The Alberta Child and Family Benefit (ACFB) is a tax-free provincial benefit for eligible Alberta families with children under 18. The program is funded by the Government of Alberta and administered by the Canada Revenue Agency.
ACFB payments are made separately from the federal Canada Child Benefit (CCB) and are normally issued four times a year: in February, May, August and November.
In 2026, the benefit crosses two payment periods. The February and May payments fall within the July 2025 to June 2026 benefit year, while the August and November payments fall within the July 2026 to June 2027 benefit year.
ACFB Payment Dates in 2026
CRA lists the following Alberta Child and Family Benefit payment dates for 2026:
| Payment | Date |
|---|---|
| First 2026 payment | February 27, 2026 |
| Second 2026 payment | May 27, 2026 |
| Third 2026 payment | August 27, 2026 |
| Fourth 2026 payment | November 27, 2026 |
CRA publishes the current schedule on its benefit payment dates page.
The Government of Alberta notes that payments under $10 for a quarter may be consolidated and paid less frequently.
Maximum ACFB Amounts for July 2026 to June 2027
The ACFB has two parts:
- Base component — available to eligible lower-income families whether or not they have employment income.
- Working component — available to eligible families with family employment income above the program threshold.
For the July 2026 to June 2027 benefit year, the published maximum annual amounts are:
| Number of Children | Maximum Base Component | Maximum Working Component | Maximum Combined Benefit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 child | $1,529 | $782 | $2,311 |
| 2 children | $2,293 | $1,494 | $3,787 |
| 3 children | $3,057 | $1,920 | $4,977 |
| 4 or more children | $3,821 | $2,061 | $5,882 |
These are maximum amounts. Actual entitlement depends on family income, employment income, the number of eligible children and CRA records.
The current provincial amounts are published on the Government of Alberta ACFB page and CRA’s Province of Alberta benefits page.
Maximum Amounts for July 2025 to June 2026
The February and May 2026 payments fall within the earlier July 2025 to June 2026 benefit year. The published maximum annual amounts for that period were:
| Number of Children | Maximum Base Component | Maximum Working Component | Maximum Combined Benefit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 child | $1,499 | $767 | $2,266 |
| 2 children | $2,248 | $1,465 | $3,713 |
| 3 children | $2,997 | $1,883 | $4,880 |
| 4 or more children | $3,746 | $2,021 | $5,767 |
That is why a family’s August 2026 payment can differ from its May 2026 payment even when the number of children has not changed: August begins a new benefit year with updated indexed amounts and newer income information.
Which Tax Return Is Used for the 2026–27 Benefit Year?
CRA’s child-benefit rules use a July-to-June payment period. For the period from July 2026 to June 2027, the base year is 2025.
That means CRA uses 2025 tax-return information when calculating the benefit period that begins in July 2026.
CRA explains the base-year system in its Canada Child Benefit and related programs guide.
How the Base Component Works
The base component is available to eligible lower-income Alberta families whether or not they have employment income.
For the July 2026 to June 2027 benefit year, the base component begins to be reduced when adjusted family net income exceeds $28,116.
The published maximum base amounts are $1,529 for the first child and an additional $764 for each of the second, third and fourth children, up to a maximum base amount of $3,821 for four or more children.
How the Working Component Works
Families may qualify for the working component when family employment income exceeds $2,760.
The Government of Alberta states that the working component grows at 15% for each additional dollar of family employment income above $2,760 until the applicable maximum is reached.
For July 2026 to June 2027, the working component begins to be reduced when adjusted family net income exceeds $47,115.
The published maximum working amounts are $782 for the first child, $712 for the second, $426 for the third and $141 for the fourth child, for a maximum of $2,061.
Three Different Income Thresholds
The ACFB uses several income figures for different parts of the calculation:
| Threshold | What It Affects |
|---|---|
| $2,760 family employment income | Working-component eligibility begins above this level |
| $28,116 adjusted family net income | Base component begins to be reduced above this level |
| $47,115 adjusted family net income | Working component begins to be reduced above this level |
These numbers do different jobs in the calculation and should not be treated as interchangeable income cutoffs.
Who Is Eligible for the ACFB?
The Government of Alberta lists four basic eligibility conditions. A family must:
- have one or more children under 18
- be a resident of Alberta
- file a tax return
- meet the program’s income criteria
The benefit is not taxable.
Alberta also states that receiving AISH, Income Support or the Alberta child care subsidy does not prevent an otherwise eligible family from receiving the ACFB.
Do You Apply Separately for the ACFB?
No separate ACFB application is normally required.
Alberta states that families are automatically considered for the ACFB when they file their annual tax return and qualify for the federal Canada Child Benefit.
If a family needs to apply for the CCB, that federal application must still be completed.
For the federal program, see our Canada Child Benefit 2026 guide.
Both Spouses or Common-Law Partners May Need to File Returns
CRA requires both spouses or common-law partners to file annual tax returns to continue receiving the CCB and related benefits when the rule applies, even if one person had no income.
For the July 2026 to June 2027 period, CRA uses the family’s 2025 tax information to calculate CCB and related provincial benefits.
ACFB and CCB Are Separate Benefits
The Alberta Child and Family Benefit does not replace the Canada Child Benefit.
An eligible Alberta family may receive both programs. The CCB is generally paid monthly, while the ACFB is paid separately in February, May, August and November.
For example, CRA lists the August 2026 CCB payment for August 20 and the August 2026 ACFB payment for August 27.
How Household Changes Can Affect the Benefit
CRA and the Government of Alberta reassess benefit eligibility as household information changes.
Changes that can affect the amount include:
- a new child
- a child turning 18
- marriage or common-law status
- separation
- custody changes
- moving into or out of Alberta
Alberta states that a family moving into the province can become eligible in the month after becoming an Alberta resident, while a family leaving Alberta may have to repay amounts received for months when it was no longer resident in the province.
If CRA determines that a household was underpaid, it can issue an additional amount. If a household was overpaid, CRA can require repayment.
How to Estimate an ACFB Payment
The published maximum amounts do not show what every household will receive.
The Government of Alberta directs families to CRA’s Child and Family Benefits Calculator for an estimate based on income and household information.
You can also review current benefit information through CRA My Account. For account access, see our CRA My Account 2026 guide.
ACFB 2026 Key Numbers
| Item | 2026–27 Figure |
|---|---|
| Payment months | February, May, August and November |
| Maximum combined benefit, 1 child | $2,311 |
| Maximum combined benefit, 2 children | $3,787 |
| Maximum combined benefit, 3 children | $4,977 |
| Maximum combined benefit, 4 or more children | $5,882 |
| Working-component employment-income threshold | $2,760 |
| Base-component reduction threshold | $28,116 AFNI |
| Working-component reduction threshold | $47,115 AFNI |
| Taxable? | No |
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the ACFB payment dates in 2026?
The scheduled dates are February 27, May 27, August 27 and November 27, 2026.
What is the maximum ACFB for one child in 2026–27?
The maximum combined annual amount is $2,311: $1,529 from the base component plus up to $782 from the working component.
What is the maximum for four or more children?
The maximum combined annual benefit for four or more children is $5,882 for July 2026 to June 2027.
When does the base component start to decrease?
For July 2026 to June 2027, it begins to be reduced when adjusted family net income exceeds $28,116.
When does the working component start to decrease?
It begins to be reduced when adjusted family net income exceeds $47,115.
How much employment income is needed before the working component begins?
Family employment income must exceed $2,760 before the working component begins to build.
Do I need to apply separately for ACFB?
No separate ACFB application is normally required. Alberta states that eligible families are automatically considered when they file their annual tax return and qualify for the Canada Child Benefit.
Is the ACFB taxable?
No. The ACFB is a tax-free benefit.
Disclaimer: ACFB entitlement depends on family income, employment income, eligible children, residency and CRA records. Maximum amounts are not guaranteed payments. Check Alberta.ca or CRA for your current entitlement.
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