The Canada Workers Benefit (CWB) is a refundable tax credit designed to support low-income workers in Canada. It replaced the former Working Income Tax Benefit and has been available since the 2019 tax year.
The program is administered by the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) and is meant to make work more rewarding by providing extra financial support to individuals and families earning modest incomes.
If you earn a low income and file taxes in Canada, this benefit could put money back in your pocket.
What Is the Canada Workers Benefit?
The CWB is a refundable federal tax credit. This means you can receive the payment even if you do not owe income tax.
It has two main parts:
• The basic amount
• The disability supplement
The amount you receive depends on:
• Your working income
• Your marital status
• Whether you have eligible dependants
• Your province or territory of residence
• Whether you qualify for the Disability Tax Credit
Canada Workers Benefit Eligibility
To qualify for the CWB, you must meet these conditions:
• Be a resident of Canada for tax purposes
• Be at least 19 years old on December 31 of the tax year
• Earn working income (employment or self-employment income)
• Have income below the threshold set for your province
If you are under 19, you may still qualify if you have a spouse, common-law partner, or an eligible dependant.
Who Is Not Eligible?
You are not eligible if:
• You were a full-time student for more than 13 weeks during the year (unless you had an eligible dependant)
• You were incarcerated for 90 days or more during the year
• You are a diplomat or officer of another country and not required to pay Canadian income tax
• Your net income exceeds the maximum income threshold
For the 2024 tax year:
• Single individuals are not eligible if income exceeds $65,577
• Families are not eligible if income exceeds $65,595
Note: Different amounts apply in Quebec, Alberta, and Nunavut.
How Much Is the Canada Workers Benefit?
The CWB amount changes yearly and varies by province.
Basic Amount (Tax Year 2025 Update)
• Up to $1,633 for eligible individuals
• Up to $2,813 for eligible families
The benefit gradually reduces as income increases above the set thresholds.
Disability Supplement
If you qualify for the Disability Tax Credit, you may receive up to:
• $821 as a disability supplement
To qualify, you must have an approved T2201 Disability Tax Credit Certificate completed by a medical practitioner and accepted by the CRA.
The disability supplement is also income-tested and reduces once income exceeds specific limits.
How Is the CWB Calculated?
The CRA calculates your benefit based on:
• Working income
• Adjusted family net income
• Marital status
• Province or territory
• Dependants
• Disability Tax Credit eligibility
The benefit increases as you earn more working income (up to a limit) and then gradually reduces once your income passes a certain threshold.
Because it is refundable, you may still receive money even if you owe no federal tax.
How to File and Claim the Canada Workers Benefit
You do not need a separate application.
To claim the CWB:
- File your annual income tax return.
- Complete Schedule 6 – Canada Workers Benefit.
- Enter the amount from Schedule 6 on line 45300 of your tax return.
If you use tax software, it will automatically calculate your eligibility and complete Schedule 6 for you.
If you are filing a paper return, attach Schedule 6 to your tax package.
Claiming the Disability Supplement
If claiming the disability supplement:
• Ensure your T2201 form has been approved by the CRA
• Complete the disability section in Schedule 6
If both spouses qualify for CWB and one qualifies for the Disability Tax Credit, the eligible spouse should claim both the basic amount and the disability supplement.
CWB Advance Payments (ACWB)
The CWB is partly paid in advance.
If you qualify, you will receive up to 50% of your total benefit in advance payments. This is called the Advanced Canada Workers Benefit (ACWB).
Advance payments are issued three times per year:
• July
• October
• January
If the payment date falls on a weekend or holiday, it is issued on the last business day before.
The remaining amount is paid after you file your tax return and the CRA finalizes your assessment.
If you received the CWB in a previous year, advance payments are usually automatic. There is no need to apply separately.
Track Your CWB Payments
You can monitor your payments through your CRA My Account.
Inside your account, go to:
Benefits and Credits → Canada Workers Benefit
There you can:
• See upcoming payment dates
• Check eligibility status
• View previous payment amounts
• Download your RC210 slip
The Canada Workers Benefit is a valuable tax credit for low-income workers and families. It provides financial relief through both advance quarterly payments and a final tax return adjustment.
If you earn working income and your income falls below the required thresholds, make sure you file your tax return to claim this benefit.
Even if you do not owe tax, filing your return ensures you receive the full amount you are entitled to.
