Introduction to the Alberta Child and Family Benefit
The Alberta Child and Family Benefit (ACFB) is a program designed to improve the quality of life of children and support their well-being. Launched in July 2020, it combines the Alberta Child Benefit and the Alberta Family Employment Tax Credit into a single program. The ACFB is linked to inflation, which means the benefit amounts increase every year. The benefit period extends from July of one year to June of the following year.
What are the Child Benefit Payment Dates in Alberta for 2026
The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) issues ACFB payments quarterly via direct deposit or check. The payment dates for 2026 are:
- February 27, 2026
- May 27, 2026
- August 27, 2026
- November 27, 2026
You can also find personalized benefit payment dates in the CRA’s My Account.
Eligibility Criteria for the ACFB
To qualify for the ACFB, you must meet all of the following criteria:
- Be the parent of one or more children under 18 years of age
- Be a resident of Alberta
- File a tax return
- Meet the income criteria
Do I Need to Apply for the ACFB
No, you do not need to apply for the ACFB. According to the Government of Alberta, you will automatically be eligible for ACFB when you file your annual tax return and qualify for the federal government’s Canada Child Benefit. The CRA periodically reviews your family’s eligibility for ACFB. If you and your family have just moved to Alberta, you will be eligible for the ACFB one month after becoming a resident.
How Much is the Child Benefit in Alberta
Your adjusted family net income and the number of children in your family determine your total benefit amount per year. The ACFB includes a basic component and a work component.
Basic Component of the ACFB
The basic component of the ACFB is available to low-income families with children. To receive the basic share, you do not have to earn any income. Depending on the number of children in your family, you may be entitled to the following basic amounts for the period from July 2025 to June 2026:
- $1,499 for the first child
- $749 for the second child
- $749 for the third child
- $749 for the fourth child (and each subsequent one)
If your adjusted family net income exceeded $27,565 in 2025, this base component will be reduced.
Working Component of the ACFB
In addition to the basic component, families with an adjusted net income of more than $2,760 are eligible for the work component. The work component benefit increases by 15% for each additional dollar of income (up to the maximum benefit), encouraging families to enter or remain in the workforce. For the period from July 2025 to June 2026, you may be entitled to the following amounts:
- $767 ($63.91 per month) for the first child
- $698 ($58.16 per month) for the second child
- $418 ($34.83 per month) for the third child
- $138 ($11.50 per month) for the fourth child
Once adjusted family net income exceeds $46,191, the work component of the benefit is also reduced.
What Counts as Adjusted Family Net Income
Adjusted Family Net Income is the amount the CRA uses to calculate your ACFB eligibility and determine when benefits will expire. The basis for this is line 23600 (net income) of your tax return. If you have a spouse or domestic partner, the CRA adds together both partners’ net income to determine your family’s adjusted net income. This combined amount is then used to calculate your ACFB payment amount and to assess whether discounts apply. The adjusted family net income is recalculated every year after you file your tax return.
Conclusion
The Alberta Child and Family Benefit is a valuable program designed to support the well-being of children in Alberta. By understanding the eligibility criteria, payment dates, and benefit amounts, families can better plan for their financial needs. The ACFB is an important resource for families, and it’s essential to take advantage of it to improve the quality of life for children in Alberta.