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 old. It is administered by the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) and may include the Child Disability Benefit and related provincial or territorial benefits.
Below are the official Canada Child Benefit payment dates for 2026, along with eligibility rules, payment amounts, how to apply, and what to do if your payment is late.
Next CCB payment date: January 20, 2026
Canada Child Benefit Payment Dates 2026
CCB payments are issued once a month, usually on the 20th.
| Month | Payment Date |
|---|---|
| January | January 20, 2026 |
| February | February 20, 2026 |
| March | March 20, 2026 |
| April | April 20, 2026 |
| May | May 20, 2026 |
| June | June 19, 2026 |
| July | July 20, 2026 |
| August | August 20, 2026 |
| September | September 18, 2026 |
| October | October 20, 2026 |
| November | November 20, 2026 |
| December | December 11, 2026 |
If you use direct deposit, the money appears in your bank account on the payment date. Cheque payments may arrive several business days later.
What Is the Canada Child Benefit?
The Canada Child Benefit is a monthly payment that helps families cover the cost of raising children. It is not taxable and does not need to be reported as income.
The CCB can include:
- The base Canada Child Benefit
- The Child Disability Benefit (if applicable)
- Certain provincial and territorial child benefits
All are paid together as one monthly deposit.
Who Is Eligible for the CCB?
You may qualify if you:
- Live with a child under 18
- Are primarily responsible for the care and upbringing of the child
- Are a Canadian resident for tax purposes
- Have filed your tax return (and your spouse or partner has too)
In shared custody arrangements, each parent usually receives 50% of the benefit they would otherwise receive.
How Much Can You Get?
The amount you receive depends on:
- The number of children
- The age of each child
- Your family’s net income
- Whether your child qualifies for the Child Disability Benefit
CRA recalculates CCB every July based on your prior year’s tax return.
You can estimate your payments using the CRA Child and Family Benefits Calculator.
How to Apply for the CCB
You can apply:
- Through your CRA My Account
- When you register your child’s birth (in most provinces)
- By mailing Form RC66 to CRA
You may need to provide:
- Your child’s birth information
- Proof of residency or status
- Custody arrangements (if applicable)
When Will You Receive Your First Payment?
If approved, your first payment usually arrives within 8 weeks of your application being processed.
Payments may be delayed if:
- Your tax return is missing
- CRA needs more documents
- Your personal information is outdated
What If You Don’t Receive Your Payment?
- Wait 5 business days after the payment date.
- Check your CRA My Account for status updates.
- Contact CRA if the payment has not arrived.
Important Reminders
- File your taxes every year to keep receiving CCB.
- Update CRA if your address, banking info, or custody status changes.
- Direct deposit is the fastest way to receive payments.
Summary
- Next payment: January 20, 2026
- Payments are monthly, usually on the 20th
- The benefit is tax-free
- Amounts depend on income and family size
- Administered by CRA
