The Canada Worker Benefit (CWB) is a refundable tax credit, which is available for Canadians who come under the lower to moderate income. It is given to eligible individuals so they can increase their income and work to be more beneficial to them.
Note that half of the benefit is received by eligible Canadians through the tax return, and the remaining half in three equal installments as an advance payment, which runs from July to June. If your income is low, you can get hundreds of dollars from this benefit.
Here, we have shared everything you need to know about the Canada Workers Benefit 2025-26. Read this article to check who is eligible to receive it, how much can be received, what an individual is required to do to get it, and much more.
Who is eligible to get it?
The requirements to get this benefit are as follows: go through the listed points to check if you are eligible to receive it.
- You must be a citizen of Canada and reside in any territory of the country.
- You must have turned at least 19 years old. If you are under 19, you must have a spouse or common-law partner, and you live with your child, and
- You have income from employment or self-employment.
Additionally, it is mandatory that your AFNI isn’t above the threshold for the tax year 2025. It is given below for all provinces except Québec, Alberta, and Nunavut.
| Category | Full Benefit If Income Is Below | Benefit Ends If Income Is Above |
| Singles | ~$26,855 | ~$37,474 |
| Families | ~$30,639 | ~$49,391 |
What are the payment rates?
The CRA has announced the CWB payment rates for the tax year 2025. It is $1,633 for singles and $2,831 for families. You can get the maximum benefit—only if your income isn’t above a certain threshold.
Note that for each dollar exceeding the AFNI threshold, the payment is reduced by 15 cents. The benefit you can get for the tax year 2025 from the CRA depends on your living situation and adjusted family net income.
What to do to get it?
To get the Canada Worker Benefit, a candidate is required to file their tax. Note that the advance payment is received automatically if the return for the last tax year is filed and processed before July of the year.
For 2025-26, only those individuals who filed their taxes on time and had them processed before July 2025 are getting the ACWB. ACWB is received in July, October, and January; the first two payments are already been sent out, and the last one will be received soon.
After getting all the ACWB payments for the tax year 2025, you have to file your return, and then the remaining benefit will be received by you. You will get it through the payment method you have chosen, which can be direct deposit or paper check.
How to apply?
To apply for the CWB, it is mandatory that a taxpayer file a return. The step-by-step instructions are available below.
- Collect your tax documents (T4, T4A, T5, RRSP slips, receipts, SIN).
- Choose a NETFILE-certified tax software.
- Create or sign in to CRA My Account.
- Use Auto-Fill My Return to import slips automatically.
- Enter all income and deductions into the tax software.
- Set up direct deposit in CRA My Account for faster payment.
- Review your return carefully and let the software check for errors.
- Submit your return via NETFILE, and it will send it directly to CRA.
- Save your NETFILE confirmation number and wait for CRA to issue your Notice of Assessment and payment.
Disclaimer: Canada Workers Benefit 2025–26 details are for general awareness only. Confirm eligibility and payment info with the CRA.
