Helping families get ahead
What You Need to Know
The Government of Canada is lowering costs for families by strengthening the Canada Child Benefit (CCB). The CCB is a monthly tax-free payment to help them with the costs of raising children.
Starting this month, Canada Child Benefit (CCB) payments are increasing for the 2026–27 benefit year. Eligible families can now receive up to $8,157 per child under the age of 6 and up to $6,883 per child aged 6 through 17.
This represents an increase of up to $160 per child under age 6 and up to $135 per child aged 6 to 17 compared to the previous year, helping families manage everyday expenses such as groceries, clothing and child care.
Today, nationally, the CCB supports about 3.6 million families caring for 6 million children, delivering approximately $30 billion in annual tax-free payments. The CCB has helped to lift hundreds of thousands of children out of poverty and has put more money directly into the pockets of parents who need it most.
Key Messages
The Government of Canada is committed to ensuring that Canadian families get ahead by helping parents with the costs of raising their kids.
The Canada Child Benefit is tax-free, based on income and provides increased support for low- to middle-income families with children.
The Canada Child Benefit is making a real difference in the lives of millions of children in Canada and has been indexed to inflation since 2018 ensuring it keeps pace with rising expenses.
Beyond the CCB, the Government of Canada is advancing other initiatives to make life more affordable and support families’ well-being. This includes making the National School Food Program permanent, helping up to 400,000 children a year, delivering the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP), as well as investments in affordable child care, and housing.
The Government of Canada also announced Automatic Federal Benefits beginning with the 2026 tax year. This new initiative is expected to reach up to 5.5 million low-income Canadians by the 2028 tax year, ensuring that Canadians effectively receive the benefits to which they qualify for, including the CCB.
