First CCB Payment of 2026: The Canada Child Benefit continues to be one of the most important monthly financial supports for families across the country. As the new year begins, parents and caregivers are preparing for the first CCB payment of 2026, which the Canada Revenue Agency has scheduled for January 20. This payment provides tax-free assistance to help cover everyday expenses related to raising children.
Knowing when the payment arrives, how much you may receive, and whether you qualify can help families plan their budgets more effectively at the start of the year.
When the January 2026 CCB Payment Will Be Deposited
The Canada Revenue Agency typically issues Canada Child Benefit payments on the 20th of each month. For January 2026, the payment date falls on a regular business day, so eligible families can expect the deposit on January 20.
Families enrolled in direct deposit usually see the funds appear in their bank accounts on the same day. Those who receive payments by cheque may experience a short delay depending on mail delivery times.
This January payment is the first of twelve monthly deposits scheduled throughout the year.
How Much You May Receive in January
The amount of Canada Child Benefit a family receives depends on several factors. The benefit is income-tested, meaning payments are calculated using the household’s adjusted family net income from the most recent assessed tax year.
Other factors include:
• The number of eligible children
• The age of each child
• Whether a child qualifies for additional disability support
For the benefit period covering July 2025 to June 2026, families with lower incomes receive the highest payments. Younger children generally qualify for higher monthly amounts compared to older children. As household income increases, the benefit amount is gradually reduced.
The January 2026 payment does not include new rate increases. Any inflation adjustments are usually applied starting in July, when the next benefit year begins.
Who Is Eligible for the Canada Child Benefit
To qualify for the Canada Child Benefit, you must meet the following conditions:
• You are primarily responsible for the care and upbringing of a child under 18
• You live with the child
• You are a resident of Canada for tax purposes
Eligibility is not limited to Canadian citizens. Permanent residents, protected persons, and some temporary residents may also qualify if they meet residency and care requirements.
Both you and your spouse or common-law partner must file annual income tax returns for the CRA to calculate eligibility and payment amounts. Failure to file taxes is one of the most common reasons payments are delayed or stopped.
How the CRA Calculates CCB Payments
For payments issued from January to June 2026, the CRA uses income information from the 2024 tax year. This means that changes in income or family circumstances during 2025 may not be reflected until the new benefit period begins in July 2026.
However, certain life changes such as a change in marital status, custody arrangements, or the birth of a child should be reported to the CRA as soon as possible to avoid incorrect payments.
Direct Deposit Versus Cheque Payments
Direct deposit is the fastest and most reliable way to receive Canada Child Benefit payments. Families using direct deposit typically receive their funds on the scheduled payment date without delay.
Those who are not enrolled in direct deposit will receive their payments by cheque through the mail. These payments may arrive several business days after the official payment date.
Signing up for direct deposit helps ensure timely access to funds and reduces the risk of lost or delayed cheques.
What to Do If Your Payment Is Late
If your January 20 payment does not arrive on time, it is recommended to wait up to five business days before taking action. Banking delays or postal delivery issues can occasionally cause minor delays.
If the payment is still missing after that time, reviewing your CRA account can help identify potential issues, such as missing tax returns or required information updates. Once resolved, the CRA may issue missed payments retroactively.
Additional Support for Families With Disabled Children
Families caring for a child with a qualifying disability may be eligible for extra monthly support through the Child Disability Benefit. This amount is added to the regular Canada Child Benefit payment and helps offset additional care-related expenses.
Eligibility requires medical certification and CRA approval, and payments are reviewed periodically.
Final Thoughts
The Canada Child Benefit remains a critical source of monthly financial assistance for families raising children in Canada. The first payment of 2026, arriving on January 20, helps families manage early-year expenses and maintain financial stability.
By filing tax returns on time, keeping personal information up to date, and choosing direct deposit, families can ensure they receive their full CCB payments without interruption throughout the year.