The next Canada Child Benefit (CCB) payment is scheduled for February 20, 2026. The CCB is a tax-free monthly payment for eligible families raising children under 18, administered by the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA).
According to the official CRA payment schedule, February 20 is the second CCB payment date of 2026. You can verify all 2026 payment dates directly on the Government of Canada website here:
👉 https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/services/child-family-benefits/canada-child-benefit/payment-dates.html
Who this update matters for
This update is relevant if you:
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already receive CCB and want to confirm the deposit date
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recently became a permanent resident
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are a temporary resident (worker or student) and are unsure about eligibility
General program details are available on the official CCB page:
👉 https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/services/child-family-benefits/canada-child-benefit.html
How much can families receive right now?
For the July 2025 to June 2026 benefit year, maximum annual amounts are:
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Up to $7,997 per year for each child under 6
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Up to $6,748 per year for each child aged 6 to 17
Actual payments depend on adjusted family net income, number of children, and their ages.
Full breakdown is available here:
👉 https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/services/child-family-benefits/canada-child-benefit/how-much.html
Important for newcomers: 18-month rule for temporary residents
One of the most common misunderstandings involves temporary residents.
According to CRA eligibility rules:
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You must have lived in Canada for 18 consecutive months, and
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You must hold a valid permit in the 19th month that does not state “does not confer status.”
Permanent residents do not have this 18-month waiting requirement.
Eligibility details are clearly explained here:
👉 https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/services/child-family-benefits/canada-child-benefit/who-apply.html
How to apply
Families can apply:
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through CRA My Account (“Apply for child benefits”), or
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by submitting Form RC66 (Canada Child Benefits Application)
Official application instructions:
👉 https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/services/child-family-benefits/canada-child-benefit/how-apply.html
Form RC66:
👉 https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/services/forms-publications/forms/rc66.html
Status & income form (RC66SCH) for newcomers:
👉 https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/services/forms-publications/forms/rc66sch.html
Reality check
CCB amounts are recalculated every July based on tax filings. If you or your spouse do not file taxes, payments may stop until CRA processes your return.
Before making financial plans based on CCB, review your CRA My Account and confirm your eligibility directly with official guidance.
