Some Airdrie parents may see a timely financial lift this month as federal and provincial child benefit payments are set to arrive just ahead of back-to-school season.
The next Canada child benefit (CCB) payment will be issued on August 20, according to the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA). This monthly benefit is available to eligible families who live with a child under 18, are primarily responsible for their care, and meet Canadian residency and immigration status requirements.
To qualify, applicants must be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, protected person, a temporary resident who has lived in Canada for the previous 18 months and has a valid permit in the 19th month that does not state “does not confer status” or “does not confer temporary resident status,” or a person registered under the Indian Act. Refugee claimants are not eligible unless they have received a positive decision from the Immigration and Refugee Board.
Under federal rules, the parent who is "primarily responsible for the care and upbringing" of the child must apply. This includes supervising daily needs, arranging medical care, and securing child care. In households with two parents, the CRA presumes the female parent is primarily responsible unless a signed letter states otherwise.
Payments are recalculated every July based on the previous year’s income. For the 2025–26 benefit year, amounts are determined using 2024 adjusted family net income.
In shared custody situations, each parent may receive 50 per cent of the CCB amount they would have received with full custody.
If the child is eligible for the disability tax credit, families may also receive up to $3,411 under the child disability benefit between July 2025 and June 2026.
Provincial top-up due August 27
In addition to the federal payment, eligible families in Alberta may receive the Alberta child and family benefit (ACFB) later in the month. The next ACFB instalment is scheduled for August 27, and is issued quarterly, separate from the monthly CCB.
The ACFB provides tax-free support to Alberta families with children under 18. The Government of Alberta states eligibility for the ACFB requires that you be a resident of Alberta, the parent of a child under 18, have filed a tax return, and meet income criteria.
Families receiving Assured Income for the Severely Handicapped (AISH), Income Support, or the Alberta child care subsidy are still eligible for the ACFB. Receiving the benefit does not affect other provincial support payments.
Families are automatically considered for the ACFB when they file a tax return and qualify for the federal Canada child benefit. “No further action is required,” the province states. Free tax clinics are available to help eligible lower-income Albertans prepare returns.
The base component of the ACFB is available to lower-income families, whether or not they earn employment income. Families are also eligible for the working component if their family employment income exceeds $2,760, with the amount received growing at a rate of 15 per cent for every additional dollar of income earned over this threshold, until the maximum benefit is reached.
For July 2025 to June 2026, families may receive:
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$1,499 annually for the first child
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$749 for each additional child (up to four children total)
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Working income supplements of up to $767 for the first child, $698 for the second, $418 for the third, and $138 for the fourth
The benefit is reduced as adjusted family net income rises above $27,565, and is fully phased out after $46,191.
If the eligible amount is less than $10 in a quarter, payments may be consolidated and issued less frequently, the province says.
ACFB payments are administered by the CRA on Alberta’s behalf and mailed or direct-deposited in August, November, February, and May.
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