Canada Increases Child Benefit Payments for 3.6 Million Families

The Government of Canada increased Canada Child Benefit (CCB) payments for the 2026-2027 program year to help families manage the cost of living. Starting in July 2026, the monthly tax-free benefit provides up to $8,157 per child under age 6 and up to $6,883 per child aged 6 to 17, representing an annual increase of up to $160 and $135 per child, respectively.

Secretary of State for Children and Youth Anna Gainey announced the increases through coordinated media events on July 17, 2026. Secretary of State Wayne Long presented the announcement in Saint John, New Brunswick, while Parliamentary Secretary Ginette Lavack held a briefing at the Windsor Community Centre in Winnipeg, Manitoba. The program supports approximately 3.6 million families caring for 6 million children, distributing about $30 billion in annual payments nationally.

In Manitoba, the benefit provides over $1.4 billion to roughly 153,000 families. The government has indexed the benefit to inflation annually since 2018 to ensure payments remain responsive to economic pressures and predictable for parents.