Alberta Child and Family Benefit (ACFB)

The Alberta Child and Family Benefit (ACFB) is a tax-free quarterly payment for Alberta families with children under 18. Unlike some other provincial child benefits that are combined with the Canada Child Benefit (CCB), the ACFB is paid separately on its own quarterly schedule. It is administered by the CRA on behalf of the Province of Alberta and replaces the former Alberta Child Benefit and Alberta Family Employment Tax Credit.

The Alberta Child and Family Benefit (ACFB) is one of the key income-support programs administered by CRA for Canadians. Understanding exactly when your ACFB payment will be deposited helps you plan your monthly budget, avoid unnecessary overdraft fees, and ensure bills are paid on time. On this page you will find the complete 2026 payment schedule along with guidance on what to do if a payment is late.

In 2026, there are 4 scheduled payment dates for the ACFB. The Government of Canada publishes these dates in advance so that recipients can plan accordingly. Payments are deposited directly into your bank account if you have enrolled in direct deposit. If you receive payments by cheque, allow additional time for mail delivery. We strongly recommend signing up for direct deposit through your My Service Canada Account or CRA My Account to receive your money on the earliest possible date.

Each scheduled payment date listed on this page represents the date on which the Government of Canada issues the payment. Depending on your financial institution, funds may appear in your account on the same business day or the following business day. If a scheduled payment date falls on a weekend or a statutory holiday, the payment is generally issued on the last business day before the holiday. The dates shown on this page already reflect those adjustments as published by the Government of Canada.

If you have not received your ACFB payment by 5 business days after the scheduled date, you should contact CRA. If you have not received your ACFB payment after 5 business days, contact the CRA at 1-800-387-1193 or check your CRA My Account. Before calling, make sure you have your Social Insurance Number (SIN) handy, along with details about your bank account and the specific payment you are inquiring about.

Common reasons for a missed or delayed ACFB payment include: a change in your banking information that was not updated with the government, a change in your eligibility status, an outstanding balance with the CRA, or a processing delay due to high volume. If you recently changed banks, make sure to update your direct deposit information well before the next payment date to avoid any disruption.

The ACFB is related to other Canadian benefit programs including Canada Child Benefit. While these programs share some similarities, each has its own eligibility criteria, payment amounts, and schedule. Make sure you are looking at the correct schedule for the specific benefit you receive.