What is the maximum Canada Child Benefit in 2025-26?

The maximum CCB for the 2025-26 benefit year is $7,997 per year ($666.42/month) for each child under 6, and $6,748 per year ($562.33/month) for each child aged 6 to 17. Families with AFNI at or below $36,502 receive the full maximum.

How is the CCB calculated?

Start with the maximum annual amount for your children's ages. Subtract the phase-out reduction based on family AFNI: 7-23% of income between $36,502 and $79,087 (depending on number of children), then 3.2-9.5% of income above $79,087. The result is divided by 12 for monthly payments.

At what income does CCB stop?

CCB phases out gradually — it does not stop at a single threshold. At high incomes (well above $150,000 for most family sizes), the benefit reaches zero. A single-child family sees CCB reach zero at roughly $190,000 AFNI. Two children reach zero near $230,000. Use the calculator for your specific situation.

Is the Canada Child Benefit taxable?

No. CCB payments are completely tax-free. They do not appear as income on your T1 return and do not affect eligibility for GST/HST credit, GIS, provincial social assistance, or other income-tested benefits.

Do I need to apply for CCB every year?

You must apply once when you first become eligible (using CRA My Account, My Benefits CRA app, or form RC66). After that, CRA automatically recalculates your benefit each July based on your most recently filed tax return. Filing your return on time each year is required to maintain payments.

What happens in shared custody?

When children spend at least 40% of their time with each parent, CRA considers it shared custody. Each parent receives 50% of the CCB that would otherwise be payable. Each parent must separately apply and report the shared custody arrangement to CRA.

How does AFNI affect CCB for couples?

Adjusted family net income (AFNI) is the combined net income of both spouses or common-law partners as reported on their T1 returns. A couple where one spouse earns $80,000 and the other earns $40,000 uses $120,000 as the AFNI for CCB calculation.

What is the Child Disability Benefit?

The Child Disability Benefit (CDB) is an additional tax-free amount paid with the CCB for children who qualify for the Disability Tax Credit (DTC). For 2025-26, the maximum CDB is $3,322 per eligible child per year, with its own phase-out starting at $79,087 AFNI.

When are CCB payments made?

CCB is paid monthly, typically on the 20th of each month. A new benefit year begins in July, with amounts recalculated based on the prior year's tax returns. Payment dates are published by CRA each year.

Can newcomers to Canada receive CCB?

Yes. Newcomers who meet the residency requirements (Canadian citizen, permanent resident, protected person, or temporary resident after 18 months) can apply for CCB. Payments can be backdated up to 10 years from the application date, so it is important to apply promptly after becoming eligible.

Canada Child Benefit Calculator

Estimate your monthly Canada Child Benefit using 2025-26 maximums and CRA's two-tier phase-out. Accounts for number of children and adjusted family net income.

Reviewed by Ben Stevenson, Editor Updated April 25, 2026 Source Canada Revenue Agency

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What this result means

This calculation shows the Canada Child Benefit amount payable for the benefit year (July through June) at the family adjusted net income entered, using the federal CCB formula and the per-child age and number thresholds set out in the Income Tax Act. The actual amount paid depends on the prior tax-year return for both spouses or common-law partners, on marital-status changes reported to CRA, and on shared-custody status. CRA recalculates entitlement every July based on the previous year's filed returns; missing a tax filing typically pauses payments.

Practical options to consider

File a tax return for both spouses every year

CRA recalculates CCB every July based on the previous year's T1 returns for the recipient and the spouse or common-law partner. A missed filing by either spouse typically results in paused payments until the return is filed and assessed, even if the missing spouse had no income.
Read the CCB amount article →
Apply through CRA when the child is born or arrives

First-time CCB applications are made through the Automated Benefits Application (combined with provincial birth registration in most provinces), through CRA My Account using the 'Apply for child benefits' service, or by paper Form RC66. Newcomers to Canada additionally complete Form RC66SCH for Status in Canada and proof of birth.
Open the CCB Calculator →
Report changes within the month they happen

Marital-status changes, custody changes, address changes, and changes in the number of eligible children must be reported to CRA in the month they occur or the following month. Reporting delays often produce an overpayment that CRA later recovers from future benefit payments.
Read the CCB amount article →
Verify the family income year CRA is using

CCB for the July to June benefit year is calculated from the tax year ending the prior December (e.g., July 2026 to June 2027 payments use 2025 income). Mid-year income changes do not change the current benefit year; they change the next benefit year. CRA My Account shows the assessed income figure used.
Recalculate at the prior-year income figure →
Watch for the CCB Young Child Supplement and provincial top-ups

Provincial and territorial child benefits (Ontario Child Benefit, BC Family Benefit, Alberta Child and Family Benefit, etc.) are administered by CRA and paid alongside CCB but are calculated on separate provincial formulas. A change in province of residence is reported to CRA so the correct provincial component applies.
Compare provinces in the calculator →
Set up direct deposit through CRA My Account

Direct deposit is set up through CRA My Account or by phone with CRA. Without direct deposit, CCB is paid by cheque, which is slower and at risk of address-mismatch holds. A change in banking information is updated through the same channel.
Open the CCB Calculator →

Questions to ask CRA or a CPA

What is my exact family adjusted net income for the relevant tax year, as assessed by CRA?
What is the eligible-children count and age band CRA has on file for my account?
Have all required tax returns been filed for both me and my spouse or common-law partner?
Has my marital status, custody arrangement, or province of residence changed since the last return?
Are any provincial or territorial child benefits being calculated under the wrong province on my account?

The Canada Child Benefit (CCB) is a monthly tax-free payment from the Canada Revenue Agency to families who care for children under 18. The benefit amount depends on the number and age of children and the family’s adjusted family net income (AFNI). It is administered under the Income Tax Act and calculated annually, with a new benefit year running from July to June based on the prior year’s AFNI from T1 returns.

How much is the Canada Child Benefit in 2025?

For the 2025–26 benefit year (July 2025 to June 2026), based on 2024 AFNI, the maximum CCB is $7,787 per year ($648.92/month) for each child under age 6, and $6,570 per year ($547.50/month) for each child aged 6 to 17. A family with two children, one under 6 and one aged 8 to 17, would receive a maximum of $14,357 annually if AFNI is below the first phase-out threshold. The maximum applies to families with AFNI up to $36,502 in 2025.

How the CCB is calculated

Phase-out thresholds and reduction rates

CCB is reduced as AFNI rises above $36,502. The reduction is calculated using the number of children and two phase-out bands. For families with one child, the phase-out rate is 7% of AFNI above $36,502, rising to 3.2% above $79,087. For two children: 13.5% and 5.7%. For three children: 19% and 8%. For four or more children: 23% and 9.5%. These rates apply on an annual basis; the monthly payment is 1/12 of the annual benefit. The CCB is indexed to inflation (CPI) each July, so the phase-out thresholds and maximum amounts are adjusted annually.

AFNI definition

Adjusted family net income is the combined net income (line 23600 of the T1) of the primary caregiver and their spouse or common-law partner, minus: the Universal Child Care Benefit (UCCB) received, which was replaced by CCB in 2016 but may still appear in prior-year carryover situations; the Registered Disability Savings Plan (RDSP) income included in net income; and other prescribed amounts. AFNI does not include TFSA withdrawals, child support received, or refundable tax credits.

Children’s disability supplement

Families with children who are eligible for the Child Disability Benefit (CDB) receive an additional supplement. For 2025–26, the maximum CDB is $3,173 per year ($264.42/month) per eligible child. CDB eligibility requires that the child has an approved Disability Tax Credit (DTC) certificate (Form T2201) filed with CRA. The CDB is also reduced as AFNI rises and is included in the CCB payment rather than issued separately.

Verified against source

CCB maximum amounts for the 2025–26 benefit year are confirmed from the CRA CCB payment information page (canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/services/child-family-benefits/canada-child-benefit-overview). Phase-out rates and income thresholds are set in the Income Tax Act (Canada), s.122.61. CDB maximum and eligibility are confirmed from the same CRA page and the DTC certification requirements under s.118.3. These values were verified in April 2026.

CCB benefit by AFNI — 2025–26 reference table

AFNI	1 child under 6	2 children (1 under 6, 1 over 6)	3 children
Under $36,502	$7,787/yr	$14,357/yr	$20,927/yr
$50,000	$6,833/yr	$12,375/yr	$17,581/yr
$75,000	$5,083/yr	$8,994/yr	$12,330/yr
$100,000	$4,283/yr	$7,564/yr	$10,405/yr
$150,000	$2,683/yr	$4,714/yr	$6,555/yr
$200,000	$1,083/yr	$1,864/yr	$2,605/yr

Amounts are approximate. Exact amounts depend on the CPI-indexed maximums for the benefit year and may differ slightly from the table. Calculator results are more precise.

How CCB payments work

CRA automatically calculates the CCB each July using the AFNI from the T1 return filed for the prior tax year. Families must file a T1 return each year to continue receiving CCB, even if they owe no tax. A family that files late may have CCB payments delayed or suspended. A new child (birth, adoption, or a child entering the family’s care) is added to the CCB by completing a birth registration (for newborns, provinces send data to CRA automatically) or by filing an RC66 (Canada Child Benefits Application). CCB is paid on the 20th of each month (or the business day before if the 20th falls on a weekend or holiday).

Relationship breakdown and shared custody

When parents share custody of a child (defined as each parent caring for the child at least 40% of the time on an annualised basis), the CCB is split equally between the two eligible individuals. Each parent receives 50% of the benefit that would otherwise be payable to the primary caregiver. To set up a shared custody arrangement with CRA, both parents must file Form RC66 and indicate the shared custody status. CRA will contact both parents to confirm the arrangement. An unequal custody split where one parent has the child less than 40% of the time does not qualify for the split; the parent with the child more than 60% of the time receives the full benefit.

Interaction with provincial child benefits

Several provinces provide supplemental child benefits that are administered together with CCB through the same payment. Ontario’s Ontario Child Benefit (OCB) adds up to $1,607 per year ($133.92/month) per child under 18 for low-income families. Alberta’s Alberta Child and Family Benefit (ACFB) provides additional quarterly payments. BC’s BC Family Benefit provides up to $133.33/month per child. These provincial supplements are calculated by CRA and included in the monthly CCB payment; no separate application is needed. The amounts and income thresholds differ by province and are updated separately from federal CCB amounts.

Impact of late filing on CCB

CRA requires that both the primary caregiver and their spouse or common-law partner file a T1 return each year to continue receiving CCB. If either person fails to file, CRA cannot determine AFNI and will suspend CCB payments. Late filers may experience a gap in payments. Once the return is filed and assessed, CRA issues back payments for the months that were held. However, there is no interest paid on the suspended amounts, so filing late means receiving a lump sum rather than monthly payments — affecting cash flow for families who rely on CCB throughout the year.

CCB and newcomers to Canada

New permanent residents, protected persons (refugees), and certain temporary residents (those with valid work permits who have lived in Canada for 18 months) may be eligible for CCB. The application for newcomers is made by submitting Form RC66 (Canada Child Benefits Application) and Schedule RC66SCH (Status in Canada / Statement of Income) to CRA after arriving. Eligibility begins from the date of arrival or the date the child enters the household. Non-residents and visitors are not eligible. International students on study permits are generally not eligible unless they meet specific residency criteria.

Interaction with the Canada Workers Benefit

The Canada Workers Benefit (CWB) is a refundable tax credit for low-income working Canadians. Families with children who receive CCB may also qualify for the CWB if their net income is below the CWB income ceiling. Both credits are designed to support working low-income families; they do not offset each other. CRA calculates both automatically from the T1 return. The CCB does not affect CWB eligibility, and the CWB does not affect CCB amounts. Together, a family with children and modest employment income can receive thousands of dollars annually from these two programs plus any applicable provincial child benefit supplements.

Methodology

2025-26 benefit year maximums: $7,997/child under 6; $6,748/child 6-17. Phase-out 1: income $36,502-$79,087 at rates 7%/13.5%/19%/23% for 1/2/3/4+ children. Phase-out 2: income above $79,087 at 3.2%/5.7%/8%/9.5%. Rates sourced from CRA Schedule CCB and Benefit Year 2025-26 update.

Frequently asked questions

What is the maximum Canada Child Benefit in 2025-26?: The maximum CCB for the 2025-26 benefit year is $7,997 per year ($666.42/month) for each child under 6, and $6,748 per year ($562.33/month) for each child aged 6 to 17. Families with AFNI at or below $36,502 receive the full maximum.
How is the CCB calculated?: Start with the maximum annual amount for your children's ages. Subtract the phase-out reduction based on family AFNI: 7-23% of income between $36,502 and $79,087 (depending on number of children), then 3.2-9.5% of income above $79,087. The result is divided by 12 for monthly payments.
At what income does CCB stop?: CCB phases out gradually — it does not stop at a single threshold. At high incomes (well above $150,000 for most family sizes), the benefit reaches zero. A single-child family sees CCB reach zero at roughly $190,000 AFNI. Two children reach zero near $230,000. Use the calculator for your specific situation.
Is the Canada Child Benefit taxable?: No. CCB payments are completely tax-free. They do not appear as income on your T1 return and do not affect eligibility for GST/HST credit, GIS, provincial social assistance, or other income-tested benefits.
Do I need to apply for CCB every year?: You must apply once when you first become eligible (using CRA My Account, My Benefits CRA app, or form RC66). After that, CRA automatically recalculates your benefit each July based on your most recently filed tax return. Filing your return on time each year is required to maintain payments.
What happens in shared custody?: When children spend at least 40% of their time with each parent, CRA considers it shared custody. Each parent receives 50% of the CCB that would otherwise be payable. Each parent must separately apply and report the shared custody arrangement to CRA.
How does AFNI affect CCB for couples?: Adjusted family net income (AFNI) is the combined net income of both spouses or common-law partners as reported on their T1 returns. A couple where one spouse earns $80,000 and the other earns $40,000 uses $120,000 as the AFNI for CCB calculation.
What is the Child Disability Benefit?: The Child Disability Benefit (CDB) is an additional tax-free amount paid with the CCB for children who qualify for the Disability Tax Credit (DTC). For 2025-26, the maximum CDB is $3,322 per eligible child per year, with its own phase-out starting at $79,087 AFNI.
When are CCB payments made?: CCB is paid monthly, typically on the 20th of each month. A new benefit year begins in July, with amounts recalculated based on the prior year's tax returns. Payment dates are published by CRA each year.
Can newcomers to Canada receive CCB?: Yes. Newcomers who meet the residency requirements (Canadian citizen, permanent resident, protected person, or temporary resident after 18 months) can apply for CCB. Payments can be backdated up to 10 years from the application date, so it is important to apply promptly after becoming eligible.