Nearly 457,000 families in British Columbia benefiting from more generous payments starting this month
KELOWNA, BC, July 17, 2026 /CNW/ — The Government of Canada is lowering costs for families by strengthening the Canada Child Benefit (CCB). The CCB is a monthly tax-free payment to help them with the costs of raising children.
Today in British Columbia, on behalf of the Honourable Anna Gainey, Secretary of State (Children and Youth), the Honourable Stephen Fuhr, Secretary of State (Defence Procurement) and Member of Parliament for Kelowna, is pleased to highlight the program’s continued delivery of meaningful tax-free support to families.
Starting this month, the CCB will provide families with up to $8,157 per child under the age of 6 and up to $6,883 per child aged 6 to 17. This represents an increase of up to $160 per child under age 6 and up to $135 per child aged 6 to 17 compared to the previous year, helping families manage everyday expenses such as groceries, clothing and child care. In British Columbia alone, the CCB provides over $3.2 billion in benefits to approximately 457,000 families each year, helping reduce financial pressures and contributing to the financial stability of households across the British Columbia.
Today, nationally, the CCB supports about 3.6 million families caring for 6 million children, delivering approximately $30 billion in annual tax-free payments. The CCB has helped to lift hundreds of thousands of children out of poverty and has put more money directly into the pockets of parents who need it most.
Quotes
“Starting Monday, the Canada Child Benefit is going up for 3.6 million Canadian families. This increased monthly payment will help cover everyday expenses like school supplies, clothing, and groceries. When we invest in kids, we’re investing in our future and building Canada strong.”
The Honourable Anna Gainey
Secretary of State (Children and Youth)
“The Canada Child Benefit is providing support to families across British Columbia, and in my own community of Kelowna. The benefit is helping families to cover the costs of raising children and build a stronger future for their kids. By increasing payments each year to keep pace with inflation, we are ensuring families continue to receive the support they need when it matters most.”
The Honourable Stephen Fuhr
Secretary of State (Defence Procurement) and Member of Parliament for Kelowna
Quick facts
- The Canada Child Benefit (CCB) is a monthly tax-free benefit based on the prior year’s income. It provides support for low- to middle-income families with children to help with the cost of raising children. In British Columbia approximately 17,000 children are supported by the CCB, helping improve household financial security and investing in their children’s future.
- The amount received under the CCB depends on a few key factors, including the number and the ages of children in care, and prior year’s adjusted net family income. For example, a family with one child aged 5 and one child aged 9 with an adjusted family net income of $65,000 will receive approximately $11,430 in 2026–27. This represents nearly $400 more than they would have received in 2025–26.
- The CCB is designed to be responsive to the costs of living and has been annually indexed to inflation since 2018 guaranteeing that families receive both rising and predictable support that they can rely on.
- Annual indexation takes effect on July 1 to coincide with the beginning of the program year for payments, which runs from July 1 to June 30 each year.
- Numerous research studies and reports have found that the CCB has had the following impact:
- Made it easier for single low-income mothers to make ends meet, with 85% of respondents indicating they would struggle significantly without the CCB.
- Helped low-income families spend more on necessities such as such as food, shelter, and children’s clothing.
- Reduced the rate of severe food insecurity by one-third among low-income families.
Associated links
- Canada Child Benefit
- Children’s Special Allowances
- Prime Minister Carney launches National Food Security Strategy
- National School Food Program
- National Food Security Strategy
- Canada’s First Poverty Reduction Strategy
SOURCE Government of Canada