Some Airdrie families will see a Canada Child Benefit payment hit their accounts on Wednesday, while recent research shows parents are facing steep back-to-school expenses.
The Canada Revenue Agency says the monthly benefit will be issued Aug. 20 to eligible households with children under 18.
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A survey released in June by analytics firm Caddle and the Retail Council of Canada found parents expect to spend between $600 and $750 per child this year. Ninety-one per cent said costs are higher than in past years, with 53 per cent describing them as “a lot more expensive.”
To qualify for the federal benefit, applicants must be Canadian citizens, permanent residents, protected persons, certain temporary residents, or individuals registered under the Indian Act. Refugee claimants are not eligible unless they have received a positive decision from the Immigration and Refugee Board.
Applicants must also be the parent “primarily responsible for the care and upbringing” of the child. 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 Aug. 27
In addition to the federal payment, eligible families in Alberta may receive the Alberta Child and Family Benefit later in the month. The next instalment is scheduled for Aug. 27 and is issued quarterly, separate from the monthly CCB.
The ACFB provides tax-free support to Alberta families with children under 18. Eligibility requires residency in Alberta, filing a tax return and meeting income criteria. Families receiving Assured Income for the Severely Handicapped, Income Support or the Alberta child-care subsidy are still eligible.
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.
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.
ACFB payments are administered by the CRA on Alberta’s behalf and are mailed or direct-deposited in August, November, February and May.
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