CRA Confirms $1428 Quarterly CWB for 2025, Check Eligibility and Payment Schedule

In a year marked by rising grocery prices, increasing rent, and higher transportation costs, the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) has confirmed welcome news for low- and modest-income workers. The Canada Workers Benefit (CWB) will once again provide up to \$1,428 per quarter in 2025 for eligible individuals — totalling as much as \$5,712 annually.

This refundable tax credit is designed to reward work and provide steady, quarterly income boosts to help Canadians manage day-to-day expenses without waiting until tax season for a lump-sum refund.

What Is the Canada Workers Benefit?

The Canada Workers Benefit is a refundable tax credit that supplements the earnings of low-income individuals and families. It was introduced to replace the former Working Income Tax Benefit (WITB), with enhanced features and broader eligibility to ensure more working Canadians could benefit.

The CWB is made up of two main components:

1. Basic Amount – Designed for individuals and families with modest incomes.
2. Disability Supplement – Additional financial support for those eligible for the Disability Tax Credit.

By combining these benefits, the CWB aims to encourage workforce participation while reducing financial strain for those whose wages alone may not cover rising living costs.

2025 Benefit Levels – Bigger Support for Workers

For 2025, the CRA has confirmed the CWB’s enhanced structure remains in place:

Benefit Type	Max Quarterly	Annual Max
Individual Benefit	\$1,428	\$5,712
Family Benefit	Varies (higher cap)	Higher than individual
Disability Supplement	Additional	Extra on top

Unlike some government supports that require an annual wait, the CWB is issued quarterly. That means recipients receive their money in four separate installments throughout the year, helping them cover ongoing costs like rent, groceries, and transportation.

Automatic Advance Payments – No Waiting Until Tax Season

One of the CWB’s most valuable features is its advance payment system. Eligible Canadians receive part of their total benefit every few months instead of waiting until they file their tax return for a lump sum.

This ensures that support is available when it’s needed most, making it easier for workers to manage monthly budgets, pay bills, and absorb unexpected expenses.

Who Qualifies for the CWB in 2025?

The eligibility criteria for the Canada Workers Benefit are clear and designed to target working Canadians with modest incomes. To receive the CWB in 2025, you must:

• Be at least 15 years old on or before December 31, 2024.
• Be a Canadian resident for the entire tax year.
• Have working income below the set income thresholds.
• Not be in full-time studies for more than 13 weeks unless you have a spouse, common-law partner, or dependent.
• Not be incarcerated for more than 90 days during the year.

Income Thresholds and Phase-Out

The CWB amount gradually decreases as income rises. For individuals, the benefit starts to phase out at approximately \$24,975 and ends completely near \$33,000.

For families, the thresholds are higher, which allows more households to qualify for partial or full benefits. This design ensures the program remains targeted to those who need it most while still rewarding work.

How to Apply for the CWB

In most cases, you don’t need to submit a separate application for the CWB. The CRA automatically determines eligibility when you file your annual income tax return.

Steps to ensure you receive your CWB:

1. File your taxes on time every year — even if your income is low and you owe nothing.
2. Keep your personal details up to date with the CRA (address, marital status, banking information).
3. Check your CRA My Account to confirm eligibility and view payment dates.

CWB Payment Dates for 2025

While the CRA has not yet published the exact 2025 payment dates, the quarterly schedule typically follows this pattern:

• First Payment: January
• Second Payment: April
• Third Payment: July
• Fourth Payment: October

Direct deposit recipients usually see funds within 1–3 business days of the payment date, while mailed cheques may take up to 10 business days.

Disability Supplement – Extra Support for Those Who Qualify

If you’re eligible for the Disability Tax Credit (DTC), you can also receive the CWB Disability Supplement. This is an additional amount designed to help cover the higher cost of living often faced by Canadians with disabilities.

To qualify for the supplement, you must:

• Be eligible for the DTC
• Meet the basic CWB criteria
• Have working income within the program’s thresholds

Why the CWB Matters in 2025

With inflation continuing to drive up the cost of essential goods and services, programs like the CWB play a critical role in maintaining financial stability for lower-income households.

For many, the quarterly CWB payments help cover:

• Rising grocery bills
• Transportation costs, including fuel and public transit
• Rent or mortgage payments
• Childcare expenses
• Seasonal costs like heating during winter months

Planning Ahead – Getting the Most from Your CWB

To ensure you receive the maximum CWB payment you’re entitled to in 2025:

• File taxes early and accurately.
• Keep your CRA My Account updated with your most recent banking details.
• If your income changes during the year, note how it might affect future quarterly payments.

The CWB is not taxable income, so you keep the full amount without having to pay it back during tax season.

The Bottom Line

The Canada Workers Benefit remains one of the most generous and accessible forms of financial support for working Canadians with modest incomes. By offering up to \$1,428 per quarter, the program not only rewards work but also provides crucial relief in an era of high living costs.

With automatic eligibility through tax filing, quarterly payments, and additional disability supplements available, the CWB stands out as a practical and dependable lifeline for those balancing work and financial challenges in 2025.