The Canada Workers Benefit (CWB) program is meant to offer financial assistance to low to middle-income working individuals. Under the program, one eligible adult can earn a maximum of $1,590, whereas two adults would have a combined maximum benefit of $2,739 for 2024. A maximum of $821 is paid additionally as the disability supplement for persons with disabilities. This article will b)e focusing on how CWB is computed, who is entitled to receive it, under what situations the payments would be affected, and what aspects of your life this program would touch.
Overview of the Canada Workers Benefit (CWB) Program
The Canada Workers Benefit (CWB) is a tax credit program intended to provide financially poor and low-middle-income working people in the country with a benefit. Under the scheme, the eligible person can receive an annual payment of cash to cushion against the cost of meeting their daily needs. This 2024, a maximum amount of CWB that may be presented to people under it is $1,428. This benefit depends on income, marital status and place of residence. People who are undergoing a disability also qualify under this benefit in provision of disability supplements. The government is bringing forth this initiative to strengthen the overall financial condition of working citizens and make them self-sufficient.
Basic CWB benefit
- Individual benefit: If you are single, and your adjusted net income is below $26,149, you may get a maximum of $1,590. The benefit amount decreases with the income rising above $26,149. No benefits, if your assessed annual income is more than $36,749.
- Family benefit: In case you are married or cohabitating, you can claim a maximum of $2,739. The benefit is payable in full for incomes up to $29,833, while the benefit phases out above $48,093.
Maximum disability supplement
If you are eligible for the Disability Tax Credit, you can claim a Disability Supplement of up to $821.
- Individual eligibility: If your adjusted net income is less than $36,748, you may receive the full $821. The benefit decrease gradually and phases out at incomes above $42,222.
- Family: If only one partner is eligible for the Disability Tax Credit and the combined income is above $53,565, or both partners are claimed and the combined income is above $59,038, the Disability Supplement will not be available.
Calculation methodology of CWB Tax Credits
The CRA (Canada Revenue Agency) calculates CWB based on:
- Your marital status
- Place of residence (province or territory)
- Income earned from work
- Adjusted family income
- Number of dependent children
- Eligibility for the Disability Tax Credit
Advance payment process

If you qualify for the CWB, you may receive up to 50% of your annual benefit under the Advanced Canada Workers Benefits (ACWB). If you are qualified for the Disability Supplement, 50% of that will become available for you in advance.
For advance payment purposes, you should have been in Canada on the first day of the quarter. To get an estimate of your advance payment, use the Child and Family Benefit Calculator on the CRA website, which will require you to fill out information based on your tax situation as of December 31.
Determine payments from married or common-law couples:
- If neither partner is eligible for disability: The advance payment is paid to the partner with the higher work income. If both partners have the same income, the payment is made to the person who filed taxes first.
- If one or both partners are eligible for the disability tax credit: The basic advance and their supplement are paid to the person with the disability. If both partners are eligible, the basic benefit will be paid to one and the supplement to both.
Life changes that affect the advance payment
There are circumstances that may affect the advance payment:
- Death: If a beneficiary dies before July 1, they are no longer eligible for an advance payment for that year.
- Imprisonment: If a person jails for 90 days or more, the remaining payment stops.
- Moving Abroad: If you move permanently out of Canada during the year, you will not receive the remaining payments.
Note: other events such as marriage, divorce, a change in dependents, or a change in residence affect the advance payment only if you request a reassessment.
Advance payment dates
The advance payment of the CWB is made thrice in a year:
- July 12
- October 12
- January 12
In case this date falls on a Saturday, Sunday, or a public holiday, the payment shall conveniently fall back on the immediately preceding working day. If you have not received a payment on the due date, wait exactly 10 more days before reaching out to the CRA. To check the next payment date and sign up for benefit reminders, visit your CRA “My Account”.
Conclusion
The Canada Workers Benefit is a tax credit that gives some relief to Canadians facing financial difficulty. Generally, it looks at your family situation, where you live, and other qualifications, not just income. If you qualify, it is important to get your application in on time and to keep your CRA account updates so that you do not get delayed or miss any payments. If you have not applied yet, visit the CRA website to check for eligibility for this benefit, because every dollar counts.
FAQs
Q1. What is the $1,428 Canada Workers Benefit and who is it for?
A. It’s a refundable tax credit designed to support low and moderate-income workers in Canada. If you’re working and meet income and residency requirements, you may qualify for the benefit.
Q2. How do I know if I’m eligible for the CWB payment?
A. Eligibility depends on your adjusted net income, marital status, and province of residence. CRA uses your tax return to determine if you qualify and how much you’ll receive.
Q3. When will the $1,428 CWB payment be issued?
A. Advanced payments are sent in three parts each year—usually in July, October, and January. The exact amount and timing may vary based on your specific situation.
Q4. Do people with disabilities get any extra support under this program?
A. Yes, individuals who qualify for the disability tax credit may receive an additional supplement of up to $821. This is on top of the basic CWB amount.
Q5. What should I do if I didn’t receive my payment on time?
A. If your payment hasn’t arrived by the expected date, wait at least 10 working days. You can also check your status by logging into your CRA “My Account.”