Good news for low‑income workers: the Canada Workers Benefit (CWB) continues in 2025, with Advance (quarterly) Payments available via the Advanced Canada Workers Benefit (ACWB).
Eligible individuals and families can receive tax‑free financial support distributed throughout the year—no lump‑sum wait required.
How Much Can You Get?
| Category | Max Annual Basic Amount | Max Annual Disability Supplement | Estimated Max Advance Payment (3 installments) | Payment Dates |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Single Individual | $1,518 | up to ~$784 | up to ~$1,151 (50% of both parts) | Jan 10, July 11, Oct 10, 2025 |
| Family (with children) | $2,616 | varies by eligibility | similar calculation | Same date |
What’s New for 2025?
- Maximum basic amounts for 2025:
- Single individuals: up to $1,518 per year
- Families: up to $2,616 annually
- These amounts phase out gradually based on adjusted net income thresholds. For individuals, benefits reduce above ~$24,975 and end by ~$35,095; for families, thresholds vary accordingly.
- Disability Supplement: Additional support (up to roughly $784) may be available if eligible; subject to income limits.
- Advance payments (ACWB) deliver up to 50% of your combined CWB entitlement in three annual installments:
- January 10, 2025
- July 11, 2025
- October 10, 2025
- Total advanced amount can reach about $1,151 per year for singles including basic and disability portions .
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for either the CWB or its advance payments (ACWB), you must:
- Be a Canadian resident and at least 19 years old by December 31 (some exceptions apply for those supporting dependents) .
- Be actively working with earned income below CRA thresholds: under ~$35,095 for singles, ~$45,935 for families (varies by province) .
- Not be a full‑time student for more than 13 weeks (unless you have a dependent) .
- Not be incarcerated for 90+ days during the year.
- For the disability supplement, be eligible for the Disability Tax Credit (DTC) and have Form T2201 approved.
How to Receive the Benefit
- No separate application is necessary. Simply file your 2024 tax return on time and complete Schedule 6 if required. CRA will automatically assess and issue benefits if you’re eligible .
- Advance payments are sent automatically based on your most recent tax return and residency on the first day of each quarter.
Why It Matters
By offering quarterly advance support, the CWB helps low‑income workers smooth their finances throughout the year—covering essentials like rent, groceries, and bills, without waiting for a lump‑sum at tax time.
This timely aid strengthens financial resilience and supports continued workforce participation.
The Canada Workers Benefit for 2025 continues as a vital, tax-free support mechanism for low-income workers. With maximum benefits of up to $1,518 for singles and $2,616 for families, plus potential disability supplements, the shift to advance quarterly payments makes assistance more accessible when it’s most needed.
File your taxes on time, check your Schedule 6, and stay eligible to ensure you receive this helpful support throughout the year.
FAQs
How much can I receive quarterly?
You get up to 50% of your annual CWB (basic + disability if applicable) across three payments—often totaling around $1,150 for eligible singles.
Do I need to apply separately for CWB?
No. Filing your 2024 tax return (with Schedule 6 if needed) automatically initiates assessment and payment—no extra form required.