Canada Child Benefit in 2026: How Much You’ll Get and How to Keep More
The Canada Child Benefit (CCB) is a tax-free monthly payment from the federal government to help families with the cost of raising children. It’s one of the most valuable benefits available to Canadian parents, but many families don’t realize how much they could receive or how to maximize it.
How Much Is the CCB in 2026?
For the July 2025 to June 2026 benefit year (based on your 2024 tax return):
- Under 6: Up to $7,997 per child per year ($666.42/month)
- Ages 6 to 17: Up to $6,748 per child per year ($562.33/month)
These are maximum amounts. The actual payment depends on your adjusted family net income (AFNI). Higher income means lower payments through a clawback mechanism.
How the Clawback Works
CCB payments start reducing once your family net income exceeds approximately $36,502. The reduction rate depends on how many children you have. By the time family income reaches roughly $200,000+, most families receive little or no CCB.
The key number is your Adjusted Family Net Income (AFNI) from Line 23600 of both parents’ tax returns.
5 Ways to Maximize Your CCB
1. Contribute to your RRSP
RRSP contributions reduce your net income. Lower net income means less CCB clawback. For families near a clawback threshold, even a small RRSP contribution can increase CCB payments by hundreds of dollars.
2. Use spousal RRSP strategically
If one parent earns significantly more, spousal RRSP contributions reduce the higher earner’s income, which lowers the family’s AFNI and preserves more CCB.
3. File your tax return on time
CCB payments are based on your most recent tax return. If you don’t file, CRA can’t calculate your benefit and payments will stop. Both parents must file, even if one had no income.
4. Claim all eligible deductions
Any deduction that lowers your net income (RRSP, childcare expenses, moving expenses, union dues) also reduces your AFNI and helps preserve CCB.
5. Apply for the Child Disability Benefit
If your child qualifies for the Disability Tax Credit (DTC), you may be eligible for an additional supplement on top of the regular CCB. This can add several thousand dollars per year.
Common Mistakes
- Not applying. CCB isn’t automatic for newborns. Apply through My Account or by submitting Form RC66 after the child is born.
- Late filing. Both parents must file on time, every year.
- Ignoring RRSP impact. A $5,000 RRSP contribution can increase CCB by $200 to $500 depending on family size and income.
Want help maximizing your family’s CCB? Book a free consultation with FinGems.