Next Canada Child Benefit Payment Arrives May 20, 2026

Millions of Canadian families are set to receive their next Canada Child Benefit (CCB) payment on Wednesday, May 20, 2026. The tax-free payment can reach $666.41 per child under six, making it a vital source of support for families across the country.

Who Is Eligible

The CCB is available to families with children under 18 years old. The parent or guardian primarily responsible for the child’s care must apply. Eligible recipients include Canadian citizens, permanent residents, protected persons, and temporary residents who have lived in Canada for at least 18 consecutive months with a valid permit in the 19th month.

Both parents or spouses must file annual income tax returns, even if they had no income. New permanent residents can apply immediately using Form RC66 or through the CRA My Account. Temporary residents must meet the residency requirement of 18 months before becoming eligible.

How the Payment Is Calculated

The CCB is calculated using adjusted family net income (AFNI) from the previous tax year, the number of eligible children, and their ages. Families with an AFNI below $37,487 receive the full maximum per child. Those earning between $37,487 and $81,222 face a first-tier reduction, and higher incomes experience a smaller second-tier reduction.

For example, a family with one child under six and an AFNI of $55,000 would have their maximum payment of $7,997 reduced by $1,225.91, leaving approximately $6,771.09 annually.

The CRA Child and Family Benefits Calculator allows families to estimate their exact monthly payment.

Maximum Payments for May 2026

The May 20 payment reflects the July 2025 to June 2026 benefit year:

• Children under 6: $666.41/month, $7,997/year
• Ages 6–17: $562.33/month, $6,748/year

Eligible children with a Disability Tax Credit may also receive the Child Disability Benefit (CDB), up to $3,411 annually, or about $284.25 per month.

Phase-Out Reductions

CCB payments reduce gradually for higher incomes. The reduction rate increases with the number of children in the household. For example:

Upcoming Increase

Starting July 20, 2026, all CCB amounts will increase by 2% for inflation, marking the 2026–2027 benefit year. This raises the maximum monthly payment for children under six to $679.75.