Canada Child Benefit (CCB) Calculator

CCB starts at the maximum rate and reduces based on Adjusted Family Net Income (AFNI). For 2025-26, the maximum is C$7,997 per child under 6 and C$6,748 per child 6-17. Reduction starts at AFNI C$36,502. With 1 child, the rate reduces by 7% on income between C$36,502 and C$79,087, then 3.2% above C$79,087. With more children, the reduction rates are higher. The formula was simplified in 2016 to make CCB more progressive than the previous CCTB and UCCB combination.

Yes. CCB is entirely tax-free. You do not report it as income on your tax return. Unlike the previous Universal Child Care Benefit which was taxable, CCB is paid net (after tax) so what you receive is what you keep. This is significant for budgeting since the amounts are quite generous for lower and middle-income families.

Monthly on or around the 20th of each month. For 2026 expected dates: January 20, February 20, March 20, April 17 (Easter), May 20, June 19, July 20, August 20, September 18 (week before due), October 20, November 20, December 12 (early for holidays). Payments come from CRA via direct deposit if you have set that up. Otherwise by cheque mailed 5-7 days before the payment date.

Yes. The maximum CCB drops from C$7,997 (under 6) to C$6,748 (6-17). The change applies starting the month after your child's 6th birthday. CRA automatically adjusts. You do not need to notify them. If your child's birthday is October 15, the lower rate starts November 1. Same for the change at 18 (CCB stops the month after).

CDB is an extra C$3,411/year per child (2025-26 rate) on top of CCB for families with a child eligible for the Disability Tax Credit. CDB is automatic once you qualify for CCB and your child is approved for DTC. It phases out at the same income thresholds as CCB. To qualify, complete form T2201 Disability Tax Credit Certificate with your child's medical practitioner. CDB significantly helps families with the additional costs of caring for a child with disability.

Only one parent receives the CCB payment. The CRA assumes the primary caregiver is the female parent in heterosexual couples (presumption of female primary caregiver). Same-sex couples and single parents specify who is the primary caregiver. If parents are separated and share custody equally (40-60 split), they receive half of the CCB each. CCB is paid based on who has primary custody and is generally not split unless legally separated parents share custody.

CCB is recalculated each July based on the previous year's tax return. If your income drops mid-year (job loss, parental leave on EI), your CCB stays based on the previous higher income until the next July. If your income rises mid-year, same effect. The only mid-year recalculation is if there is a change in family status (separation, marriage, new baby, child leaving home). Report family status changes within a month of the change to avoid overpayments.

Apply when your first child is born. After that, CRA tracks via tax returns. For first applications, two routes: Automated Benefits Application during newborn registration at the hospital (available in most provinces) or via form RC66 if you missed the hospital sign-up. New permanent residents apply through CRA after their first tax return. Once enrolled, you do not need to re-apply. Just file taxes every year and CCB continues.