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.

Employment + self-employment income
Line 23600 minus UCCB and RDSP
Must be 19+ on Dec 31
Your 2026 CWB Estimate
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Basic Amount
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Disability Supplement
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Quarterly Advance Payment
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Status
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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.

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