How do I apply for the Canada Child Benefit (CCB)?

The Canada Child Benefit (CCB) is a monthly payment from the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) for families who live with a child under 18 and are primarily responsible for that child. You can apply when you register your child's birth with your province (automated benefits application, with your consent), or later in your CRA account (My Account), or by mail with form RC66. For the July 2026 to June 2027 payment period, the maximum is $8,157 per year ($679.75 per month) for each child under 6 and $6,883 per year ($573.58 per month) for each child aged 6 to 17, if your 2025 adjusted family net income is below $38,237. Above that income, the amount goes down.

Estimate your situation

Canada Child Benefit calculator ↗ Tool offered by ITAG

Demande au Québec is published by ITAG, which also offers these tools. They give an estimate, not an official decision. Some require creating an account, free or paid depending on the tool. This link is not a source.

Key facts

Maximum for each child under 6 (July 2026 to June 2027)

$8,157 per year ($679.75 per month), if your 2025 adjusted family net income (AFNI) is below $38,237

Maximum for each child aged 6 to 17 (July 2026 to June 2027)

$6,883 per year ($573.58 per month), if your 2025 AFNI is below $38,237

Frequency and recalculation

Monthly payments; recalculated each July based on the previous year's income (12-month payment period: July to June)

Upcoming payment dates in 2026

October 20, November 20 and December 11, 2026

First payment

Once the CRA has determined you are eligible and processed your application

Tax

CCB payments are not taxable

Steps

1. Check that you or your spouse or common-law partner meet the criteria: you live with a child under 18, you are primarily responsible for the child's care and upbringing, you are a resident of Canada for tax purposes, and you or your spouse or common-law partner have an eligible status (Canadian citizen, permanent resident, protected person, temporary resident or person registered under the Indian Act).
2. Apply as soon as your child is born, a child starts living with you or returns to live with you, your shared-custody arrangement starts, changes or ends, or you get custody of a child.
3. If your child has just been born, request the CCB directly on the birth registration form with your province or territory (online or at the hospital or birthing centre), consent to the sharing of your information with the CRA and enter your Social Insurance Number (SIN).
4. If you did not apply when registering the birth, log in to your CRA account, choose your Individual account, then Benefits and credits, and add the child in the "Child information" section. Print or save the confirmation.
5. If you cannot use these methods, fill in and sign form RC66, Canada Child Benefit Application, attach the required documents and mail it to your tax centre.
6. Prepare the documents for your situation, for example proof of birth (such as a birth certificate) if the CRA has never paid benefits for that child and you apply in your CRA account or by mail. Send it with "Submit documents" in your account or with your RC66 form.
7. Wait for the CRA to process your application: your first payment comes once the CRA has determined you are eligible. You can follow your application with Progress Tracker in your CRA account.

General information drawn from official sources. It does not replace legal, medical or financial advice. For your situation, contact the organization concerned or a professional.