The Canada Workers Benefit (CWB) is a refundable tax credit that boosts the earnings of low-income workers.
It has two parts: a basic amount and a disability supplement.
If you qualify on your tax return, the government can also send you in-year advance payments through the Advanced Canada Workers Benefit (ACWB) so you don’t need to wait until tax time.
Who Is Eligible In 2025
You generally qualify if you lived in Canada for the year, earned working income, and were 19 or older on December 31 (or lived with a spouse/common-law partner or child).
You cannot claim the CWB if you were a full-time student for more than 13 weeks (unless you had an eligible dependant), were incarcerated for 90+ days, or were a diplomat/family member exempt from Canadian tax.
In couples, only one person claims the basic CWB.
Key rule: the CWB phases in when working income exceeds $3,000 and is calculated on Schedule 6 of your tax return.
How Much You Can Get In 2025
For 2025, the maximum basic amounts commonly used across provinces/territories (outside QC/AB/NU) are $1,590 for singles and $2,739 for families.
The disability supplement can add up to $821 per eligible person.
Typical income thresholds for the basic amount (most jurisdictions):
- Single: full amount if net income is ≤ $26,149, phased out to $0 at $36,749.
- Family: full amount if family net income is ≤ $29,833, phased out to $0 at $48,093.
The disability supplement begins to phase out at higher incomes (e.g., around $42,222 single; $53,565 family if one partner has the Disability Tax Credit; $59,038 if both do). Exact results depend on your net income and province/territory.
Payment Guide And 2025 Payout Dates
- ACWB pays up to 50% of your estimated CWB in three instalments during the year.
- 2025 ACWB dates: January 10, July 11, and October 10, 2025.
- Payments are issued by direct deposit if set up, or by cheque.
- The balance of your CWB (including any remaining disability supplement) is reconciled at tax time when you file your return.
How To Claim (Simple Steps)
- File Your Tax Return: File on time so the CRA can calculate your CWB and assess your ACWB automatically.
- Complete Schedule 6: Your tax software fills Schedule 6 to compute the basic amount and disability supplement.
- Keep Direct Deposit Active: Ensure your CRA My Account details are up to date to avoid payment delays.
- Report Changes Carefully: Major life events (e.g., moving out of Canada) can affect future ACWB instalments.
Quick Reference (2025)
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Program | Canada Workers Benefit (CWB) + Advanced CWB (ACWB) |
| Max Basic (Single / Family) | $1,590 / $2,739 |
| Disability Supplement | Up to $821 per eligible person |
| Phase-In Start | Working income over $3,000 |
| Key Income Cutoffs (Basic) | Single: $36,749 to $0 • Family: $48,093 to $0 |
| Full Amount Income (Basic) | Single: ≤ $26,149 • Family: ≤ $29,833 |
| ACWB Share & Cadence | Up to 50% of CWB, paid 3 times/year |
| 2025 ACWB Dates | Jan 10, Jul 11, Oct 10 (2025) |
| How To Receive | Direct deposit or cheque; reconcile on filing |
The Canada Workers Benefit is a powerful support for low-income workers in 2025, offering up to $1,590 for singles and $2,739 for families, plus $821 for those eligible for the disability supplement.
By filing on time, completing Schedule 6, and maintaining direct deposit, you can receive ACWB—up to half of your credit—on January 10, July 11, and October 10, 2025, and the remainder at tax time.
Understanding the eligibility rules, income thresholds, and payment schedule helps you plan confidently and maximize your benefit.
FAQs
No. If your return shows CWB entitlement, the ACWB is issued automatically—up to 50% of your estimated credit—on the scheduled dates.
Generally no. If you were a full-time student for more than 13 weeks, you’re ineligible unless you had an eligible dependant on December 31.
ACWB is based on your most recent assessed return. Some major changes can stop future advances, and any difference is reconciled at tax time.