Canada Child Benefit rises 2% in July as families get bigger monthly payments
Eligible Canadian families are receiving higher Canada Child Benefit payments starting July 20, 2026, with a 2% annual indexation increase. Newcomer families can access this tax-free monthly support if they meet residency and income requirements.
Beginning July 20, 2026, the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) applied a 2% inflation adjustment to the Canada Child Benefit (CCB), marking the start of a new benefit year running through June 2027. This indexation increase, while modest compared to last year's 2.7% bump, reflects cooling inflation.
Maximum Benefit Amounts
For the July 2026–June 2027 benefit year, the CRA confirmed these new maximums:
- Under 6 years old: CAD $8,157 per year (CAD $679.75 per month)
- Aged 6 to 17 years old: CAD $6,883 per year (CAD $573.58 per month)
Income thresholds also increased. Families earning under CAD $38,237 (adjusted family net income) receive the full maximum. Payments gradually reduce as household income rises above that threshold.
What Changed
In addition to the 2% maximum increase, the CRA shifted to using 2025 tax returns instead of 2024 returns to calculate July 2026 payments. This means your actual deposit may vary from the headline increase depending on whether your household income rose or fell between 2024 and 2025.
The Child Disability Benefit also increased, reaching up to CAD $290 per month (CAD $3,480 annually) for eligible children with a severe and prolonged impairment.
For Newcomer Families
If you're a newcomer parent, the CCB is one of Canada's largest family support programs. Permanent residents, refugees, and families on valid work or study permits can typically qualify. You must file a tax return and apply using Form RC66. Both spouses/common-law partners must file returns for the CRA to calculate family benefits accurately. If either partner has not filed their 2025 return by July, CCB payments may be delayed until the assessment is complete. File early to avoid losing payment cycles.
If you're a newcomer family settling in Canada, ensure you apply for the CCB as soon as you meet the residency requirements—it can significantly ease the cost of raising children here. Check your eligibility and exact payment amount using the CRA's child and family benefits calculator on Canada.ca.
Sources
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