Canada Child Benefit payments increase by 2% starting July 20

Eligible families will see higher Canada Child Benefit payments arrive in their bank accounts on Monday, July 20, as the Canada Revenue Agency applies its annual inflation adjustment.

Since 2018, the CRA has used a process called indexation to adjust benefit and credit payments to keep pace with inflation and the rising cost of living. This year's indexation increase will be 2% — lower than the 2.7% increase families received in July 2025.

For families with children under six, the base benefit will increase to $8,157 annually in 2026, up $160 from $7,997 in 2025 — or about $680 per month. For families with children aged six to 17, the base benefit will rise to $6,883 annually in 2026, up $135 from $6,748 in 2025 — or about $574 per month.

The Child Disability Benefit, a tax-free monthly payment for families caring for children under 18 with severe and prolonged physical or mental impairment, will also increase. The maximum benefit amount in 2026 will be $3,480, a $69 increase from $3,411 in 2025.

The maximum benefits and income thresholds are indexed annually based on the Consumer Price Index. Families can confirm their eligibility for Canada's child tax benefit using the government's online eligibility test.