CRA Confirms $1238 Canada Workers Benefit Soon, Check If You Qualify for the CRA Payment

The Canada Workers Benefit (CWB) continues to serve as a key financial pillar for low- and moderate-income workers across the country. As inflation and living expenses continue to climb, this refundable tax credit remains vital—especially for those who qualify for the Disability Tax Credit (DTC).

If you’ve filed your 2024 tax return, you may already have received your first advance payment from the CRA. Here’s everything you need to know about the updated CWB amounts, eligibility rules, and payment schedule for 2025.

CWB Structure: What the Benefit Includes

The Canada Workers Benefit is designed to supplement the earnings of Canadians who work but earn modest incomes. It has two primary parts:

• Basic Amount – Based on income and family structure
• Disability Supplement – For those approved for the Disability Tax Credit (DTC)

Since 2022, the CRA has been issuing advance payments three times a year—in July, October, and January—covering 50% of the total benefit. The remaining 50% is delivered through your tax refund after filing your return.

July 2025 Payment: New Inflation-Indexed CWB Amounts

The CRA’s July 11, 2025 payment reflects updated rates indexed for inflation. Depending on your income, province, and DTC status, your deposit could be as high as \$1,238.99. Certain regions like Quebec, Alberta, and Nunavut saw significant increases.

Breakdown of July 2025 CWB Advance Payments by Region

Region	Single (No DTC)	Family (No DTC)	Max (With DTC x2)
Standard	\$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 (w/ DTC)

These payments are based on your 2024 income and whether you filed your taxes before November 1, 2025.

CWB Eligibility Requirements for 2025

To qualify for CWB advance payments this year, you must:

• Be a Canadian resident for all of 2024
• Be at least 19 years old by December 31, 2024, or live with a spouse or dependent
• Have earned income from employment or self-employment
• File your 2024 tax return by the deadline

You don’t need to apply separately. Once your return is filed, the CRA automatically determines your eligibility and calculates your payments.

Updated Income Thresholds for CWB and Disability Supplement

The benefit amount begins to phase out once your income passes a certain limit. The amount you receive depends on where you live and your income level.

Basic Benefit Phase-Out Ranges (2025)

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

Disability Supplement Phase-Out Limits

Region	Singles (Ends At)	Families (Ends At)
Standard	\$42,222	\$59,038
Alberta	\$42,305	\$59,865
Nunavut	\$73,195	\$80,777
Quebec	\$36,495	\$58,427

To receive the Disability Supplement, you must be approved for the DTC and fall within the applicable income limits.

CWB Payment Schedule for 2025–2026

If your 2024 return was filed before the CRA’s July processing deadline and you met all the eligibility conditions, your first advance CWB payment was issued on July 11, 2025.

Upcoming advance payment dates are:

• October 2025
• January 2026

The remaining 50% of your benefit will be included in your 2025 tax refund, processed in spring 2026.

Keep Your CRA Account Updated

To prevent any delays or missed payments, make sure your CRA My Account is accurate. Ensure the following are updated:

• Direct deposit details
• Mailing address
• Disability Tax Credit (DTC) approval status

These updates are essential to ensure smooth and timely delivery of your CWB payments.

Why the CWB Is Crucial in 2025

As Canadians continue to grapple with the rising cost of living, the CWB is more important than ever. It supports working Canadians who may not earn enough to keep up with inflation. For many, it bridges the gap between barely getting by and having the ability to pay for essentials like food, housing, transportation, and childcare.

Key Benefits of the Canada Workers Benefit

• Provides cash support to low-income earners
• Includes disability top-up for eligible recipients
• Delivered quarterly to help with monthly budgeting
• No application required—just file your taxes
• Tax-free payments that don’t reduce other benefits

The 2025 CWB offers higher payment amounts, expanded income thresholds, and a hassle-free delivery system that ensures eligible Canadians are better equipped to face everyday financial challenges.

FAQs – Canada Workers Benefit 2025

1. When was the first CWB advance payment made in 2025?
The CRA issued the first CWB payment on July 11, 2025.

2. Do I need to apply separately for the CWB?
No. If you file your 2024 tax return, the CRA will automatically assess your eligibility and issue payments accordingly.

3. Who qualifies for the Disability Supplement?
You must be approved for the Disability Tax Credit (DTC) and meet the income criteria.

4. How many advance CWB payments will I receive?
You’ll receive three advance payments—in July, October, and January. The remaining amount is added to your tax refund.

5. Is the Canada Workers Benefit taxable?
No, the CWB is a non-taxable benefit and will not affect other income-tested benefits.