The Advanced Canada Workers Benefit (ACWB) is a quarterly tax-free payment paid by the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) to eligible low-income workers. It is an advance payment of up to 50% of your Canada Workers Benefit (CWB), paid throughout the year instead of waiting until tax time.
Below is a full guide to the Advanced CWB payment dates for 2026, how much you can get, and who qualifies.
Advanced CWB Payment Dates for 2026
The CRA issues Advanced CWB payments three times per year.
Official 2026 ACWB payment dates
| Payment period | Payment date |
|---|---|
| January payment | January 12, 2026 |
| July payment | July 10, 2026 |
| October payment | October 9, 2026 |
Note:
If a payment date falls on a weekend or public holiday, the CRA issues the payment on the last business day before the date.
What Is the Advanced Canada Workers Benefit (ACWB)?
The ACWB is the advance version of the Canada Workers Benefit (CWB).
Instead of receiving your full CWB only after filing your tax return, the CRA pays up to 50% of your estimated benefit in advance during the year.
The remaining amount is paid when you file your income tax return.
Maximum Canada Workers Benefit Amounts (2024 tax year)
Your ACWB is based on your 2024 tax return, income, and family situation.
Basic benefit maximum
- $1,590 for single individuals
Reduced if income is above $26,149
No benefit if income is above $36,749 - $2,739 for families
Reduced if family income is above $29,833
No benefit if family income is above $48,093
Amounts vary slightly for residents of Quebec, Nunavut, and Alberta.
Disability supplement maximum
- $821 for single individuals
- $821 for families
The disability supplement is reduced or eliminated at higher income levels and varies for Quebec and Nunavut.
If you qualify, 50% of your disability supplement is also paid in advance with your ACWB.
How the CRA Calculates Your CWB and ACWB
The CRA uses the following to calculate your benefit:
- Marital status
- Province or territory of residence
- Earned working income
- Adjusted family net income
- Eligible dependants
- Eligibility for the disability tax credit
Who Receives the Payment in a Couple?
Only one spouse receives the basic ACWB for the family.
- If neither spouse has a disability credit → payment goes to the spouse with higher working income.
- If one spouse has the disability tax credit → that spouse receives the basic ACWB and the disability supplement.
- If both spouses have the disability tax credit → only one gets the basic ACWB, but each receives their own disability supplement.
Life Changes That Affect ACWB Payments
Only these events change your payments automatically:
- Death
- Emigration from Canada
- Incarceration for 90 days or more
Other changes (marriage, moving, dependants) will not affect your payments unless you request a reassessment.
When You Will Not Receive ACWB
You will stop receiving ACWB if you:
- Are incarcerated for 90 consecutive days or more
- Emigrate from Canada
- Are deceased before July 1 of the benefit year
You may still receive payments for earlier quarters.
How to Check Your Next Payment
You can:
- Log in to CRA My Account to view your next payment
- Sign up for CRA payment reminders
- Wait 10 working days before contacting CRA if your payment is late
Summary: Advanced CWB Payment Dates 2026
- January 12, 2026
- July 10, 2026
- October 9, 2026
These payments help low-income workers receive financial support earlier in the year, making it easier to manage expenses throughout 2026.
