Families in Canada are getting ready for the child benefit payment on February 28, 2026. For many parents, the amount could be more than $660 per child, depending on their income and eligibility. As the payment date gets closer, more and more people are asking who is eligible, how much families can expect, and if anything needs to be done before the money comes.
The good news is that the payment will automatically go to families who are eligible. If you are already getting benefits and your tax information is up to date, you don’t need to fill out a separate application form. But knowing how the benefit is figured out can help families guess what they might get and avoid surprises later.
This in-depth guide goes over the February 28 payment, who is eligible, how the amount is calculated, the income limits explained, and what parents need to do to make sure they get the full benefit.
What is the payment for child benefits on February 28, 2026?
The payment on February 28, 2026, is the monthly Canada Child Benefit from the Canada Revenue Agency. The Canada Child Benefit (CCB) is a monthly payment that doesn’t have to be paid taxes on. It is meant to help families pay for raising kids under 18.
The regular CCB payment schedule usually falls earlier in the month, but the payment date for February 2026 is a little different this time. Families who qualify will get their deposit on February 28, 2026.
For some families, especially those with low or middle incomes, the monthly amount can be more than $660 per child. The exact amount depends on how much money you make and how old your child is.
Why Some Families Will Get More Than $660
For kids under six, the maximum benefit per year is higher than for kids six to seventeen. Families who get the most money for a young child can see monthly payments of more than $660 when the money is broken down into monthly payments.
The benefit is set up like this:
- More for kids under six
- A little lower maximum for kids ages six to seventeen
- Gradual decrease as adjusted family net income goes up
Families with lower incomes get the most money overall. As income goes up, the benefit slowly goes down based on set income levels.
If your family makes less than a certain amount of money, your February 28payment for a child under six could be more than $660.
Who Can Get the Payment on February 28?
Families must meet the normal requirements for the Canada Child Benefit in order to get the payment on February 28, 2026.
1. You have to live with the child
You are primarily responsible for the child’s care and upbringing. This includes things like feeding, dressing, teaching, and watching over them every day.
2. The child must be younger than 18
Children under 18 can get the benefit. Payments stop the month after the child turns 18.
3. You have to live in Canada for tax purposes
For tax purposes, you must be a resident of Canada.
4. You Have to Have Filed Your Taxes
Both parents (if they are married) must have filed their most recent tax returns. Even if you didn’t make any money, you still need to file because the amount of the benefit is based on what you said you made.
One of the most common reasons for late or missed payments is not filing taxes.
How Income Limits Affect Your Payment
You have to meet certain income requirements to get the Canada Child Benefit. That means the amount you get depends on your family’s adjusted net income from the last tax year.
The amount of your February 2026 payment will depend on the income you reported on your 2024 tax return.
This is how it works:
- Families with incomes below the lower limit get the most money.
- The benefit starts to go away slowly as income rises above that level.
- Families with higher incomes get less money overall, and in some cases, they may only get a little bit.
A percentage is used to figure out the reduction based on income over certain levels. The calculation changes based on how many kids you have.
How the Payment Is Worked Out
Every year, the Canada Child Benefit is figured out and then split into 12 monthly payments.
The formula takes into account:
- How many kids can apply
- The ages of the kids
- Adjusted net income for the family
- Status of marriage
- Arrangements for shared custody
The amount you get each month may also change if your family situation changes during the year.
For instance:
- If your income goes down a lot, your benefit may go up after you are reassessed.
- The payment may be split if the custody arrangements change.
- If you have a baby, a new benefit calculation starts when you register.
What If You Have Shared Custody?
In cases of shared custody, the benefit usually goes to both parents who are eligible. The child gets half of the total amount, which is split between the two parents.
This could affect your payment on February 28if you recently changed your custody arrangements and haven’t updated your information.
How to Make Sure You Get Your Payment on February 28
As the payment date gets closer, parents should do a few simple things to make sure there are no delays.
Pay Your Taxes for 2024
Even if you didn’t make much money or any money at all, you still have to file your taxes so that your benefits can be calculated.
Change Your Direct Deposit Information
If you’ve recently switched banks or accounts, make sure to tell the Canada Revenue Agency so that your checks don’t get held up.
Tell Us About Changes in Your Marital Status
Getting married, separated, or divorced can have a big effect on the amount of benefits you get. Reporting changes right away stops overpayments or breaks.
Register Newborns Right Away
If you just had a baby, make sure to register the birth and fill out the CCB application as soon as you can.
What happens if your payment is late?
If you haven’t gotten your deposit by February 28,
- Check your bank details
- Look at your CRA account online.
- Make sure that tax returns have been checked
- Make sure there are no outstanding requests for documents.
Missing tax filings or changes that haven’t been processed yet are usually to blame for delays.
Is this an extra payment or a bonus?
The deposit on February 28, 2026, is part of the Canada Child Benefit schedule that happens every month. It’s not a separate bonus or a one-time payment.
But some families may notice that their payments are higher than they were in previous years because the amount of benefits was changed in previous years to keep up with inflation.
This often causes confusion, and some people think it’s a one-time payment. It is actually part of the structured benefit system.
How changes in inflation affect your benefits
The Canada Child Benefit goes up with inflation. That means that the highest amounts are looked at every year and changed to keep up with rising costs of living.
This indexing helps families keep their buying power even though food, housing, childcare, and clothing costs are going up.
If the maximum rates went up for the benefit year that runs from 2025 to 2026, your payment in February might show that change.
Questions Parents Are Asking a Lot
Do I have to apply again?
No. If you already get the Canada Child Benefit and have filed your taxes, the payment will happen automatically without action.
Is the payment taxable?
No. You don’t have to pay taxes on the Canada Child Benefit.
Can both parents get the full amount?
No. Payments are split in shared custody situations.
What if my income went down in 2025?
The calculation for benefits is based on the last tax year. If your income drops a lot in 2025, the adjustment will show up after you file your 2025 return officially.
Why This Payment Is Important for Families
The Canada Child Benefit is one of the most important monthly sources of support for many families. Costs of groceries, childcare, transport and housing are going up, so even a few hundred dollars can make a big difference.
A payment of more than $660 per child can help pay for:
- Costs for childcare
- Things for school
- Clothes for winter
- Bills for utilities
- Things to do outside of school
The benefit is paid every month, which gives you steady financial security instead of a one-time payment only.
