The Canada Child Benefit for your newborn: amounts and how to apply
Updated October 13, 2026 · sources checked October 13, 2026
In short
The Canada Child Benefit is a tax-free monthly payment. From July 2026 to June 2027 it pays up to $8,157 a year ($679.75 a month) for each child under 6, reduced once adjusted family net income passes $38,237. Apply when you register your baby's birth, or in CRA My Account, and file your tax return every year.
How much, July 2026 to June 2027
| Child | Maximum per year | Maximum per month |
|---|---|---|
| Under 6 | $8,157 | $679.75 |
| 6 to 17 | $6,883 | $573.58 |
| Child Disability Benefit (if eligible, added on top) | up to $3,480 | $290 |
Source: Canada Revenue Agency, as of October 2026. These amounts are based on your 2025 adjusted family net income (AFNI). Payments start to decrease when AFNI is over $38,237; families above that still often receive part of the benefit. The CRA's online calculator gives your estimate.
Who is eligible
All of these must be true for each child (CRA):
Who applies? The CRA presumes that a female parent living with the child is primarily responsible. If the other parent applies, a signed letter from her is needed, unless both parents are the same sex.
How to apply, from easiest to slowest
- At birth registration. Tick the Canada Child Benefit option when you register your baby's birth and consent to sharing the information with the CRA. The CRA lists online registration with this option for Ontario, Québec, British Columbia and Alberta; it is not available in Nunavut. No proof of birth is needed this way. In B.C., the mother gives consent and enters her own SIN on the registration form.
- CRA My Account. Sign in, choose your Individual account, go to "Benefits and credits", then under "Child information" select "+ Add". Save your confirmation.
- By mail. Only if you cannot use the other methods: Form RC66, with proof of birth if the CRA has never paid benefits for this child (the proof must show the child's names and date of birth).
Apply as soon as your baby is born: the CRA says to apply as soon as you meet the conditions.
Newcomers and returning residents
- Send Schedule RC66SCH, Status in Canada/Statement of Income, with Form RC66.
- If your spouse or partner was a non-resident for part of a year, they complete Form CTB9 for each such year.
- Temporary residents become eligible after 18 months in Canada with a valid permit in the 19th month.
Keep it coming: file your taxes every year
The CRA calculates your payments from the family income on your tax returns. File every year, even with little or no income, and make sure your spouse or partner does too. Ontario says this in so many words for its own benefit: you must file your taxes every year to qualify, even if you have no income to declare. Free tax clinics are available for lower-income families across Canada.
Provincial top-ups
Most provincial child benefits are paid by the CRA with the CCB.
- Ontario Child Benefit: up to $1,760 per child per year for low to moderate-income families (Ontario, page updated June 30, 2026).
- Alberta Child and Family Benefit: a base component for lower-income families and a working component once family employment income exceeds $2,760. For 2026-27, amounts are reduced once family net income exceeds $28,116 (base) or $47,115 (working). Not taxable.
- Québec: family allowance from Retraite Québec, separate from the CRA.
- Other provinces: see the CRA's page of provincial and territorial programs.
For single parents and lower-income families
- As the parent the child lives with, you apply, and on a low income you may receive close to the maximum, plus your provincial benefit.
- If you are on EI with a net family income of $25,921 or less and receive the CCB, ask about the EI Family Supplement: see EI maternity and parental benefits.
Questions parents ask
How much is the Canada Child Benefit for a newborn?
Up to $8,157 a year, or $679.75 a month, for each child under 6, for payments from July 2026 to June 2027. The amount is reduced once your adjusted family net income is over $38,237.
How do I apply for the CCB for my baby?
The simplest way is to tick the Canada Child Benefit option when you register the birth online and consent to the information being shared with the CRA. You can also apply in CRA My Account or, if neither is possible, by mail with Form RC66.
Can newcomers get the CCB?
Yes, if you or your spouse or partner is a citizen, a permanent resident, a protected person, or a temporary resident who has lived in Canada for the previous 18 months and holds a valid permit in the 19th month. Newcomers also send Schedule RC66SCH.
Is the CCB taxable?
No. The CRA describes it as a tax-free monthly payment.
Sources
- Canada Revenue Agency — How we calculate your CCB (July 2026 to June 2027) checked October 13, 2026
- Canada Revenue Agency — CCB, before you apply (eligibility) checked October 13, 2026
- Canada Revenue Agency — CCB, how to apply checked October 13, 2026
- Ontario — Ontario Child Benefit checked October 13, 2026
- Alberta — Alberta Child and Family Benefit checked October 13, 2026
Mamavela explains; it does not replace your midwife, doctor or pediatrician, who know your situation. If something worries you, call them. In an emergency, call 911 (US), 999 (UK) or 112.