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Benefits

Why Did My Canada Child Benefit Change or Stop?

Your Canada child benefit usually changes in July, when the CRA recalculates it from last year's tax return. It can also change or stop if you or your partner didn't file a return, your income rose, your marital or custody status changed, a child turned 6 or 18, or the CRA is recovering an overpayment.

By Fact-checked by Samuel Athur

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Common reasons

  • July recalculation: each July, the amount is reset from the previous year's family income.
  • A tax return wasn't filed: payments stop if you or your spouse or partner hasn't filed.
  • Your child turned 6: the maximum drops from $8,157 to $6,883 a year the month after.
  • Your child turned 18: payments for that child end.
  • Marital status or custody changed: your family income and share are recalculated.
  • Overpayment: the CRA can hold back part of your payments. See benefit overpayments.
  • You moved or left Canada: update your address; non-residents lose eligibility.

What to do

Check your notice and messages in your CRA account under Benefits and credits, then call 1-800-387-1193 if it still doesn't make sense.

Phone numbers

CRA benefits enquiries (CCB)

1-800-387-1193

Monday to Friday, 8 am to 8 pm Eastern time

Related

Canada Child Benefit (CCB): How Much You Get in 2026-2027 From July 2026 to June 2027, the Canada child benefit pays up to $8,157 a year ($679.75 a month) for each child under 6 and up to $6,883 a year ($573.58 a month) for each child aged 6 to 17. You get the full amount if your 2025 adjusted family net income is $38,237 or less; above that it is reduced. When Does the CRA Update Your Benefits? The July Benefit Year The CRA recalculates the Canada child benefit every July, using your tax return from the previous year. Payments from July 2026 to June 2027 are based on your 2025 return. Filing by April 30 keeps your benefits from being interrupted in July. Canada Child Benefit (CCB) Payment Dates 2026 Remaining 2026 dates: November 20 and December 11. The CCB, including related provincial and territorial child benefits, is paid monthly, usually around the 20th. December's payment comes early, on December 11. 1-800-387-1193: CRA Benefits Phone Line (CCB, GST/HST Credit) Call 1-800-387-1193 for the Canada child benefit, the GST/HST credit or Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit, the child disability benefit, and marital status or death notifications for benefits. Agents answer Monday to Friday, 8 am to 8 pm Eastern time; automated payment info runs every day from 6 am to 3 am ET.

Frequently asked questions

Why is my CCB lower in July?

Usually because your family income went up in the previous year, or a child turned 6. The July notice shows the calculation.

Sources

North Help Desk is an independent guide, not a government website. Rules, amounts and phone hours can change; always confirm on the official page before you act. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.