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Canada Workers Benefit (CWB): eligibility and amounts

Compiled by Mahmoud Halat, checked

Short answer

A refundable tax credit for people and families working on a low income. Claim it on your tax return.

Who handles it

Canada Revenue Agency

Handles it everywhere in Canada.

Next payment

Every date on the official list has passed. New dates are usually published before the year ends.

These are the advance payments of the Canada Workers Benefit, paid three times in 2026.

Source: canada.cachecked

Every benefit's payment dates

Canada Service Map is independent and not a government website. The official page always has the final word.

Who can apply

  • You must earn working income, have net income below the limit for your province or territory, live in Canada all year, and be 19 or older on December 31 or live with a spouse, partner or child.

    Source: canada.cachecked #

Steps

  1. Claim the CWB when you file. Tax software walks you through it. On a paper return, fill out Schedule 6 and enter the result on line 45300.

    Source: canada.cachecked #

Costs and amounts

  • Disability supplement for the 2025 tax year: up to $843 more if you are approved for the disability tax credit and your income is under the supplement's limit.

    Source: canada.cachecked #

How long it takes

  • If you qualify, up to half of your CWB is paid in advance as the Advanced Canada workers benefit, in three payments in July, October and January.

    Source: canada.cachecked #

  • To get the advance payments, the CRA must receive your tax return before November 1 of the benefit period, which runs from July to the next June.

    Source: canada.cachecked #

  • The CWB is part of your tax return. The CRA aims to send a notice of assessment within two weeks for a return filed online on time.

    Source: canada.cachecked #

Questions people ask

When are Canada workers benefit advance payments made?

Advance payments are made three times a year, around July 12, October 11 and January 10. If a date falls on a weekend or holiday, you are paid the business day before.

Source: canada.cachecked #

Do I have to apply for the advance payments?

No. The CRA works out your eligibility when you file your tax return and sends advance payments automatically if you are entitled to the CWB.

Source: canada.cachecked #

Is there extra Canada workers benefit for people with a disability?

Yes. The disability supplement is for people approved for the disability tax credit, with a Form T2201 on file with the CRA, whose net income is below the supplement's limit.

Source: canada.cachecked #

Cite this page

Canada Service Map, "Canada Workers Benefit (CWB): eligibility and amounts", checked 13 October 2026, https://canadaservicemap.ca/services/canada-workers-benefit