$730 Canada Workers Benefit Boosted, Check Eligibility and Payment Dates

The Canada Workers Benefit (CWB) is back with its first advance payment for the new benefit year, and this July 2025 instalment could be larger than usual, thanks to annual updates from the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA).

Every July, the CRA recalculates most income-tested government benefits based on the previous year’s tax return. So if your income or family status changed in 2024, your eligibility and payment amount may shift as well — potentially in your favor.

This year, the CWB is receiving a higher-than-average increase, outpacing most other government benefits due to inflation adjustments.

What Is the Canada Workers Benefit (CWB)?

The Canada Workers Benefit is a refundable tax credit designed to assist low-income individuals and families who are employed but still struggling financially. It offers support in two forms:

• A basic amount for eligible workers.
• A disability supplement for those who qualify under the Disability Tax Credit (DTC).

The CWB aims to encourage workforce participation while helping offset financial burdens for working Canadians.

What Is the Advanced Canada Workers Benefit (ACWB)?

To help with cash flow, the Advanced Canada Workers Benefit allows eligible recipients to access up to 50% of their CWB before tax season. This amount is divided into three advance payments each year.

If you qualify for the disability supplement, 50% of that amount is also included in your advance instalments.

Advance payments are issued automatically to those who meet the eligibility criteria and have filed their tax return before November 1. No separate application is needed.

Who Qualifies for the Canada Workers Benefit?

To be eligible for the CWB, you must meet several conditions:

• Be a resident of Canada throughout the year.
• Be 19 years or older by December 31, unless living with a spouse, partner, or child.
• Have working income and a family net income under the limit for your province or territory.

Income thresholds vary, but here are some examples:

• Single individuals: Up to $36,749 in most provinces.
• Families: Up to $48,093 depending on the region.

You may not qualify if:

• You were a full-time student for more than 13 weeks, unless you had a dependent.
• You were incarcerated for 90 days or more.
• You are exempt from Canadian taxes due to diplomatic or similar status.

To receive the disability supplement, you must have an approved Form T2201 and be eligible for the Disability Tax Credit (DTC). Notably, even if your income disqualifies you from the basic amount, you may still receive the disability top-up.

How to Apply for the Canada Workers Benefit

There’s no separate application process for the CWB. You simply claim it when filing your income tax return.

• For online filers, tax software will guide you automatically.
• If using a paper return, complete Schedule 6 and include it with your submission.

For the disability supplement:

• If only one person in a couple qualifies for the DTC, that person should claim both the basic benefit and the supplement.
• If both spouses qualify, they must each fill out Schedule 6 to claim the supplement, but only one can claim the basic amount.

Advance payments will be issued automatically if your return includes line 45300 and is filed on time.

How Much Can You Receive From the Canada Workers Benefit?

The exact amount depends on your income, household size, and province. Below are the maximum federal benefit amounts for the 2024 tax year:

Basic Canada Workers Benefit:

• Single individuals: Up to $1,590, reduced after $26,149 in income. Phased out completely by $36,749.
• Families: Up to $2,739, starts reducing at $29,833, cut off at $48,093.

Disability Supplement:

• Up to $821 extra per eligible adult.
• For single individuals, it begins reducing at $36,748 and ends at $42,222.
• For families, it reduces after $48,091:
• Cut-off: $53,565 (if one adult qualifies).
• Cut-off: $59,038 (if both qualify).

How Much Is the July 2025 ACWB Payment?

Based on the CRA’s updated numbers, the July 2025 ACWB payment — the first of three instalments — could be:

• $265 for a single individual.
• $456.50 for eligible families.
• $136.83 per adult for those qualifying for the disability supplement.

The maximum possible payment in this cycle is $730.17 if a couple qualifies for both the basic and disability benefits.

Note: Residents of Quebec, Alberta, and Nunavut may have different maximum amounts. Check the CRA’s online benefits calculator for a personalized estimate.

Is the Canada Workers Benefit Taxable?

No. The Canada Workers Benefit is not taxable. In fact, it’s a refundable tax credit, meaning:

• It either reduces your taxes owed, or
• Provides a refund if you owe nothing.

Even if you receive advance payments during the year, you won’t pay tax on this income.

When Are the CWB Advance Payments Scheduled?

The July 2025 payment is set to be issued on Friday, July 11, marking the start of the new benefit cycle.

The next two scheduled instalments are:

• October 10, 2025
• January 12, 2026

Each advance is part of your total CWB entitlement for the year, with the remaining amount (if any) settled at tax time.