Canada Child Benefit and Shared Custody: The 40% Rule

If your child lives with you 40% to 60% of the time, you and the other parent have shared custody: you both apply and each get half of what you would get with full custody, based on your own household income. Over 60% is full custody; under 40% you can't get the CCB for that child.

By Sarah Moglin Fact-checked by Samuel Athur

Last verified November 8, 2026 How we check our facts

Custody and who applies

Time the child spends with you	Status	What to do
More than 60%	Full custody	Apply
40% to 60%	Shared custody	Both individuals apply
Less than 40%	Not eligible	Don't apply

With shared custody, each parent gets 50% of the amount they would get with full custody, worked out on their own adjusted family net income.

Temporary changes

If a child lives with someone else for a set time, such as the summer, that person can apply for that period and must reapply when the child returns.

Tell the CRA about any change in custody right away, to avoid an overpayment you would have to pay back.

Phone numbers

CRA benefits enquiries (CCB)

1-800-387-1193

Monday to Friday, 8 am to 8 pm Eastern time

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. Who Can Get the Canada Child Benefit? Eligibility Rules You can get the Canada child benefit if you live with a child under 18, are primarily responsible for their care, are a Canadian resident for tax purposes, and you or your spouse or partner is a citizen, permanent resident, protected person, eligible temporary resident, or registered under the Indian Act. How to Pay Back a CRA Benefit Overpayment (CCB, GST/HST Credit) If the CRA recalculates your benefits and finds you were overpaid, it sends a notice with a remittance voucher. Pay online through your bank using your SIN as the account number, let the CRA take it from future benefits or refunds, or call 1-888-863-8662 to set up a payment plan.

Frequently asked questions

How do I tell the CRA custody changed?

In your CRA account under Benefits and credits, or by calling 1-800-387-1193.

Sources

Before you apply: custody situations (canada.ca)

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.