If you’re a working Canadian earning a modest income, there’s good news—help is on the way. The Canada Workers Benefit (CWB) provides up to $1,518 for individuals and $2,739 for families in 2025. It’s a refundable tax credit that puts money directly into the hands of low-income workers to help with everyday expenses and rising costs.
Whether this is your first time hearing about it or you’ve received it before, this guide breaks down exactly who qualifies, how much you can receive, when to expect your payments, and how to apply—without the confusing tax talk.
Overview
The CWB is one of Canada’s most valuable tools for reducing poverty among working Canadians. It’s specifically designed to reward work by adding to your annual income and giving a financial lift to those who need it most.
Here’s a quick breakdown for 2025:
Feature | Details |
---|---|
Max Benefit (Individual) | $1,518 |
Max Benefit (Family) | $2,739 |
Disability Supplement | Up to $821 per eligible person |
Advance Payment Dates | Jan 10, Jul 11, Oct 10, 2025 |
Final Payment | After 2024 taxes are filed |
Minimum Working Income | $3,000 |
Phase-Out Income (Single) | Begins at $26,149 |
Phase-Out Income (Family) | Begins at $29,833 |
Benefit
The Canada Workers Benefit is a refundable credit. That means you’ll get paid even if you owe no taxes. It helps low-income individuals and families by offering:
- A basic amount available to all who qualify
- A disability supplement for those with a certified disability
Both are calculated when you file your taxes and handled by the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA).
Eligibility
To get the CWB in 2025, you must meet the following:
General Criteria
- Be a resident of Canada all year
- Be 19 or older by December 31, 2024, or live with a spouse, common-law partner, or child
- Earn at least $3,000 in employment or self-employment income
- Have income under the cut-off:
- $26,149 for individuals
- $29,833 for families
Not Eligible If You:
- Are a full-time student (unless you have dependents)
- Were incarcerated for 90+ days
- Have no work or business income
Disability Supplement Criteria
To qualify for the $821 disability boost, you must:
- Be approved for the Disability Tax Credit (DTC)
- Have a DTC certificate on file with CRA
This amount can be claimed by each eligible spouse, boosting the total possible benefit to over $3,500 for families with disabilities.
Amounts
Here’s how much you can get in 2025:
For Individuals:
- Max: $1,518
- Begins reducing once income goes over $26,149
- Phased out at higher incomes depending on your province
For Families:
- Max: $2,739
- Phases out above $29,833 household income
Disability Supplement:
- $821 per eligible person (individual or spouse)
Example: If both spouses are eligible for the disability supplement, their total CWB could exceed $3,560.
Payments
There are two types of payments:
1. Advance Payments
You can receive up to 50% of your estimated benefit in advance. These are paid out:
- January 10, 2025
- July 11, 2025
- October 10, 2025
To get these, file your 2023 tax return by November 1, 2024.
2. Final Payment
The rest comes after you file your 2024 taxes (by April 30, 2025). CRA calculates what you’re actually owed and adjusts accordingly.
Applying
There’s no separate application. Just follow these steps:
- File your 2024 tax return
- Complete Schedule 6 on your tax form
- Confirm DTC certificate if applying for the disability part
If you use tax software, it usually handles Schedule 6 for you.
Extras
Make the most of the CWB:
- Use the CRA CWB Estimator to get a payment estimate
- Keep your info up to date with CRA—especially marital status and address
- Check for other credits like GST/HST, Climate Action, or Canada Child Benefit
This benefit can be a game-changer for low-income workers. It helps cover bills, supports people with disabilities, and rewards work. Don’t miss out—file on time, stay informed, and check your eligibility every year.
FAQs
Who can get the CWB in 2025?
Any low-income worker over 19 with $3,000+ in earnings.
How much is the max CWB payment?
$1,518 for singles and $2,739 for families.
What is the disability supplement?
An extra $821 for eligible disabled individuals.
When is the next CWB payment?
The next advance is on July 11, 2025.
Do I need to apply separately?
No, just file taxes and complete Schedule 6.