Canada Child Benefit (CCB): How to Maximize Your Family Benefit in Canada
How much the Canada Child Benefit (CCB) is in 2026, who is eligible, how your family’s income reduces the amount and what you can do, legally, to avoid leaving money on the table — based on official CRA sources.
Quick Answer
The CCB is a tax-free monthly payment from the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) to families with children under 18. From July 2026 to June 2027, the maximum is $8,157 per year ($679.75/month) per child under 6 and $6,883 per year ($573.58/month) per child aged 6 to 17.
The full amount goes to families with adjusted net income below $38,237; above that, the benefit is gradually reduced. To receive the most you can, both parents need to file their income tax return every year, even with no income, and use the deductions that lower the family’s net income.
The Basics
What Is the Canada Child Benefit?
The Canada Child Benefit is the main federal benefit for people raising children in Canada. The money goes straight into your account every month, and it doesn’t count as income on your tax return. In addition, the same application enrols your family in provincial programs, such as the Ontario Child Benefit.
The amount isn’t fixed: the CRA recalculates the benefit every July, based on the previous year’s tax return. Therefore, payments from July 2026 to June 2027 use your 2025 income.
Maximum Canada Child Benefit amounts (July 2026 to June 2027)
| Child’s Age | Per Year | Per Month |
|---|---|---|
| Under 6 | $8,157 | $679.75 |
| Ages 6 to 17 | $6,883 | $573.58 |
| Child Disability Benefit (additional) | up to $3,480 | up to $290 |
Eligibility
Who Is Eligible for the Canada Child Benefit
To receive the benefit, you must meet all of the conditions below:
- Live with the child who is under 18
- Be the primary caregiver responsible for their care and upbringing
- Be a resident of Canada for tax purposes
- Have the required status — you or your spouse must be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, protected person or a temporary resident who meets the 18-month rule
The Calculation
How Family Income Reduces the Canada Child Benefit
The CRA uses adjusted family net income (AFNI), which is the sum of the net income (line 23600) of both spouses or partners. Up to $38,237, the family receives the maximum amount. From there, the benefit is reduced by a percentage of the income above the threshold — and, above $82,847, a second reduction tier applies.
| Number of Children | Income between $38,237 and $82,847 | Income above $82,847 |
|---|---|---|
| 1 child | 7% of the amount above $38,237 | + 3.2% of the amount above $82,847 |
| 2 children | 13.5% | + 5.7% |
| 3 children | 19% | + 8% |
| 4 or more | 23% | + 9.5% |
In practice, the reduction is gradual rather than a sudden cut-off. That way, many families with income above $100,000 still receive some amount, especially when they have more than one child. For an exact estimate, use the official CRA calculator.
Maximize the Benefit
6 Legal Ways to Receive the Maximum Canada Child Benefit
1. Both partners file their tax return, every year
This is the most important rule. If one spouse doesn’t file — even with no income — the CRA can’t calculate the benefit and payments may be suspended. Filing on time, by April 30, also ensures the new amount starts in July without delay.
2. Use the deductions that lower net income
Because the CCB is calculated on net income, every legitimate deduction can increase next year’s benefit, in addition to reducing your tax. Among the main ones:
- RRSP contributions — reduce net income by the amount deducted
- FHSA contributions — for those saving for a first home
- Child care expenses — daycare, nannies and camps, with receipts
- Other deductions — such as union dues and work-related moving expenses, when they apply
3. Apply as soon as you’re eligible
In Ontario, when you register your baby’s birth, you can authorize the data to be sent to the CRA and enrol the child right away. If you arrive in Canada with children, use Form RC66 together with RC66SCH. Delaying your application can mean months of benefit left behind.
4. Apply for the Child Disability Benefit, if eligible
If the child is approved for the Disability Tax Credit (Form T2201), the family receives up to $3,480 more per year, paid together with the CCB.
5. Always keep your information up to date
Changes in marital status (marriage, common-law union or separation), address, child custody or immigration status affect the calculation. Therefore, tell the CRA through My Account as soon as they happen, to avoid incorrect payments that later turn into debt.
6. Turn on direct deposit
With direct deposit in CRA My Account, the money lands in your account on payment day, with no risk of a lost or delayed cheque.
The CCB doesn’t depend only on how much you earn, but also on how you file. A well-prepared return, with the right deductions, can make a difference to the benefit for the entire year.
Want to know if your family is receiving the right amount? BRS Solutions reviews your return — in Portuguese.
Chat on WhatsAppFor Newcomers
Arrived in Canada with Children? Here’s How to Apply
In your first year, the CRA doesn’t yet have a tax return from you to review. That’s why a newcomer needs to apply for the benefit on their own, without waiting for the first tax return.
- Form RC66 — the Canada Child Benefit application, which also includes provincial programs
- Form RC66SCH — reports your status in Canada and your income from before you arrived, including income from abroad
- Supporting documents — proof of the child’s birth, immigration status and residence; documents in Portuguese may require translation into English or French
What Usually Goes Wrong
Mistakes That Make Families Lose the Canada Child Benefit
The spouse with no income doesn’t file
This is the most common mistake. Without both returns, the CRA can’t calculate the family’s income and the benefit stops.
Not reporting a permit renewal
For temporary residents, the CRA needs to know that the permit has been renewed. Otherwise, payments are interrupted.
Not reporting a change in marital status
Marriage, common-law union or separation changes the income that is considered. Reporting late leads to overpayments that the CRA collects back by deducting them from future benefits.
Forgetting deductions
Failing to claim RRSP, FHSA or child care expenses raises net income and, as a result, lowers next year’s CCB.
How We Help
Why Families Choose BRS Solutions
- Couple’s returns filed on time — we prepare both partners’ returns, including for the one with no income.
- Deductions in the right place — we review RRSP, FHSA and child care expenses to lower net income legally.
- Support for newcomers — we guide you through completing RC66 and RC66SCH.
- Support in Portuguese — in person in Toronto/North York or online.
For Brazilian & Portuguese Families in Canada 🇧🇷🇵🇹🇨🇦
Have children and not sure whether you’re receiving the CCB correctly? Then count on us.
BRS Solutions helps you file your family’s income tax return, take advantage of the deductions you’re entitled to and keep the benefit coming without interruption.
Support in Portuguese, with step-by-step guidance.
The calculation and payment of the CCB are handled by the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA).
Frequently Asked Questions
Canada Child Benefit amounts and taxes
How much is the Canada Child Benefit in 2026?
From July 2026 to June 2027, the maximum is $8,157 per year ($679.75 per month) per child under 6 and $6,883 per year ($573.58 per month) per child aged 6 to 17. The full amount is paid when adjusted family net income is below $38,237.
Is the CCB counted as income on my tax return?
No. The CCB is tax-free and does not need to be reported as income.
Canada Child Benefit eligibility and payments
Can work permit or study permit holders receive the CCB?
Yes, as long as the temporary resident has lived in Canada for the previous 18 months and holds a valid permit in the 19th month, and meets the other requirements. When you renew your permit, tell the CRA so payments are not interrupted.
My spouse had no income. Do they still need to file?
Yes. Both of you must file every year, even with no income. Without a return from one of you, the CRA cannot calculate the benefit and payments may be suspended.
How can I legally increase my CCB amount?
The CCB is calculated on the family’s net income. Deductions such as RRSP, FHSA and child care expenses lower that income and can increase next year’s benefit. Filing on time, applying for the Child Disability Benefit when eligible and keeping your information up to date also help you avoid losses.
When is the CCB paid?
Generally on the 20th of each month, or the previous business day when the 20th falls on a weekend or holiday. In December, the payment is usually issued earlier.
Do Ontario residents get anything in addition to the CCB?
Yes. The Ontario Child Benefit (OCB) is paid together with the CCB, in the same deposit, to low- to moderate-income families, and is calculated automatically from the same return.
Official Sources
Where This Information Comes From
This article is based on official sources from the Canada Revenue Agency and the Government of Ontario. This way, we prioritize primary government documentation to ensure accuracy.
Canada child benefit: How much you can get — CRA
Official · Canada Revenue Agency
Newcomers to Canada and the CRA — CRA
Official · Canada Revenue Agency
Child and family benefits calculator — CRA
Official · Canada Revenue Agency
Ontario Child Benefit — Government of Ontario
Official · Gov. of Ontario
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute tax or legal advice. The amounts refer to the period from July 2026 to June 2027 and are adjusted every year — so always confirm the current information directly with the CRA.
Want to secure the maximum CCB for your family?
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