With the cost of living still climbing across the country, the Canada Workers Benefit (CWB) continues to offer much-needed financial relief to low- and moderate-income workers. Designed to boost take-home income, the CWB is a refundable tax credit that includes both a basic amount and a disability supplement.
And here’s the best part: starting in 2022, the CRA began offering advance payments of up to 50% of the total CWB benefit. That means eligible workers could get money in their bank account three times a year—long before tax season.
Let’s walk through how CWB works in 2025, what’s new, and how much you could get.
Table of Contents
Basics
The Canada Workers Benefit includes two main parts:
- Basic Amount – Based on your earned income and family status
- Disability Supplement – An added bonus for those approved for the Disability Tax Credit (DTC)
You don’t have to apply separately—if you’re eligible, the CRA will calculate and send your CWB payments automatically based on your tax return.
July
For July 2025, payment amounts have increased due to inflation indexing. Several regions—especially Quebec, Alberta, and Nunavut—have received significant updates to their maximum benefit thresholds.
Here’s a quick look at the July 2025 CWB advance payments by region:
| Region | Single (No DTC) | Family (No DTC) | Max Payment (With DTC x2) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Provinces | $265 | $456.50 | $730.17 |
| Alberta | $284 | $425.17 | $698.83 |
| Nunavut | $263 | $395.17 | $699.17 |
| Quebec | $617.56 | $963.09 (No kids) | $1,238.99 (Couple + DTC) |
These advance payments represent half of the total annual benefit. The rest will be included in your tax refund in spring 2026.
Eligibility
To qualify for the CWB, you must:
- Be a resident of Canada for all of 2024
- Be at least 19 years old by December 31, 2024 (or live with a spouse or child)
- Have income from a job or self-employment
- File your 2024 taxes by November 1, 2025
If you check all those boxes, the CRA will automatically assess your eligibility and issue payments—no separate application needed.
Thresholds
As your income increases, your CWB amount gradually goes down. Here’s the updated 2025 income range by region:
| Region | Singles | Families |
|---|---|---|
| Standard | $26,149 – $36,749 | $29,833 – $48,093 |
| Alberta | $25,472 – $36,832 | $31,911 – $48,918 |
| Nunavut | $26,127 – $65,577 | $35,957 – $65,595 |
| Quebec | $13,829 – $32,356 | $21,456 – $50,150 (No kids) |
And if you’re eligible for the disability supplement, here’s where your benefits phase out:
| Region | Singles (Ends At) | Families (Ends At) |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Provinces | $42,222 | $59,038 |
| Alberta | $42,305 | $59,865 |
| Nunavut | $73,195 | $80,777 |
| Quebec | $36,495 | $58,427 (No kids) |
You must be approved for the Disability Tax Credit and fall within these income limits to receive the supplement.
Schedule
CWB advance payments are issued in three instalments throughout the year:
- July 11, 2025
- October 2025
- January 2026
The remaining 50% of your benefit will be added to your 2025 tax refund.
Make sure your CRA My Account has your current:
- Banking information
- Mailing address
- Disability Tax Credit status (if applicable)
This ensures smooth payment processing and avoids delays.
Importance
The Canada Workers Benefit isn’t just a tax credit—it’s a lifeline for many hardworking Canadians facing record-high expenses. With food, rent, and transportation costs soaring, this benefit helps close the gap and ensures that working still pays off.
Why the CWB matters in 2025:
- Supports workers with low to moderate income
- Offsets inflation-related expenses
- Includes a disability top-up
- Paid automatically and in advance
- Helps reduce financial pressure throughout the year
By staying on top of your taxes and CRA info, you can make sure you get the maximum possible support through the CWB.
FAQs
How much is the July 2025 CWB?
Up to $1,238.99 depending on region and DTC eligibility.
Is the CWB paid automatically?
Yes, if you’re eligible, CRA pays it based on your tax return.
When is the next CWB payment?
The next advance payment is in October 2025.
Can I get CWB if I’m self-employed?
Yes, self-employment income also qualifies for the CWB.
Do I need to apply for CWB?
No, it’s automatically calculated when you file your taxes.
