in July.
| Benefit Year | Child Under 6 | Child Age 6 to 17 |
|---|---|---|
| July 2025 to June 2026 (based on 2024 return) | $7,997/yr ($666.42/mo) | about $6,748/yr ($562.33/mo) |
| July 2026 to June 2027 (based on 2025 return) | $8,157/yr ($679.75/mo) | about $6,883/yr ($573.58/mo) |
These are maximum amounts. If your family income is above the threshold, your payment gets reduced on a sliding scale, so many households receive less than the figures shown. The amounts for ages 6 to 17 are approximate, so confirm your exact entitlement on canada.ca or in your CRA My Account. And remember, the CCB isn’t taxed and doesn’t count as income on your return.
The July Recalculation
Every July, the CRA resets the benefit year and recalculates your CCB using your prior-year tax return. So your July 2026 payment onward is based on your 2025 income, not your 2024 income. This is why a lot of parents see their amount go up or down in July without anything changing in their family situation.
You get the full CCB if your AFNI is under about $37,487 for the 2025-to-2026 year, and under about $38,237 for the 2026-to-2027 year. Above those thresholds, the benefit is reduced gradually. If your income went up last year, expect a smaller payment starting in July. If it went down, you may see more.
The single most important thing here is to file your tax return on time, every year, even if you had no income. If you don’t file, the CRA can’t recalculate, and your payments can stop. Both parents in a two-parent household need to file.
Key Takeaway
Your CCB resets every July based on last year’s tax return. File on time, even with no income, or your payments can stop. Full CCB applies under about $37,487 AFNI for 2025 to 2026.
The Child Disability Benefit Top-Up
Families caring for a child who qualifies for the Disability Tax Credit (DTC) can receive an extra top-up called the Child Disability Benefit (CDB). For the 2025-to-2026 year, this is up to $2,400 per year, or about $200 per month, per eligible child.
The CDB is paid together with your regular CCB on the same dates, so you won’t see a separate deposit. To qualify, your child needs an approved DTC certificate (Form T2201) on file with the CRA. If you haven’t applied for the DTC and think your child may be eligible, it’s worth doing, because the credit also unlocks other supports.
How to Get Paid Faster
There’s no way to move your CCB payment earlier than the scheduled date, but you can avoid unnecessary delays:
- Set up direct deposit. Funds arrive on the payment date instead of waiting on a cheque in the mail. You can set this up in CRA My Account or through your bank.
- File your taxes on time. Late filing can delay or pause your payments while the CRA waits for your return.
- Keep your details current. A change in marital status, a new child, or an address change should be reported to the CRA so payments stay accurate.
- Check CRA My Account. It shows your next payment date, amount, and any issues holding things up.
What to Do If Money Is Tight Between Payments
Even with the CCB on a steady schedule, the gap between the 20th and your next paycheque can get tight. A car repair, a daycare top-up, or a higher-than-expected bill can land at the wrong time. When that happens, a high-cost payday loan is rarely the right answer.
If you’ve already earned wages this pay period, earned wage access is a lower-cost way to bridge the gap. NotchUp lets you access up to $1,500 of wages you’ve already worked for, with a flat $5 fee on any advance and no credit check. It’s not a loan, and it works alongside income from employment, EI, CPP, and ODSP (with employment income). Funds arrive by Interac e-Transfer in about 15 minutes, 24/7.
Frequently Asked Questions
What day is the CCB paid in 2026?
Around the 20th of each month. When the 20th lands on a weekend or holiday, the payment moves earlier. In 2026, June pays on the 19th, September on the 18th, and December always comes early, on the 11th.
How much is the CCB per child in 2026?
For July 2025 to June 2026, the maximum is $7,997 per year for a child under 6 and about $6,748 for a child aged 6 to 17. Starting July 2026, those rise to $8,157 and about $6,883 respectively. Amounts are reduced above the income threshold, so confirm yours on canada.ca.
Why did my CCB change in July?
Every July the CRA recalculates your CCB using your most recent tax return. Your July 2026 payment onward is based on your 2025 income. If your income changed, your payment changes with it, which is why amounts often shift mid-year.
Is the CCB taxable?
No. The CCB is completely tax-free. You don’t report it as income on your tax return, and it doesn’t affect your taxes. You still need to file your return each year to keep receiving it though.
What if my CCB is late?
Give it five business days past the scheduled date before contacting the CRA, since direct deposit and mail timing can vary. Check CRA My Account first to confirm your payment date and that your tax filing is up to date, since unfiled returns are a common cause of delays.
