The Alberta Child and Family Benefit (ACFB) is a tax-free quarterly financial assistance program provided by the Government of Alberta, administered by the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA), to help low- and middle-income families with the cost of raising children under 18.
Update (March 31, 2026): The February 27, 2026 ACFB payment (Q3 of 2025–26 benefit year) has already been paid. The next ACFB payment is May 27, 2026 (Q4 of the 2025–26 benefit year). The new benefit year 2026–27 will begin with the August 2026 payment, calculated using your 2025 tax return.
ACFB 2026 Payment Dates
The ACFB is paid quarterly — four times per year. Here are all the 2026 ACFB payment dates:
- February 27, 2026 — Q3 of 2025–26 benefit year ✅ (already paid)
- May 27, 2026 — Q4 of 2025–26 benefit year ← Next payment
- August 27, 2026 — Q1 of 2026–27 benefit year (new amounts based on 2025 taxes)
- November 27, 2026 — Q2 of 2026–27 benefit year
For the official payment calendar, visit: Canada.ca Benefits Payment Calendar.
ACFB 2025–26 Payment Amounts
The ACFB has two components: the Base Component (for all eligible low-income families) and the Working Income Component (for families with employment income). Here are the maximum annual amounts for the 2025–26 benefit year:
| Number of Children | Base Component | Working Income Component | Total Maximum Annual | Per Quarter |
| 1 Child | $1,499 | $767 | $2,266 | $566.50 |
| 2 Children | $2,248 | $1,465 | $3,713 | $928.25 |
| 3 Children | $2,997 | $1,883 | $4,880 | $1,220.00 |
| 4+ Children | $3,746 | $2,021 | $5,767 | $1,441.75 |
Your actual ACFB amount depends on your Adjusted Family Net Income (AFNI) from your most recent assessed tax return. The maximum benefit is available to families with the lowest incomes; the benefit gradually reduces as income rises.
Important for August 2026: Starting with the August 2026 quarterly payment, ACFB amounts will be recalculated based on your 2025 income tax return. File your 2025 taxes on time to avoid interruptions in your benefit.
What to Do If Your ACFB Payment Is Late
- Direct deposit: Allow up to 72 hours after the payment date before following up.
- Paper cheque: Allow up to 7 business days.
- Contact the CRA at 1-800-387-1193 if your payment has not arrived after the waiting period.
- Update your banking information and personal details through CRA My Account.
How to Check Your ACFB Payment Status
- Log in to CRA My Account.
- Navigate to Benefits > Alberta Child and Family Benefit.
- View your payment dates, amounts, and benefit notice.