Canada Workers Benefit Eligibility

To qualify for the Canada Workers Benefit (CWB), you need to be a Canadian resident at least 19 years old with income below $35,095 for singles or $45,935 for families.

You can't be a full-time student for more than 13 weeks of the year (unless you have a dependent), and you can't have been incarcerated for 90+ days during the tax year.

The benefit helps low-income workers through quarterly advance payments or an annual tax credit.

What is the Canada Workers Benefit?

The CWB helps low-income workers and their families with extra money. It's a refundable tax credit, which means you'll get it even if you don't owe any tax.

The benefit has two parts:

• A basic amount for qualifying individuals and families

• A disability supplement for those who qualify

You need your doctor to fill out a T2201 Disability Tax Credit Certificate to get the disability part.

How much you get depends on whether you're single, where you live, and if you have kids.

What is the Advanced Canada Workers Benefit?

Instead of waiting until tax time for your whole benefit, the Advanced CWB gives you part of your money throughout the year in quarterly payments. This helps with regular expenses and unexpected costs.

The Advanced Canada Workers Benefit (ACWB) payments for 2025 are scheduled for:

• January 10

• July 11

• October 10

Who can get the Canada Workers Benefit?

To qualify for the CWB or Advanced CWB, you must:

• Have income under the limits ($35,095 for singles, $45,935 for families)

• Live in Canada for the entire tax year

• Be at least 19 by December 31 (unless you live with a spouse or dependent)

• Not be a full-time student for more than 13 weeks (unless you have a dependent)

• Not have spent 90+ days in prison that year

• Not be a foreign diplomat or servant exempt from Canadian taxes

How to apply for the CWB

1. File your tax return by April 30 (or by November 1 for advance payments)

2. Complete Schedule 6 with your tax return (tax software does this automatically)

3. Calculate your working income and adjusted family income

4. Add the disability supplement if you qualify

5. Keep your tax info current with the CRA

6. File your taxes every year to keep getting benefits

Payment details

How much you get depends on your income, marital status, and disability status. Lower-income workers get more, and the amount gradually decreases as your income rises.

The disability supplement helps cover extra costs if you qualify. If you get the Advanced CWB, you'll receive up to 50% of your yearly benefit.

Making sense of it all

The Canada Workers Benefit makes a real difference for low-income workers across the country. By filing your taxes on time and meeting the eligibility requirements, you can access this support to help manage everyday expenses.

The quarterly advance payment option gives you more financial flexibility throughout the year rather than waiting for one lump sum.

Remember to check if you qualify each year as your situation changes, and keep your information updated with the CRA to ensure you receive all the benefits you're entitled to.