Canada Child Benefit (CCB) Payment Dates 2026: Official CRA Schedule & Bank Deposit Times

If you are one of the millions of Canadian parents relying on the Canada Child Benefit (CCB) to keep the fridge full and the rent paid, you don’t have the luxury of guessing when the money arrives.

While the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) states that payments are issued on the "20th of the month," the actual banking day often shifts due to weekends, statutory holidays, and bank-specific processing times.

Live CCB Deposit Tracker: Real-Time Countdown to Your Next Payment

This is the Official 2026 CCB Schedule, verified against CRA circulars. We break down the exact deposit dates, the new maximum amounts for 2026, and the "Street Reality" of when your bank will actually unlock the funds.

The "Golden Rule" of CCB Dates

Before we look at the calendar, remember the official CRA rule:

• Standard Date: The 20th of every month.
• The Exception: If the 20th falls on a Saturday, Sunday, or Statutory Holiday, the payment is issued on the last business day before the 20th.
• December Rule: The December payment is always issued early (usually the second week) to help with holiday costs.

Canada Child Benefit (CCB) Payment Dates 2026: Official CRA Schedule

Save this table. It confirms the verified deposit date for every month in 2026.

(Note: For a full view of all government deposits, including OAS and GST, check our Master Payment Calendar 2026 pillar guide.)

• Can I Get EI if I Quit? (Just Cause Checklist)
• TFSA vs. RRSP for Low Income (The GIS Trap)
• Shared Custody CCB Rules (50/50 Split Guide)
• Warm Neighbor Programs (Heating Bill Help)

Street Reality: What Time Will the Money Deposit?

Government websites will tell you the day, but they won't tell you the hour.

In the "Real World," your access to the money depends entirely on who you bank with. Based on thousands of user reports from Canadian finance forums, here is the consensus on deposit times:

1. The "Early Birds" (Night Before)

If you bank with a digital-first institution, you often get access to your funds before the sun comes up.

• Tangerine: Clients consistently report seeing the "Pending" deposit flip to "Available" around 10:30 PM ET on the evening before the official date.
• Koho / Stack / Neo: If you use the "Early Payroll" feature, you may see funds up to 1 day early (often by noon the day before).
• DC Bank / H&R Block Card: Often available by midnight ET.

2. The "Big Five" (Early Morning)

The major brick-and-mortar banks use a traditional "batch processing" system. You will rarely see the money before midnight.

• RBC (Royal Bank): Deposits typically clear between 3:00 AM and 4:00 AM local time.
• TD Canada Trust: Most users see funds available between 3:00 AM and 6:00 AM ET.
• Scotiabank / CIBC / BMO: Deposits generally hit between 12:01 AM and 6:00 AM local time.

Warning: If you check your account at 12:05 AM and it's not there, do not panic. The banks process millions of transactions in waves. Wait until 6:00 AM before assuming something is wrong.

Quick Answers: Common CCB Questions

How much will the Canada Child Benefit increase in 2026?

The CCB is indexed to inflation every July. Starting in July 2026, the maximum annual benefit is projected to increase to approximately $7,787 ($648.91/month) for each child under 6, and $6,570 ($547.50/month) for each child aged 6 to 17. These amounts are tax-free and based on your 2025 family net income.

What time does the Child Tax Benefit get deposited?

If you have direct deposit, the funds are typically available between 3:00 AM and 6:00 AM local time on the payment date for major banks (RBC, TD, Scotiabank). Digital banks like Tangerine often release the funds as early as 10:30 PM ET on the night before the official payment date.

Is the Canada Child Benefit taxable income?

No. The Canada Child Benefit (CCB) is 100% tax-free. You do not need to report it as income on your tax return, and it does not reduce your eligibility for other benefits like the GST/HST credit or provincial social assistance.

How Much Will I Get? (2026 CCB Maximums)

The CCB is indexed to inflation, meaning the amount goes up every July to help families keep up with the rising cost of living.

However, it is critical to understand that the year is split into two halves.

Period 1: January 2026 – June 2026

During these six months, you are still being paid based on the 2024 tax year rates.

• Child under 6: Max **$666.41** per month ($7,997/year).
• Child 6 to 17: Max **$562.33** per month ($6,748/year).

Period 2: July 2026 – June 2027 (The Raise)

Starting in July 2026, the new "Benefit Year" begins. Your payments will be recalculated based on your 2025 Tax Return (which you file in April 2026).

Based on current inflation projections (CPI), the estimated maximums for July 2026 are:

• Child under 6: Approx. **$679.75** per month (~$8,157/year).
• Child 6 to 17: Approx. **$573.58** per month (~$6,883/year).

Note: The CRA will confirm the exact indexed dollar amounts in late June 2026. These are projections based on the Indexation Factor.

The "July Shock": Why Did My Payment Go Down?

Every July, thousands of parents log into their bank accounts and panic because their deposit is smaller than it was in June.

This is not a mistake. It is the Annual Recalculation. Here are the top 3 reasons your CCB drops in July:

1. You Made More Money (AFNI Increase)

The CCB is income-tested. If your Adjusted Family Net Income (AFNI) on your 2025 taxes was higher than it was in 2024, your benefit decreases.

• The Threshold: If your family income is over approx. $38,000, your benefit starts to gradually reduce (clawback).
• The Trap: Even if you feel "broke" because of debt, the CRA only looks at your Net Income line. They do not care about your mortgage or car payments.

2. Your Child Turned 6

This is the most common surprise.

• The Rule: The month after your child turns 6, they move from the "Under 6" bracket ($666/mo) to the "6-17" bracket ($562/mo).
• The Hit: That is an instant drop of roughly $100 per month.

3. Changes in Marital Status

• Getting Married / Common-Law: If you moved in with a partner and declared it to the CRA, their income is now added to yours. This combined family income often pushes you into a higher bracket, significantly lowering your CCB.
• Separation: Conversely, if you separated, you must inform the CRA immediately. You will likely see an increase in your CCB since it will now be based solely on your income.

Shared Custody: Who Gets the Money?

The "50/50 Split" is one of the biggest sources of confusion (and arguments) for separated parents in Canada. The CRA has very specific, strict rules for this.

The "Shared Custody Parent" Definition

To be considered "Shared Custody" for CCB purposes, the child must live with you between 40% and 60% of the time.

• 40% to 60%: You are "Shared." You get 50% of the CCB you would normally qualify for based on your own income.
• Over 60%: You are the "Primary." You get 100% of the CCB.
• Under 40%: You are "Access Only." You get $0.

How the Payment Works

The CRA does not split one cheque in half.

1. They calculate what Parent A would get based on Parent A's income, and send them 50% of that amount.
2. They calculate what Parent B would get based on Parent B's income, and send them 50% of that amount.
3. Result: If Parent A is low-income and Parent B is high-income, Parent A will get a much larger cheque than Parent B.

Pro Tip: If you rotate custody (e.g., one week on, one week off), do not try to "game" the system by claiming one parent has the child 100%. The CRA frequently audits custody arrangements by asking for letters from schools and doctors. If you are caught, the "Clawback" (repayment) can be thousands of dollars.

(See our full guide on Shared Custody CCB Rules for detailed examples.)

Troubleshooting: Payment Not Received?

It is the 20th, 9:00 AM, and your account is empty. What do you do?

Step 1: The "5-Day Rule"

The CRA will not even speak to you about a missing payment until 5 business days have passed.

• Why? Sometimes the banking system is just slow. If the 20th was a Friday, wait until the following Wednesday before calling.

Step 2: Check for "The Hold"

Did you recently change your direct deposit info?

• Security Delays: When you update your banking info, the CRA sometimes puts a "hold" on the next payment to ensure it wasn't a fraudster changing your details. You might receive a paper cheque in the mail instead of a direct deposit for one month.

Step 3: Check "Uncashed Cheques"

If you moved and forgot to update your address, your cheque might be sitting in the CRA's vault.

• How to check: Log into CRA My Account -> "Related Services" -> "Uncashed Cheques."
• (Read our guide on How to Find Uncashed CRA Cheques to claim your lost money.)

Step 4: The Debt Garnishment

Can the government take your CCB?

• General Rule: The CCB is generally protected from seizure by private creditors (like credit card companies).
• Government Debt: However, the CRA can use your GST or Trillium Benefit to pay off tax debt or student loans. They usually do not garnish CCB payments unless the debt is specifically a "CCB Overpayment" from a previous year.

Eligibility for Newcomers to Canada

You do not need to be a Canadian Citizen to get the CCB. You are eligible if you are a "Resident for Tax Purposes" and meet one of these criteria:

1. Permanent Resident (PR).
2. Protected Person (Refugee).
3. Temporary Resident: You have lived in Canada for 18 months and have a valid permit in the 19th month.

For New Parents:

If you just had a baby, use the "Automated Benefits Application" when you register the birth at the hospital or municipality. It automatically signs you up for the CCB, the GST Credit, and provincial benefits like the Ontario Trillium Benefit.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I get an advance on my CCB?

No. The CRA does not offer payday loans or advances. The schedule is fixed. If you are in a crisis, you may need to look into provincial emergency assistance (like Ontario Works) or local Rent Banks.

Does CCB count as income for taxes?

No. The Canada Child Benefit is 100% Tax-Free. You do not report it as income on your tax return.

Will my ex-husband see how much CCB I get?

No. CCB information is private. If you are separated, your ex-partner cannot see your income or your benefit amount on their CRA account, and you cannot see theirs.

Why is my payment $10 or $20 different this month?

Small fluctuations can happen if the province adjusts its portion of the benefit (some provinces tack on extra amounts to the CCB cheque). However, large changes usually indicate an income reassessment.

Need More Income?

If the CCB isn't enough to cover your family's bills this month, you may need to look for immediate work opportunities.

About the Author

Jeff Calixte (MC Yow-Z) is a Canadian labour market researcher and digital entrepreneur specializing in government benefit data and cost-of-living support. As the founder of CanadaPaymentDates.ca and BetterPayJobs.ca, Jeff helps newcomers, students, and workers navigate the Canadian social safety net—from tracking CRA payment schedules to finding entry-level work.

Sources

1. Canada Revenue Agency (CRA): Benefit payment dates (CCB)
2. CRA Calculation Sheets: CCB Calculation & Indexation
3. Shared Custody Policy: CRA Custody Arrangements

Note

Official 2026 payment dates and benefit amounts are determined by the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) and provincial governments. While we strive to keep this information current, government policies and schedules are subject to change without notice. All data in this guide is verified against official CRA circulars at the time of publication and should be treated as an estimate. We recommend confirming the status of your personal file directly via CRA My Account or by calling the CRA benefit line at 1-800-387-1193.