The Canada Child Benefit (CCB) is a tax-free monthly payment designed to help eligible families with the cost of raising children under 18. If you’re expecting your CCB on February 20, 2026, here’s what’s important—payment timing, how amounts are calculated, and what to do if something changes.
CCB Payment Date: February 20, 2026
The CRA’s benefit calendar confirms that CCB payments are scheduled for February 20, 2026.
CCB follows a 12-month benefit period that starts in July and ends the following June.
That means the February 2025 payment falls within the July 2025 to June 2026 benefit year.
Which Tax Year Determines Your February 2026 CCB?
CCB is calculated using your adjusted family net income (AFNI) from the prior tax year. In practice, your February 2026 payment is part of the July 2025–June 2026 benefit period, which is based on your 2024 tax return (unless the CRA updates your file due to changes you report).
How Much Can You Receive in the 2025–26 Benefit Year?
For the 2025–26 benefit year (July 2025 to June 2026), the Government of Canada announced the maximum annual CCB amounts as:
- Up to $7,787 per child under 6
- Up to $6,570 per child aged 6 to 17
Your actual monthly amount depends on factors like:
- number of children in your care
- children’s ages
- your marital status
- your AFNI
Income Thresholds and Reductions (AFNI)
If your AFNI is above certain thresholds, the CCB begins to reduce. For the July 2025–June 2026 benefit year calculation framework, the CRA shows these key income points:
- If AFNI is $36,502 or less, you generally receive the maximum (no reduction under that step).
- Different reduction steps apply as income rises beyond that level.
(Exact reductions vary by number of children and are calculated by CRA rules for your benefit year.)
Direct Deposit and How to Check Your Payment
The CRA recommends direct deposit as the fastest and most secure way to receive benefits.
To confirm your next expected payment date and amount, you can check inside your CRA account, where you can view payment history and your CCB statement of account.
If Your February 20, 2026 Payment Doesn’t Arrive
If you don’t receive your CCB on the expected date, the CRA suggests you:
- check the payment status in your CRA account
- ensure your personal information is up to date
- review reasons payments may stop or change
If you still can’t determine the reason, the CRA advises waiting 5 business days after the expected payment date before contacting them.
Important Note: Small Annual Benefit Amounts
If your total benefit for the year is less than $240, you may not receive monthly payments. Instead, the CRA indicates you’ll receive a lump sum with your July payment.
Looking Ahead: CCB Increase for the Next Benefit Year
CCB amounts are indexed, and the Government of Canada announced higher maximums for the July 2025–June 2026 benefit year:
- Up to $7,997 per child under 6
- Up to $6,748 per child aged 6 to 17
These updated maximums begin with the new benefit year starting in July 2025.
Conclusion
The February 20, 2026 CCB payment is part of the July 2025–June 2026 benefit year and is generally based on your 2024 family income information. Keep your CRA profile updated, use direct deposit for faster access, and verify your amount through your CRA account. If you don’t receive the payment on time, follow CRA’s guidance and wait 5 business days before reaching out.
FAQs
1) Why did my CCB amount change in February 2026?
Your payment can change if your income information, marital status, custody arrangement, or other eligibility details were updated by the CRA during the benefit year.
2) What if I don’t receive my CCB on February 20, 2026?
Check your CRA account first and confirm your personal details. If you still don’t know why it’s missing, wait 5 business days after the expected date before contacting CRA.
3) Will the CCB increase later in 2026?
Yes. Maximum CCB amounts increase for the next benefit year starting July 2026 (the July 2025–June 2026 period).