$1,499 Canada ACFB Payment 2025 Explained – Eligibility, Income Limits, and Official Dates

The Alberta Child and Family Benefit (ACFB) is one of Canada’s key financial support programs for low-income families with children under 18. While it is fully funded by the Alberta Government, it is administered and distributed by the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA).

For the 2025–2026 benefit year (July 2025 to June 2026), eligible Alberta families can receive up to $1,499 for their first child, with additional amounts available for more children. The benefit helps offset the cost of child care, education, food, and other essential needs.

Fact Check: No ACFB Payment in October 2025

Despite several online claims, the CRA has confirmed that no ACFB payment is scheduled for October 2025. The program operates on a quarterly schedule, meaning payments are only issued four times per year.

For the 2025–26 cycle, families will receive their benefits on the following official dates:

Payment Date	Day of the Week
27 August 2025	Wednesday
27 November 2025	Thursday
27 February 2026	Friday
27 May 2026	Wednesday

This confirms that no payment will be made in October 2025, and the next scheduled ACFB payment will arrive in November 2025.

Program Overview

Category	Details
Authority	Canada Revenue Agency (CRA)
Program Name	Alberta Child and Family Benefit (ACFB)
Funding Source	Government of Alberta
Payment Amount (First Child)	Up to $1,499
Payment Frequency	Quarterly – 4 times per year
Benefit Period	July 2025 – June 2026
Income Threshold (Full Benefit)	Below $27,565
Country	Canada
Official Website	www.canada.ca

Purpose of the ACFB

The ACFB is designed to reduce financial pressure on working families by offering direct, tax-free financial assistance to households raising children under 18. It ensures that even families with modest earnings can afford day-to-day expenses such as:

Childcare and school supplies
Groceries and healthcare
Rent and utility bills

The ACFB is separate from the Canada Child Benefit (CCB) but complements it, meaning families can receive both if eligible.

Eligibility Criteria for the $1,499 Alberta ACFB Payment

To qualify for the ACFB payment for the 2025–26 benefit year, applicants must meet the following criteria:

Be residents of Alberta at the start of the benefit year.
Be parents or guardians of one or more children under 18.
File an annual tax return with the CRA, even if income is non-taxable.
Have a registered child for the Canada Child Benefit (CCB).
Meet the following income thresholds:

Condition	Net Family Income	Benefit Eligibility
Full ACFB Benefit	Below $27,565	100% payment
Partial Benefit	Between $27,565–£46,191	Reduced payment
Reduced Benefit	Above £46,191	Minimal or phased-out benefit

Low-income households automatically qualify when they file their tax returns, as the CRA uses reported income data to calculate entitlement.

How and When the Payments Are Made

Payments are automatically issued by the CRA, either by direct deposit or mailed cheque, depending on your account preferences.

Families do not need to apply separately if they are already registered for the Canada Child Benefit (CCB) and meet the ACFB income criteria.

For those who do not qualify automatically, an application can be made through the CRA My Account portal or by filing the required provincial forms alongside their tax return.

Why the October 2025 Payment Rumour Spread

The confusion around an October 2025 ACFB payment appears to have originated from social media posts misinterpreting the annual benefit total of $1,499 as a single lump-sum payout.

However, the CRA has clarified that this total represents the maximum annual entitlement, which is divided into quarterly payments throughout the benefit year. As such, no lump-sum or mid-quarter payments will occur in October.

How Much Families Receive

The ACFB provides different benefit amounts depending on the number of children in a household and total family income.

While the maximum payment for the first child is $1,499, families can receive additional amounts for each additional child, though the benefit gradually reduces as income increases.

All payments are tax-free and do not need to be reported on your federal tax return.

How to Check Your Payment Status

Families can verify payment status or benefit amounts by:

Logging into CRA My Account.
Calling the CRA Benefit Enquiries Line at 1-800-387-1193.
Checking their direct deposit records or mailed payment notices.

Any missing or delayed payments can be reported directly to the CRA for investigation.

Latest Update on the $1,499 ACFB Payment

As of October 2025, the CRA confirms:

The $1,499 total for July 2025 to June 2026 is official and verified.
No ACFB payment will be issued in October 2025.
The next payment is scheduled for 27 November 2025.

Families are encouraged to plan their household budgets accordingly and keep their tax filings current to avoid delays in future benefit payments.

Key Takeaways for Alberta Families

The $1,499 ACFB payment supports low-income Alberta families raising children under 18.
Payments are issued quarterly, not monthly.
No ACFB payment will be made in October 2025.
The next scheduled payment is 27 November 2025.
Benefits are tax-free and automatically deposited by the CRA.

By filing taxes on time and keeping information updated, families can ensure uninterrupted access to this valuable support.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the $1,499 ACFB Payment?
It’s the Alberta Child and Family Benefit, providing up to $1,499 per year for the first child to eligible low-income families.

2. Will there be an ACFB payment in October 2025?
No. The CRA has confirmed that no payment is scheduled for October 2025.

3. How often are ACFB payments issued?
Payments are made four times per year — in August, November, February, and May.

4. Who qualifies for the benefit?
Residents of Alberta with children under 18 and family net income below $46,191, who file taxes with the CRA.

5. Is the ACFB payment taxable?
No. The payment is completely tax-free and does not need to be reported on your tax return.