The Canada Workers Benefit (CWB) is a refundable tax credit designed to provide financial support to low-income individuals and families. Eligible recipients can receive up to $1,518 annually for single individuals and $2,616 for families, depending on their income. To help Canadians with financial stability, the government also offers the Advanced Canada Workers Benefit (ACWB), which provides a portion of the benefit in advance through quarterly payments.
In 2025, these payments are scheduled for January 10, July 11, and October 10. If you qualify, you may receive $566 in March as part of this program. Here’s everything you need to know about eligibility and how to apply.
Eligibility Criteria for the Canada Workers Benefit
To qualify for the CWB, you must meet certain requirements. Applicants must be at least 19 years old by December 31, 2024, or live with a spouse, common-law partner, or dependent child. You also need to be a resident of Canada for income tax purposes throughout the year.
Income thresholds determine eligibility. For single individuals without children, the net income must be below $33,015 in most provinces. Families have different income thresholds depending on the number of children and province of residence. Full-time students enrolled for more than 13 weeks in the year are generally not eligible unless they have a dependent. Additionally, individuals confined to a prison for at least 90 days during the year do not qualify.
How to Apply for the Canada Workers Benefit
The Canada Workers Benefit is claimed through your annual income tax return. To receive the benefit, you must file your taxes by the deadline, typically April 30. The application process involves completing Schedule 6, which calculates your CWB entitlement. If you’re eligible for the disability supplement, you must also complete the Disability Tax Credit Certificate (Form T2201).
For those eligible for advance payments, up to 50% of the benefit is paid quarterly through the ACWB, based on the previous year’s tax return. Payments in 2025 will be calculated based on 2023 income.
Maximizing Your Benefit
To ensure you receive the full amount, file your tax return on time and monitor your income to stay within the eligibility limits. Staying informed about updates to the CWB program is also important, as changes may affect your eligibility or payment amounts.