Canadian households are closely monitoring their accounts as the Canada Child Benefit (CCB) payment for January 2026 is set to arrive on Tuesday, January 20, 2026.
Administered by the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA), this tax-free monthly benefit continues to be a vital source of financial support for families raising children under 18.
Also Read
Understanding the Canada Child Benefit (CCB)
The Canada Child Benefit is a federal program designed to help cover child-rearing costs. It delivers the most support to low- and modest-income families through an income-tested structure.
Payments are recalculated every July, not January, and are indexed to inflation, meaning maximum amounts rise as living costs increase.
Key Features of the CCB
- Tax-free payments that do not count as taxable income
- Income-tested reductions based on Adjusted Family Net Income (AFNI)
- Annual recalculation each July covering a July–June benefit year
- Payments may include the Child Disability Benefit (CDB) and provincial supplements
CCB Payment Dates for 2026
The CRA has confirmed monthly deposits throughout 2026, starting with January 20, 2026. Payments continue every month, with minor date adjustments in June, September, and December due to holidays.
Which Tax Year Affects Your 2026 Payments?
- January–June 2026 payments are based on 2024 tax returns
- July 2026–June 2027 payments will use 2025 tax data
This explains why many families see payment changes every July.
How Much Can Families Receive in 2026?
For the July 2025–June 2026 benefit year, maximum annual amounts are:
- $7,997 for each child under 6 ($666.41/month)
- $6,748 for each child aged 6–17 ($562.33/month)
Payments begin to decrease once AFNI exceeds $37,487, with further reductions above $81,222. Families with eligible children may also receive up to $3,411 annually through the Child Disability Benefit.
CCB Increase Coming in Mid-2026
The widely anticipated CCB increase takes effect in July 2026, not January. Updated maximums will be:
- $8,157 per year for children under 6
- $6,883 per year for children aged 6–17
The first payment reflecting this increase arrives on July 20, 2026.
The January 20, 2026 Canada Child Benefit payment serves as an important checkpoint for families to confirm their eligibility, income details, and custody information with the CRA.
While January payments follow the current benefit year rules, the most significant changes occur in July 2026, when both income recalculations and inflation-adjusted increases take effect. Filing taxes on time and keeping CRA records updated ensures families receive the full CCB amount they qualify for—without delays or interruptions.
FAQs
When is the next Canada Child Benefit payment in 2026?
The CRA has scheduled the next CCB payment for January 20, 2026.
What income level reduces CCB payments in 2026?
For the current benefit year, payments start decreasing when AFNI exceeds $37,487.
When will the 2026 CCB increase appear in payments?
The higher, inflation-adjusted amounts begin with the July 20, 2026 payment.