A fresh round of federal financial support is set to arrive in July, as the Canada Workers Benefit (CWB) resumes its advance payments with updated 2025 amounts. Designed to assist low- and modest-income working individuals and families, this program is a key component of Canada’s strategy to ease cost-of-living pressures.
Administered by the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA), this benefit comes with automatic payments, higher income thresholds, and increased maximum amounts, reflecting the country’s inflation adjustments for the 2024 tax year.
Let’s break down what Canadians can expect this month — including eligibility criteria, payment amounts, key dates, and how to ensure you don’t miss out.
What Is the Canada Workers Benefit (CWB)?
The Canada Workers Benefit is a refundable tax credit offered to working Canadians who earn below a certain income level. It provides essential financial support through:
- A basic benefit for eligible workers
- An additional disability supplement for qualifying individuals
The goal is to reward employment, reduce poverty, and support people who work but still struggle to make ends meet.
Understanding the Advance CWB Payments (ACWB)
The Advance Canada Workers Benefit (ACWB) allows eligible Canadians to receive up to 50% of their total annual CWB amount in three advance installments throughout the year. This eliminates the need to wait for the full credit at tax time.
Key features include:
- Automatic payments—no separate application required
- Issued quarterly (July, October, January)
- Based on your 2024 income tax return
If you also qualify for the disability supplement, half of that amount will be included in these advance payments.
Eligibility Criteria for the Canada Workers Benefit
To receive the CWB or ACWB, you must:
- Be a resident of Canada for the entire year
- Be 19 years or older by December 31 (unless living with a child or spouse)
- Have earned income and a net income below CRA thresholds
Income limits vary by household size and location. Examples include:
| Household Type | Income Limit (CAD) |
|---|---|
| Single individual | $36,749 |
| Family with children | $48,093 |
You are NOT eligible if:
- You were a full-time student for more than 13 weeks (unless you had dependents)
- You were incarcerated for over 90 days
- You are exempt from Canadian taxes (e.g., due to diplomatic status)
Disability Supplement Requirements
To qualify for the disability supplement, you must:
- Be approved for the Disability Tax Credit (DTC)
- Have a valid Form T2201 filed with the CRA
- Meet higher income thresholds than the standard CWB benefit
For example:
| Category | Max Supplement | Cut-off Income |
|---|---|---|
| Single individual | $821 | $42,222 |
| Family (1 qualified partner) | $821 | $53,565 |
| Family (both qualified) | $1,642 | $59,038 |
CWB & Advance Payment Amounts for 2025
Your benefit amount depends on your income level, province, and family structure. For the 2024 tax year:
| Category | Maximum CWB | Phase-Out Income Start | Cut-Off Income |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single | $1,590 | $26,149 | $36,749 |
| Family | $2,739 | $29,833 | $48,093 |
Advance Payment Estimates for July 2025 (federal amounts):
- $265 for single individuals
- $456.50 for families or workers with dependents
- Plus $136.83 for those who qualify for the disability supplement
Note: Provinces like Quebec, Alberta, and Nunavut may have different thresholds and payments. Use the CRA Benefits Calculator for personalized estimates.
Do You Need to Apply Separately?
No. Advance payments are automatic if you filed your 2024 tax return, including line 45300, before November 1, 2025. No additional forms or reapplication are needed.
Filing later than November 1 may disqualify you from advance payments, though you can still receive the full benefit during tax season.
How to Receive the Canada Workers Benefit
To receive your benefit:
- File your 2024 taxes (electronic or paper)
- Use certified tax software (online) or complete Schedule 6 if filing by mail
- If you qualify for the disability supplement, ensure Form T2201 is approved by the CRA
For couples:
- If only one partner qualifies for the disability supplement, that person must claim the full benefit
- If both qualify, each must fill out Schedule 6, but only one can claim the base benefit
When Will the CWB Be Paid in July?
The next Advanced CWB payment will be deposited on Friday, July 11, 2025.
Upcoming payment dates in this cycle:
- October 10, 2025
- January 12, 2026
Is the Canada Workers Benefit Taxable?
No. The CWB is a non-taxable benefit. It is a refundable credit, meaning:
- It reduces any tax you owe
- If you owe nothing, you still receive a full refund
- Advance payments are also non-taxable and will not impact other government benefits
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. Do I need to apply separately for the Advance CWB?
No. The CRA issues advance payments automatically if your tax return is filed before November 1.
Q2. Can students qualify for the CWB?
Only if you’re not enrolled full-time for more than 13 weeks, or if you have an eligible dependent.
Q3. How do I check my expected payment?
Use the CRA Benefits Calculator online to estimate based on your income, location, and family status.
Q4. What happens if I miss the tax filing deadline?
If you file after November 1, you may miss the advance payments, but can still receive the full amount at tax time.
Q5. Is the benefit available in Quebec or Nunavut?
Yes, but different income thresholds and payment amounts apply. Refer to the CRA’s provincial breakdown for exact figures.