Come to Canada / 19/01/2026

The Canada Child Benefit pay of 2026 arrives on January 20 first

Families across Canada will receive the first Canada Child Benefit payment of 2026 on January 20, providing monthly, tax-free financial help to households raising children under 18.

Families across Canada are checking their bank accounts as the first Canada Child Benefit payment of 2026 approaches. Parents and guardians will receive the monthly deposit on Tuesday, January 20. This payment continues to play a major role in helping households cover everyday costs for children under 18.

The Canada Revenue Agency manages the program and sends the payment every month. The benefit arrives tax-free and goes directly into recipients’ accounts.

How the Benefit Works

The Canada Child Benefit provides monthly financial help based on family income. Lower- and modest-income families receive higher amounts, while payments slowly decrease as income rises. The program follows a yearly cycle that runs from July to June, not January to December.

Each July, the agency recalculates payments using income reported on tax returns from the previous year. That schedule explains why some families notice changes in July even when their household situation stays the same.

Payment Schedule for 2026

The January 20 deposit marks the first payment of the year. Families can expect monthly deposits on or around the 20th, with slight adjustments during holidays. Payments will continue without interruption as long as families file taxes on time and keep their information up to date.

From January to June 2026, payments rely on income reported for the 2024 tax year. From July onward, the calculation will switch to 2025 income.

How Much Families Can Receive

For the current benefit year, families can receive up to $7,997 per child under six and up to $6,748 per child aged six to 17. These figures represent maximum amounts. Actual payments depend on household income, the number of children, and their ages.

Families with children who qualify for the disability tax credit may also receive extra support through the child disability benefit. This additional amount gets added to the regular monthly payment.

Income Limits Matter

Payments start to decrease once family income goes above $37,487. A second reduction applies when income rises above $81,222. Even higher-income families may still qualify for partial payments, but the amount drops as income grows.

Small changes in income can affect monthly deposits, which makes annual tax filing essential.

Who Can Receive the Benefit

To qualify, families must live with a child under 18 and take primary responsibility for their care. Applicants must also live in Canada for tax purposes and hold valid status. Shared custody arrangements can split payments between caregivers.

New permanent residents can apply as soon as they settle in Canada. Some temporary residents may also qualify after meeting specific residency and permit rules.

How to Apply and Stay on Track

Parents can apply when registering a child’s birth, through an online account, or by mail. Keeping personal details current, using direct deposit, and renewing permits on time helps prevent missed payments.

The January payment also serves as a reminder to prepare for July, when updated benefit amounts and inflation adjustments take effect.

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