Quebec Family Allowance Payment Dates 2026 (English Guide)

For families in La Belle Province, the Quebec Family Allowance (Allocation famille) is a cornerstone of household stability. While the rest of Canada relies on the federal Canada Child Benefit (CCB), Quebec parents receive a unique provincial top-up managed by Retraite Québec. In 2026, as inflation impacts everything from hydro bills to daycare costs, understanding the timing and amount of these payments is essential for budgeting.

One of the biggest hurdles for English-speaking families in Quebec—whether you are an Anglophone Montrealer or a newcomer to Gatineau—is navigating the provincial bureaucracy. While the website is available in English, many critical forms and "Hidden" supplements are often misunderstood. For 2026, the maximum annual benefit has been indexed to $3,068 per child, with a significant $1,077 single-parent supplement.

As a part of our Senior Benefits in Canada 2026: The Complete "Top-Up" List and provincial credit series, this guide provides the 2026 payment calendar, explains the "Monthly Switch" hack, and reveals the strategies to ensure you receive every provincial dollar you are owed.

1. Quebec Family Allowance Payment Dates 2026

By default, the Family Allowance is a quarterly payment issued four times a year. However, many parents are unaware that they can switch to monthly payments to help with regular bills.

Official 2026 Quarterly Schedule

Official 2026 Monthly Schedule

If you have applied for the "Change in Frequency," your payments will arrive on the first working day of every month:

• Jan 5, Feb 2, Mar 2, Apr 1, May 1, Jun 1, Jul 2, Aug 3, Sep 1, Oct 1, Nov 2, Dec 1.

Answer Target: The 2026 Quebec Family Allowance payment dates for quarterly recipients are Jan 5, Apr 1, Jul 2, and Oct 1. For those who have switched to monthly payments, the money is deposited on the first working day of each month. The annual Supplement for the Purchase of School Supplies will be paid on July 2, 2026.

2. 2026 Benefit Amounts: Max vs. Min

The amount you receive is based on your family income from the previous year (Line 275 of your Quebec tax return).

Note: The single-parent supplement is a flat top-up of $1,077 (Maximum) or $430 (Minimum) added to the base amount.

Quebec English Hacks

1. The "Monthly Payment" Switch Hack

How to change Quebec Family Allowance to monthly.

• The Street Angle: Retraite Québec defaults to quarterly payments because it’s cheaper to administer.
• The Hack: You can switch to monthly payments at any time via My Account on the Retraite Québec website.
• The Strategy: If you apply between December 6, 2025, and March 13, 2026, your monthly payments start April 1, 2026.
• The Move: Monthly payments are much better for managing grocery and hydro costs in Montreal. Do not settle for the quarterly "Lump Sum" if your cash flow is tight.

2. The $127 School Supply Supplement

Many parents search for "Retraite Quebec school supply supplement 2026."

• The Hack: This is a flat-rate payment of $127 per child (aged 4 to 16).
• The Strategy: There is no income test. Whether you earn $20,000 or $200,000, you get the $127.
• The Move: It is paid automatically on July 2, 2026. If you have three kids, that’s an extra $381 that hits your account right before the back-to-school rush.

3. The Newcomer Application Trap

Newcomers following our Newcomer Housing Rules often assume the Quebec benefit starts automatically.

• The Street Angle: For children born in Quebec, it is automatic. For newcomers, it is not.
• The Hack: If you moved to Quebec in 2025 or early 2026, you must file an application (Form LPF-800).
• The Strategy: You are eligible the month after you arrive. If you land in January, you should receive your first payment in April (quarterly) or February (monthly).
• The Move: Do not wait until you file your first tax return. Apply the week you get your Lease Agreement to lock in the retroactive payments.

4. Shared Custody: The 40% Rule

A rising search in 2026 is "shared custody Quebec Family Allowance rules."

• The Reality: Unlike the federal 50/50 rule, Quebec allows shared custody benefits if the child is with you between 40% and 60% of the time.
• The Hack: Both parents receive the Family Allowance at the same time.
• The Strategy: If you have the child 40% of the time, you get half of the benefit you would have received if you had full custody. Ensure your Shared Custody CCB status matches your Retraite Québec file to avoid confusing audits.

5. Supplement for Handicapped Children (SEH)

For those following our DTC Mental Functions Guide, Quebec has a massive "Double-Up."

• The Money: In 2026, the Supplement for Handicapped Children is **$241 per month** ($2,892 annually).
• The Exceptional Care Tier: If the disability is severe, Tier 1 pays **$1,215 per month** ($14,580 annually).
• The Strategy: This is paid on top of the regular Family Allowance. You do not need an approved federal DTC to get the provincial SEH, but the medical criteria are very similar.
• The Move: Apply for the SEH separately. It is not automatic. This is the single biggest "Hidden" fund for Quebec families with special needs.

4. Quebec vs. Federal CCB Comparison (2026)

Quebec Family Allowance 2026

What are the Quebec Family Allowance payment dates for 2026? Retraite Québec issues quarterly payments on January 5, April 1, July 2, and October 1. Parents can switch to monthly payments, which are deposited on the first working day of each month. In 2026, the maximum annual amount is $3,068 per child, with an additional $1,077 for single-parent families. The annual Supplement for the Purchase of School Supplies ($127 per child) is paid on July 2, 2026.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Why is my payment lower in July?

A: Every July, Retraite Québec recalculates your benefit based on the income reported on your last tax return (2025 income). If your income went up, your July payment will drop.

Q: Do I need to apply for my newborn?

A: No. If your child was born in Quebec, the hospital notifies the Registrar of Civil Status, which automatically triggers the Family Allowance. You only need to apply if your child was born outside the province.

Q: Is there an English phone number for Retraite Québec?

A: Yes. You can reach their Montreal office at 514-864-3873 or toll-free at 1-800-667-9625. They offer full service in English.

Q: Can a foster family get the Family Allowance?

A: No. Foster families receive separate financial support through the CIUSSS and are not eligible for the Family Allowance measure.

About the Author

Jeff Calixte (MC Yow-Z) is a Canadian labour market researcher and digital entrepreneur specializing in government benefit data and cost-of-living support. As the founder of CanadaPaymentDates.ca and BetterPayJobs.ca, Jeff helps newcomers, students, and workers navigate the Canadian social safety net—from tracking CRA payment schedules to finding entry-level work.

Sources

1. Retraite Québec: Family Allowance - Payment Dates 2026
2. Retraite Québec: Maximum and minimum yearly amounts – 2026
3. Revenu Québec: Line 275 - Family Income Calculation

Note

Official 2026 payment dates and benefit amounts are determined by the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) and provincial governments. While we strive to keep this information current, government policies and schedules are subject to change without notice. All data in this guide is verified against official CRA circulars at the time of publication and should be treated as an estimate. We recommend confirming the status of your personal file directly via CRA My Account or by calling the CRA benefit line at 1-800-387-1193.