Canada Workers Benefit (CWB) Calculator 2026
The Canada Workers Benefit is a refundable federal tax credit for low-income workers, with a maximum 2026 benefit of $1,590 (single) / $2,739 (family) plus a disability supplement of up to $821. Calculate your CWB and advance payment entitlement.
What Is the Canada Workers Benefit (CWB)?
The Canada Workers Benefit is a federal refundable tax credit designed to support low-income workers. Per the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA), "refundable" means it can generate a refund even if you owe no tax — making it a direct cash benefit for working low-income Canadians. CWB replaced the older Working Income Tax Benefit (WITB) starting 2019.
2026 CWB Amounts
Federal CWB (most provinces) for 2026:
- Basic — single: Maximum $1,590. Phases in starting at working income of $3,000. Phases out from net income of $26,149 to $36,749.
- Basic — family: Maximum $2,739. Phases in from $3,000 working income. Phases out from $29,833 to $48,093 net income.
- Disability supplement: Maximum $821 per eligible person (with DTC approval). Phases out at higher income thresholds.
Quebec, Nunavut, and Alberta have negotiated alternative configurations — different income thresholds and amounts. Check provincial-specific CRA tables.
Eligibility Rules
Per CRA eligibility, you must be:
- A Canadian resident throughout the year
- 19 years of age or older on December 31 (or under 19 with a spouse/child)
- Earning working income above the threshold (typically $3,000+)
- NOT a full-time student for more than 13 weeks (unless with eligible dependant)
- NOT confined to prison for 90+ days
Advance CWB Payments (ACWB) — Quarterly
Since 2023, eligible Canadians automatically receive 50% of their estimated CWB in advance, paid in 3 quarterly installments (July, October, January) by direct deposit. The remaining 50% is settled when you file your tax return. No application required — automatic from your previous year's tax filing per CRA Advance CWB rules. To qualify, file your tax return on time each year.
Sources: Canada Revenue Agency (canada.ca/cra), CWB amounts via CRA Schedule 6, Income Tax Act §122.7. Amounts adjust annually for inflation. Last updated 2026-05.
Frequently Asked Questions
Whats the maximum CWB in 2026?
Federal: $1,590 single / $2,739 family. Plus disability supplement up to $821 per eligible person. Quebec, Nunavut, and Alberta have alternative configurations.
Whats the income limit?
CWB phases out completely at federal net income of approx $36,749 (single) / $48,093 (family). Below those thresholds, your CWB is reduced gradually as income rises.
How do advance CWB payments work?
Since 2023, the CRA automatically pays 50% of your estimated CWB in advance via 3 quarterly installments (July, October, January). The other 50% is settled when you file your tax return. No application needed.
Whats the disability supplement?
Up to $821 per eligible person who has been approved for the Disability Tax Credit (DTC) on Form T2201. The supplement phases out at higher income levels than the basic CWB.
Am I eligible if Im a student?
Generally no. Full-time students enrolled for more than 13 weeks are not eligible — UNLESS you have an eligible dependant (child or spouse).
How do I claim the CWB?
Complete Schedule 6 of your federal tax return. The CRA automatically calculates and applies the credit. To get advance payments, just file your prior years tax return — no separate application.