Raising a young child in Quebec comes with real costs — but also with some of the most generous family benefits in Canada. Here’s a plain-language map of the main ones for 2026, with official figures, so you know what to claim.
1. Quebec Family Allowance (Retraite Québec)
A tax-free payment to families with a dependent child under 18. The amount depends on family income, number of children, and whether you’re a single parent. For 2026:
- Maximum: $3,068 per child per year (plus $1,077 for a single-parent family).
- Minimum: $1,221 per child per year (plus $430 for a single-parent family).
It’s paid quarterly (January, April, July, October) by default, or monthly on request. If your child was born in Quebec, enrolment is usually automatic via the birth declaration.
2. Canada Child Benefit (CRA)
A tax-free monthly federal payment. For the July 2025–June 2026 period, the maximum is $7,997 per year (about $666/month) for each child under 6, and $6,748 for ages 6–17. Families with adjusted net income under about $37,487 get the full amount; it phases out above that. From July 2026, the under-6 maximum rises to $8,157.
3. Childcare tax measures
Beyond direct benefits, two measures lower your daycare cost:
- The Quebec refundable tax credit for childcare expenses (for non-subsidized care), and
- the federal childcare expense deduction.
Together these can bring the net cost of a private spot close to a subsidized one — see what you’ll actually pay.
Don’t leave money on the table
- File your taxes every year, even with no income — most benefits are recalculated from your return.
- Keep your family situation up to date (custody, address) with both governments.
- You can request advance payments for some credits instead of waiting for tax time.
In short
Between the Family Allowance, the Canada Child Benefit, and childcare tax measures, Quebec families receive substantial support. Use the official calculators to see your own numbers, and make sure you’re claiming everything you’re entitled to.
Sources — verify the figures yourself: Family Allowance, Retraite Québec (2026 amounts); Canada Child Benefit, Canada.ca (July 2025–June 2026 amounts); Ministère des Finances childcare-cost calculator.
