Canada Child Benefit Maximum Amounts (2026)

For the July 2025 to June 2026 payment period, the Canada Child Benefit (CCB) pays a maximum of $7,997 per year ($666.41 per month) for each child under 6, and $6,748 per year ($562.33 per month) for each child aged 6 to 17. The full benefit is paid to families with adjusted family net income (AFNI) below $37,487. Above that threshold, the benefit is reduced based on income and number of children. Children eligible for the disability tax credit also receive the Child Disability Benefit, up to $3,411 per year ($284.25 per month) per child.

Maximum CCB amounts (July 2025 to June 2026)

Amounts are recalculated every July based on the previous year’s tax return. The July 2025 to June 2026 payment period uses 2024 family net income. Payments are deposited monthly to the parent CRA has on file as the primarily responsible caregiver.

How the CCB phase-out works

The CCB is a calculated benefit based on three inputs: the number of children, their ages, and the family’s adjusted family net income (AFNI). When AFNI is below $37,487, the family receives the maximum benefit. As AFNI increases above the threshold, the benefit is reduced.

Reduction rates by number of children

Worked example

A family with two children under 6 and an AFNI of $60,000 calculates as follows:

• Maximum benefit: 2 x $7,997 = $15,994
• Income above threshold: $60,000 – $37,487 = $22,513
• Reduction at 13.5% for two children: $22,513 x 0.135 = $3,039.25
• Annual CCB: $15,994 – $3,039.25 = $12,954.75 (about $1,079.56 per month)

Adjusted family net income (AFNI)

AFNI is family net income (T1 line 23600 for both spouses combined) minus any Universal Child Care Benefit and Registered Disability Savings Plan income received, plus any UCCB and RDSP repayments. RRSP contributions reduce family net income and therefore can increase CCB. A family near the $37,487 threshold benefits significantly from RRSP contributions that bring AFNI below the threshold.

Shared custody

When parents share custody of a child, each parent receives 50% of the CCB amount they would get if they had sole custody, calculated based on each parent’s own AFNI. CRA does not split the benefit using other percentages and does not give the full amount to one parent in shared-custody situations.

Eligibility requirements

To receive CCB, the parent must live with the child (under 18), be primarily responsible for the child’s care and upbringing, be a Canadian resident for tax purposes, and the parent or spouse must be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, protected person, temporary resident who has lived in Canada for the previous 18 months, or registered under the Indian Act. Both parents must file annual tax returns regardless of income, since CCB is calculated on combined family income.

Provincial and territorial top-ups

Several provinces and territories add benefit programs paid alongside the CCB or separately, including the Ontario Child Benefit, BC Family Benefit, Alberta Child and Family Benefit, Quebec Family Allowance (administered separately by Retraite Quebec), and similar programs in Manitoba, New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Northwest Territories, Nova Scotia, Nunavut, and Yukon. Each has its own income thresholds.

How to apply for the CCB

The fastest way to start CCB is by automated benefit application during birth registration. In most provinces, completing the birth registration triggers an automated CCB application. Otherwise, parents apply through CRA My Account or by mailing Form RC66 (Canada Child Benefits Application). Newcomers and refugees additionally complete Schedule RC66SCH.