Families Receive Up to $619 Per Child in January 2026, Everything About the New Canada Child Benefit

The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) has officially issued the first Canada Child Benefit (CCB) payment of 2026, with eligible families receiving up to $619 per child. This tax-free monthly payment offers vital support as households begin a new benefit year amidst high inflation, rising housing costs, and expensive childcare.

As one of the federal government’s most impactful social programs, the CCB continues to help reduce child poverty and support low- and middle-income families. With the 2026 benefit cycle now underway, millions of parents across the country are receiving much-needed relief to help manage their budgets in the early months of the year.

What Is the Canada Child Benefit (CCB)?

The Canada Child Benefit is a tax-free monthly payment provided to families with children under the age of 18. Its purpose is to help cover the basic costs of raising children, including:

• Food
• Clothing
• School supplies
• Childcare
• Housing expenses

The program is income-tested, meaning the benefit amount varies based on the family’s net income, with greater support going to lower- and middle-income households.

How the Benefit Is Managed

The CRA administers the CCB and delivers payments monthly, typically through direct deposit.

Each CCB benefit year runs from July to June. The January 2026 payment is part of this cycle and is based on income data from 2024 tax returns. Accurate and timely tax filing is essential for determining benefit amounts.

Maximum Payment Amounts in 2026

The maximum monthly CCB payment for 2026 is:

• $619 per child under the age of 6
• A slightly lower amount for children aged 6 to 17

The actual payment each family receives depends on:

• Adjusted family net income
• Number of children
• Ages of children

Larger families or those with younger children are likely to receive higher total monthly payments.

How CCB Is Calculated: Income-Adjusted Support

The CCB follows a sliding scale structure:

• Families with lower income receive the full benefit.
• As family income increases, the payment amount gradually decreases.
• There are no abrupt cut-offs, ensuring smoother transitions for families whose income fluctuates.

Families with high incomes may receive a reduced benefit or none at all, depending on their adjusted net income.

Who Is Eligible for the 2026 Canada Child Benefit?

Basic Requirements

To qualify for the 2026 CCB, you must:

• Live with a child under 18
• Be primarily responsible for the child’s care
• Be a Canadian resident for tax purposes
• Hold a valid immigration status (citizen, permanent resident, protected person, or certain temporary residents with 18+ months in Canada)

Shared Custody Situations

In shared custody, each parent typically receives 50% of the monthly benefit.

Special rules may apply for:

• Foster parents
• Kinship caregivers
• Families receiving child welfare services, depending on the province or territory

Why the $619 Per Child? — Understanding Indexation

The maximum $619 per child is not a random figure. It’s based on:

• Annual indexation to inflation
• Government formulas that adjust benefit values based on cost-of-living increases

This ensures that families can maintain their purchasing power and better manage rising living costs without the benefit losing value over time.

Importance of Indexation for Families

Indexation plays a vital role in protecting the real value of benefits. In an era of rising grocery prices, housing costs, and utility bills, these annual adjustments ensure families are not left behind.

How Families Receive Their CCB Payments

Direct Deposit

Most families are paid via direct deposit, which is:

• Faster
• More reliable
• Less prone to delays or losses

Families should verify that their banking information is up to date in their CRA My Account.

Cheque Payments

Those who haven’t signed up for direct deposit receive paper cheques, but this may result in longer delivery times.

Monitor Payments Online

Through CRA My Account, families can:

• Track payment schedules
• View benefit breakdowns
• Check eligibility changes
• Update personal and banking information

How the Number of Children Affects CCB

Each eligible child results in a separate payment amount. For example:

• A family with two children under 6 could receive up to $1,238 per month
• Families with three or more children can receive significantly more, depending on income

This structure recognizes the higher financial demands on larger households.

Maintaining CCB Payments: What Families Should Do

File Taxes on Time

Filing your annual income tax return is mandatory to receive CCB. Even families with zero or low income must file. Failure to do so may result in:

• Suspended payments
• Delayed deposits
• Benefit reassessments

Report Changes Promptly

Families must notify the CRA of:

• A new child
• Changes in custody or marital status
• Immigration or residency status changes

Keeping information current ensures that payments are accurate and avoid overpayments or missed deposits

Why Payments Change Year to Year

Income Changes

If your family’s net income changes significantly between tax years, your CCB amount may be:

• Higher, if income decreased
• Lower, if income increased

These adjustments help ensure fairness based on current financial need.

CRA Reviews and Verification

The CRA may request:

• Documentation
• Proof of income
• Custody or residency verification

Responding promptly ensures no payment disruption.

The Impact of CCB on Canadian Families

Helping to Reduce Child Poverty

Since its launch, the Canada Child Benefit has helped lift hundreds of thousands of children out of poverty. Studies show it improves:

• Food security
• Housing stability
• Educational outcomes

Supporting Working and Middle-Income Families

While low-income families benefit the most, middle-income households—especially those facing rising childcare and housing costs—also rely heavily on CCB to stay afloat.

The Long-Term Importance of the CCB

Supporting Childhood Development

Access to stable monthly support helps families provide:

• Nutritious food
• Safe living conditions
• Learning materials and activities

This contributes to better long-term outcomes for children.

Strengthening Canada’s Economic and Social Framework

By helping families today, the CCB also supports Canada’s future economy—raising children in stable environments builds a stronger, more productive workforce.