Quick answer: For the July 2025 to June 2026 CCB benefit year (based on 2024 adjusted family net income), the maximum Canada Child Benefit is $7,997 per year ($666.41/month) per child under 6 and $6,748 per year ($562.33/month) per child aged 6 to 17. Families with AFNI under $37,487 receive the full maximum. The benefit phases out above that, with a faster reduction once AFNI exceeds $81,222.
What this means: A two-child family (one age 4, one age 9) with AFNI of $35,000 receives the full $7,997 + $6,748 = $14,745 per year ($1,228.74/month). The same family with AFNI of $100,000 receives roughly $9,000 per year ($750/month) after the phase-out. You must file your T1 every year for both parents to keep receiving the CCB — CRA recalculates each July based on the prior year’s return.
What to do next: Estimate your family’s monthly CCB. CCB calculator →
2026 maximum CCB amounts (July 2025 – June 2026 benefit year)
| Child age band | Maximum per year | Maximum per month |
|---|---|---|
| Under 6 years of age | $7,997 | $666.41 |
| Aged 6 to 17 | $6,748 | $562.33 |
The maximums apply when the family’s adjusted family net income (AFNI) is below the lower phase-out threshold. As AFNI rises, the CCB is reduced on a two-tier formula explained below.
Adjusted family net income (AFNI)
AFNI is the sum of both parents’ net income from their T1 returns (line 23600), minus the universal child care benefit (UCCB) and registered disability savings plan (RDSP) income, plus any UCCB or RDSP amount repaid. For the July 2025 to June 2026 benefit year, CRA uses each parent’s 2024 T1 figures.
Both parents must file every year. If either parent fails to file, the CCB stops until both returns are processed.
CCB phase-out formula
The CCB is reduced based on AFNI above $37,487 using a two-tier formula:
| AFNI range | Reduction per child(ren) |
|---|---|
| Up to $37,487 | No reduction — full benefit |
| $37,487 to $81,222 (first tier) | 1 child: 7% × (AFNI − $37,487) 2 children: 13.5% × (AFNI − $37,487) 3 children: 19% × (AFNI − $37,487) 4+ children: 23% × (AFNI − $37,487) |
| Above $81,222 (second tier) | Tier-1 max amount + 3.2% × (AFNI − $81,222) for 1 child 5.7% for 2 children 8% for 3 children 9.5% for 4+ children |
The reduction is applied to the family’s combined maximum CCB. The benefit stops being reduced when the calculated reduction equals the maximum benefit (zero CCB).
Family examples (July 2025 to June 2026 benefit year)
Example 1: One child under 6, AFNI = $30,000
AFNI below $37,487 → full benefit. Annual CCB: $7,997 ($666.41/month).
Example 2: Two children (age 4 + age 9), AFNI = $35,000
AFNI below $37,487 → full benefit. Annual CCB: $7,997 + $6,748 = $14,745 ($1,228.74/month).
Example 3: Two children (age 4 + age 9), AFNI = $70,000
AFNI is in the first phase-out tier ($37,487 – $81,222). Reduction = 13.5% × ($70,000 − $37,487) = 13.5% × $32,513 = $4,389.26. CCB = ($7,997 + $6,748) − $4,389.26 = $14,745 − $4,389.26 = $10,355.74 per year ($862.98/month).
Example 4: Two children (age 4 + age 9), AFNI = $100,000
AFNI is in the second phase-out tier (>$81,222). Tier-1 reduction at $81,222: 13.5% × ($81,222 − $37,487) = 13.5% × $43,735 = $5,904.23. Tier-2 reduction: 5.7% × ($100,000 − $81,222) = 5.7% × $18,778 = $1,070.35. Total reduction: $5,904.23 + $1,070.35 = $6,974.58. CCB = $14,745 − $6,974.58 = $7,770.42 per year ($647.54/month).
Example 5: Three children (ages 3, 7, 12), AFNI = $80,000
Maximum CCB = $7,997 + $6,748 + $6,748 = $21,493. First-tier reduction = 19% × ($80,000 − $37,487) = 19% × $42,513 = $8,077.47. CCB = $21,493 − $8,077.47 = $13,415.53 per year ($1,117.96/month).
CCB payment dates
CCB payments arrive on the 20th of each month (or the last business day before if the 20th falls on a weekend or holiday). The benefit year runs from July to June. Each July, CRA recalculates based on the prior year’s T1 returns.
Typical 2026 payment dates: January 20, February 20, March 20, April 17 (Easter timing), May 20, June 19, July 20, August 20, September 19, October 20, November 20, December 12 (December dates shift to mid-month for the holiday).
Why tax filing matters
The CCB is contingent on both parents filing their T1 each year. If you (or your spouse / common-law partner) miss a filing year, CCB payments stop. Once you file the missed year, payments resume retroactively for up to 11 months. Persistent non-filers can be required to file multiple back-years before CCB resumes.
Newcomer families: CCB eligibility starts after CRA receives a complete first T1 return for both parents. There is a separate application via Form RC66 for first-time CCB enrolment.
Child Disability Benefit (CDB)
Families with a child eligible for the Disability Tax Credit (DTC) receive an additional supplement, the Child Disability Benefit (CDB), as part of their CCB. The 2026 CDB maximum is approximately $3,411 per year per eligible child (income-tested using the same AFNI formula). The CDB starts to phase out at the same $81,222 second-tier threshold.
Related credits and benefits
The CCB does not preclude other federal and provincial benefits:
- GST/HST Credit and Canada Disability Benefit (CDB) eligibility — quarterly tax-free payment for low- and modest-income individuals and families.
- Provincial child benefits (Ontario Child Benefit, BC Family Benefit, Alberta Child and Family Benefit, etc.) — usually paid on the same schedule as the CCB.
- CCB amount overview — broader explainer including indexation history.
Common mistakes
- Missing the July recalculation. CRA recalculates each July based on the prior year’s T1. A late-filed T1 means a delayed (or paused) CCB.
- Assuming only the primary caregiver needs to file. Both parents must file every year, even if one parent has no income.
- Forgetting to update marital status changes. Marriage, common-law beginning, separation, divorce all change AFNI calculations. Notify CRA within a month of the change.
- Treating CCB as taxable income. CCB is tax-free at both federal and provincial levels. It does not appear on the T1 as income.
- Confusing AFNI with gross income. AFNI is net income (line 23600) adjusted for UCCB/RDSP. RRSP contributions and other deductions reduce net income and therefore raise CCB. Pension splitting between spouses can also affect AFNI.
- Missing the child disability benefit. If your child has DTC approval, the CDB adds up to ~$3,411/year. Apply via Form T2201 and the CDB is added automatically.
Frequently asked questions
What is the maximum CCB in 2026?
$7,997 per year ($666.41/month) per child under 6, and $6,748 per year ($562.33/month) per child aged 6-17, for the July 2025 to June 2026 benefit year.
At what income does the CCB stop?
The CCB phases out completely when the reduction equals the maximum benefit. For one child under 6, that occurs around AFNI $250,000+; for multiple children, it occurs at higher AFNI levels. The CCB is fully phased out by roughly AFNI $200,000-$300,000+ depending on family size.
Is the CCB taxable?
No. The CCB is a tax-free federal benefit and does not appear on the T1 as income.
When are CCB payments made?
On the 20th of each month (or the last business day before if the 20th is a weekend or holiday).
Do I need to apply each year?
No. Apply once with Form RC66 when your first child arrives or when you become a CCB-eligible newcomer. The benefit continues automatically as long as both parents file their T1 each year.
Frequently asked questions
- What is the maximum Canada Child Benefit for 2026?
- For the July 2025 to June 2026 benefit year, the maximum is $7,997 per child under 6 and $6,748 per child aged 6-17. New amounts for the July 2026-June 2027 benefit year will be set on July 1, 2026.
- What income level cuts off the CCB?
- CCB never fully phases out, but reduces meaningfully above AFNI of $37,487 for the July 2025-June 2026 benefit year. At very high incomes only a small CCB amount remains.
- When is CCB paid?
- On the 20th of each month, or the previous business day if the 20th falls on a weekend or statutory holiday.
- Do I have to file taxes to get CCB?
- Yes. Both you and your spouse (or common-law partner) must file annual tax returns. CRA cannot calculate CCB without them. Late or unfiled returns delay payments.
- How does shared custody work for CCB?
- If you share custody roughly equally, CCB is split 50/50 between parents. Each parent receives 50% of what they would get as the sole recipient, based on their own AFNI.
- Is the CCB taxable?
- No. CCB is a non-taxable benefit and is not reported as income on your tax return.
- When are new CCB amounts announced?
- CRA announces indexed CCB amounts each July 1, based on the indexation factor. The new amounts apply for that benefit year (July to June) and are based on your prior calendar year’s tax return.