There is great news for low-income workers living in Canada. From July 2025, a significant increase has been made in the Canada Workers Benefit (CWB), which will provide relief to thousands of individuals and families from inflation and the rising cost of living. This payment will be made by the CRA (Canada Revenue Agency) in quarterly installments, with the first installment being released on July 12, 2025.
Let us understand in detail in this article what this change is, who is eligible, how much will be received and what you have to do for it.
What is the Canada Workers Benefit (CWB)?
CWB is a refundable tax credit specially designed to provide financial support to low-income workers and families. It consists of two major components:
- Basic Amount—for general assistance
- Disability Supplement—for those who have been approved for the disability tax credit by the CRA.
In 2025, eligible individuals can receive 50% of their total CWB amount in advance through three quarterly payments. This payment will be based on your 2024 tax return.
If you received an ACWB (Advance CWB) payment in 2024, there is no need to reapply for 2025—you will be automatically enrolled.
What has changed in the 2025 CWB payment?
The CWB amount has been increased starting in 2025 to provide relief to citizens struggling with inflation. The new amounts are as follows:
- Single workers (without children): Up to $1,633 (if your income is less than $26,855)
- Families: Up to $2,813 (if family income is less than $30,639)
- Disability supplement: Up to $843 (based on disability eligibility)
The benefit gradually decreases as income increases and ends completely after a certain threshold.
- Single person: Benefits are capped at $37,474.
- Families: Benefits are capped at $49,391.
- Disability: Up to $38,759 (single) and $50,722 (families).
Note: If you live in Alberta, Quebec or Nunavut, these amounts may be slightly different for you, as these provinces have their own adjustments.
Who is eligible for the CWB?
Eligibility conditions for the basic amount:
- You must have been a resident of Canada for the whole of 2024.
- You must be 19 years of age or older by 31 December 2024, or have a spouse/partner/dependent child living with you.
- You must have earned at least $3,000 in working income in 2024.
Income limit table for 2025:
| Category | Maximum Benefit | Phase-Out Starts | Phase-Out Ends |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single (no children) | $1,633 | $26,855 | $37,474 |
| Families | $2,813 | $30,639 | $49,391 |
| Secondary Earner Exemption | – | $16,386 | – |
Disability supplement eligibility
If you have a disability and have submitted Form T2201 to the CRA for the Disability Tax Credit (DTC), you may be eligible for an additional supplement of up to $843. There is also an income limit:
Disability supplement 2025 income limits:
| Category | Maximum Supplement | Phase-Out Starts | Phase-Out Ends |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single | $843 | $37,740 | $38,759 |
| Families | $843 | $49,389 | $50,722 |
Who is not eligible?
You are not eligible for CWB in certain situations:
- If you were a full-time student for more than 13 weeks in 2024 (unless you have a dependent child).
- If you were in prison for more than 90 days in 2024.
- If you are a non-taxpaying diplomat or their family member.
How much CWB will you receive in 2025?
Your CWB payment depends on:
- Your total income
- Your marital/family status
- Whether you are eligible for a disability supplement
Potential maximum payment:
- Single workers: $1,633 (basic) + $843 (disability)
- Families: $2,813 (basic) + $843 (disability)
As your income goes up, the benefit amount decreases and ends after the limits mentioned above.
How to apply?
The process for receiving your CWB is simple:
- File your taxes. Use CRA-certified tax software or fill out Schedule 6 (Canada Workers Benefit) on your tax return.
- For disability supplements: If eligible, file both basic and disability claims on the same tax return.
- Advance payments (ACWB): No separate application is required. The CRA automatically sends you payments based on your tax information.
- Final application: You must file your taxes on time to receive your 2025 ACWB payments.
2025 payment dates
You will receive Advance CWB payments in three installments:
- 12 July 2025
- 11 October 2025
- 10 January 2026
If a date falls on a weekend or holiday, payment will be made on the previous working day.
What if you don’t get paid?
If you have met the eligibility criteria and still haven’t received a payment, then:
- Wait for 10 business days first.
- Check your CRA profile and tax filing status.
- If you still haven’t received a payment, contact the CRA.
Conclusion: Why is this benefit important for you?
In today’s expensive life, this enhanced Canada Workers Benefit has come as a lifesaver for low-income workers and their families. Whether it is rent, food or children’s needs, this assistance gives you relief.
So, file your taxes on time, keep your information updated by visiting the CRA website and take full advantage of this benefit.
Be sure to share this article with your friends, relatives and colleagues so that they can also take advantage of this important assistance.
FAQs
Q. Who is eligible for the Canada Workers Benefit in 2025?
A. Any Canadian resident who earns at least $3,000 in working income in 2024 and meets age and income criteria may qualify.
Q. How much can single individuals receive in 2025?
A. Eligible singles without children can receive up to $1,633, plus an additional $843 if they qualify for the disability supplement.
Q. What are the 2025 CWB payment dates?
A. Payments will be issued on July 12, October 11, 2025, and January 10, 2026.
Q. Do I need to apply separately for advance payments?
A. No, if you qualify based on your 2024 tax return, the CRA will automatically enroll you for advance payments.
Q. What if I don’t receive my CWB payment?
A. Wait 10 business days after the payment date, then contact the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) if it’s still missing.
