Canadian workers can get up to $566 from this CRA benefit payment in January
Here's who's eligible. 👀
Advanced Canada Workers Benefit payments for January go out soon — here's how much you can get.
The New Year is here, bringing with it a range of federal benefits that Canadians can get in 2025, including advanced payments from the Canada Workers Benefit.
This refundable tax credit is designed to support lower-income workers across the country, helping them manage the ever-increasing cost of living, and advanced payments go out this week.
For those who qualify, this government payment could add a little extra financial relief this winter, joining the lineup of benefit payments you could receive in January for help covering everyday expenses. Since payments are sent out automatically, it's one less thing to worry about as you sort out your budget for the season.
Here's a breakdown of the Advanced Canada Workers Benefit payment for January 2025, including how it works and how much you could receive.
What is the Canada Workers Benefit?
The Canada Workers Benefit (CWB) is a refundable tax credit aimed at supporting low-income workers across Canada. It's designed to provide a financial boost for individuals and families, offering a base payment and an additional supplement for those living with an eligible disability.
What is the Advanced Canada Workers Benefit?
The Advanced Canada Workers Benefit (ACWB) allows eligible Canadians to get a portion of their CWB allotment before tax season.
Rather than waiting until you file your tax return, you can receive up to 50% of your total benefit in three instalments throughout the year. These advanced payments are designed to help cover everyday costs, and the best part? You don't need to apply — if you qualify, the money is automatically sent your way.
Who is eligible for the Canada Workers Benefit?
To qualify for the Canada Workers Benefit, there are a few key requirements you’ll need to meet. You must have earned a working income, and your net income must fall below your province or territory's threshold. Additionally, you need to have been a resident of Canada throughout the year and either be 19 or older by December 31 or live with a spouse, common-law partner or child.
That said, there are certain factors that could make you ineligible. You won't qualify if you were a full-time student for more than 13 weeks of the year (unless you had an eligible dependant on December 31), if you were incarcerated for at least 90 days during the year or if your role as a diplomat or similar position exempts you from paying Canadian taxes.
How to apply for the Canada Workers Benefit
Applying for the Canada Workers Benefit is super easy — all you need to do is claim it when you file your taxes. If you're filing electronically, your tax software will walk you through the steps to add the CWB. If you're going old school with a paper return, just complete and include Schedule 6, which is the form for the Canada Workers Benefit.
For those eligible for the disability supplement, the process is similar. However, if you have a spouse or common-law partner who also qualifies, only one of you can claim the basic amount, though you should each claim the disability supplement on your individual tax returns if you're both eligible.
There's no need to apply separately for the advance payments under the ACWB program. These will be issued automatically as long as you're eligible and file your tax return before November 1 of the benefit period.
How much is the Canada Workers Benefit?
The amount you can get from the Canada Workers Benefit depends on your income and where you live in Canada.
- For single individuals without children, the maximum basic payment for the current benefit year is $1,518. This amount starts to decrease once your income exceeds $24,975 and phases out completely if your income is over $35,095.
- For those with a spouse, common-law partner or child, the maximum benefit increases to $2,616. This amount begins to reduce when your family’' net income surpasses $28,494 and phases out when your family income exceeds $45,934.
There’s also a disability supplement available, adding up to $784 for both individuals and families. For singles, the reduction kicks in at an income of $35,098, and for families, at $45,932.
Since the Advanced CWB payments are roughly one-sixth of your annual entitlement, the January 2025 payment could be up to:
- $253 if you're single, or
- $436 if you have a spouse or common-law partner, plus
- $130.66 extra if you qualify for the disability supplement
Keep in mind that these amounts vary if you live in Quebec, Alberta or Nunavut, as they have their own payment maximums and income thresholds. To get a clearer idea of how much you can get, the CRA's benefit calculator can give you an estimate based on your situation.
Is the Canada Workers Benefit taxable?
Nope, the Canada Workers Benefit isn't taxable! Since it's a refundable tax credit, its purpose is to lower the amount of tax you owe, or provide you with a refund if you don't owe any taxes at all.
When are the Canada Workers Benefit payment dates?
The next Advanced Canada Workers Benefit payment date is this Friday, January 10.
This is the final payment for the 2023 tax year, with the following payment being the 50% you'll get after filing your 2024 tax return. After that, the next advanced payments will arrive on:
- July 11, 2025
- October 10, 2025
Love this? Check out our Narcity noticeboard for details on jobs, benefits, travel info and more!
AI tools may have been used to support the creation or distribution of this content; however, it has been carefully edited and fact-checked by a member of Narcity's Editorial team. For more information on our use of AI, please visit our Editorial Standards page.
- 8 government benefit payments Canadians can get from the CRA in January ›
- The Canada Workers Benefit is increasing — Here's how much you can get for 2025 ›
- Here are all the government benefit payments Canadians can get from the CRA in 2025 ›
- Canada Carbon Rebate payments for January go out soon — Here's how much you can get - Narcity ›