The Canada Child Benefit (CCB) amounts have increased for the 2026–2027 benefit year. Eligible families may receive up to $8,157 annually for each child under six and up to $6,883 annually for each child aged six through 17.

Payments depend on adjusted family net income, the ages of the children and the number of eligible children. This guide explains who may qualify, how to apply and what documents parents, guardians and newcomers may need.

How much is the Canada Child Benefit in 2026–2027?

The confirmed maximum CCB amounts for 2026–2027 are:

• Up to $8,157 annually for each eligible child under six.
• Up to $6,883 annually for each eligible child aged six through 17.

These are maximum annual amounts, not guaranteed payments. The actual amount depends on the family’s adjusted family net income, children’s ages and the number of eligible children.

Who qualifies for the CCB?

Applicants generally must live with a child under 18, be primarily responsible for the child’s care and upbringing, and be a resident of Canada for tax purposes. The child must also meet the applicable age and residence requirements.

Eligibility can be affected by custody arrangements, changes in household circumstances and immigration or residency status. Parents and guardians should provide accurate information and report changes to the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA).

How family income affects the payment

The CCB is income-tested. The CRA generally uses information from the family’s income-tax return to calculate the payment. Families with lower adjusted family net income may qualify for more, while payments generally decrease as adjusted family net income increases.

The number of eligible children and their ages also affect the calculation. A child moving from the under-six group to the six-through-17 group can change the maximum amount used in the calculation.

How to apply for the Canada Child Benefit

Parents and guardians can apply through the CRA. Depending on the circumstances, an application may be started when registering a child’s birth, through the CRA’s online services or by submitting the required paper application.

1. Confirm that you are primarily responsible for the child’s care.
2. File the required income-tax and benefit returns.
3. Submit the CCB application and any requested supporting documents.
4. Provide accurate family, custody, residency and direct-deposit information.
5. Review CRA notices and respond to requests by the stated deadline.

Documents parents and guardians may need

• Children’s birth certificates or other proof of birth.
• Proof of the applicant’s identity and Canadian address.
• Citizenship, permanent-resident or other immigration documents, where applicable.
• Social Insurance Numbers, where required.
• Custody, caregiving or parenting documents, if relevant.
• Income-tax and benefit-return information for both spouses or common-law partners, where applicable.
• Documents showing changes to marital status, residence or household composition.

Applying as a newcomer to Canada

Newcomers may qualify for the CCB if they meet the applicable residency, immigration-status and caregiving requirements. The CRA may request information about immigration status, dates of entry into Canada, Canadian residence, the children and worldwide income.

Newcomers should apply when eligible and should not assume that receiving a Social Insurance Number automatically starts CCB payments. The CRA must receive the required application and supporting information.

Changes in marital status, custody or address

Report changes that may affect CCB eligibility or payment amounts, including marriage, separation, divorce, a new address, a change in custody or a child joining or leaving the household.

Shared-custody arrangements can affect how benefits are calculated. Parents and guardians should provide complete and accurate custody information to the CRA and keep copies of submitted documents.

Why filing an income-tax return matters

Families should file their income-tax and benefit returns every year, even if they had no income. Both spouses or common-law partners generally need to file when applicable so the CRA can calculate or renew the correct benefit amount.

If a return is not filed, payments may be delayed, reduced or stopped while the CRA waits for the required information. Keep tax records and CRA notices in case the agency requests verification.

What to do if a payment is missing

1. Check the expected payment date and your direct-deposit or mailing information.
2. Review your CRA account and recent notices for a reassessment or document request.
3. Confirm that the required income-tax and benefit returns have been filed.
4. Check whether a change in income, custody, address or family status affected the payment.
5. Contact the CRA through its official channels if the payment remains unexplained.

Frequently asked questions

What is the maximum CCB payment in 2026–2027?

The confirmed maximum is up to $8,157 annually for each child under six and up to $6,883 annually for each child aged six through 17. Actual payments depend on eligibility and family circumstances.

Is the Canada Child Benefit taxable?

The CCB is a tax-free benefit. Families must still file the required income-tax and benefit returns so the CRA can determine eligibility and recalculate payments.

Can newcomers apply for the CCB?

Yes, newcomers may apply if they meet the applicable residency, immigration-status and caregiving requirements and provide any information requested by the CRA.

Can custody arrangements affect CCB payments?

Yes. Shared custody and other caregiving arrangements can affect eligibility and payment amounts, so the CRA should receive accurate custody information.

Get help with your CCB application

Get help organizing your benefit application and supporting documents.

Families can also review available Benefits application support, newcomer services, CRA document assistance and the tax-document checklist before submitting information.

Official source: Canada Child Benefit payments increasing in 2026–2027.

Bottom line: The Canada Child Benefit 2026–2027 maximum amounts are up to $8,157 annually for each child under six and up to $6,883 annually for each child aged six through 17. Payments depend on adjusted family net income, children’s ages and the number of eligible children.