When are Canada Workers Benefit payments in 2026?

Advance CWB (ACWB) payments are made quarterly on the same dates as the GST/HST credit: January 5, April 5, July 5, and October 5, 2026. If you claim CWB on your tax return instead, the full amount comes with your refund.

How much is the Canada Workers Benefit in 2026?

For the 2025 tax year (paid in 2026), the maximum basic CWB is $1,633 for singles and $2,813 for families. A disability supplement of up to $843 is also available.

What is the difference between CWB and ACWB?

CWB is the full amount claimed on your tax return. ACWB provides advance quarterly payments equal to 50% of your estimated CWB, so you get the money throughout the year instead of waiting for your refund.

Who qualifies for the Canada Workers Benefit?

Canadian residents aged 19+ with working income over $3,000 and net income below $37,740 (single) or $49,389 (family). Full-time students without dependents do not qualify.

Canada Workers Benefit Payment Dates 2026 | CWB & ACWB Schedule

Canada Workers Benefit Payment Dates 2026

Advance CWB (ACWB) Quarterly Payments

If you applied for advance payments, ACWB is paid on the same dates as the GST/HST credit:

Quarter	Payment Date	Notes
Q1	January 5, 2026	Monday
Q2	April 5, 2026	Sunday — paid April 3
Q3	July 5, 2026	Sunday — paid July 3
Q4	October 5, 2026	Monday

If a date falls on a weekend or holiday, payment is made on the last business day before.

CWB on Tax Return

If you don’t apply for advance payments, you receive the full CWB amount when you file your tax return. For the 2025 tax year, this would be in your 2026 tax refund (typically April-June 2026).

CWB vs. ACWB: Which to choose?

Option	Timing	Amount
ACWB (Advance)	4 quarterly payments throughout 2026	50% of estimated CWB
CWB (Tax return)	Lump sum with tax refund	Full amount
Both	Advance payments + remaining balance with refund	ACWB during year + remainder at tax time

Tip: If you need cash flow help throughout the year, apply for ACWB. You’ll receive 50% as quarterly payments and the remaining 50% when you file your return.

2026 CWB Amounts (2025 Tax Year)

Basic CWB

Situation	Maximum Amount	Phase-in Starts	Phase-out Starts	Phase-out Ends
Single	$1,633	$3,000	$26,855	~$37,740
Family	$2,813	$3,000	$30,639	~$49,389

Disability Supplement

Situation	Maximum Amount
Single or Family	$843

Total Maximum CWB

Situation	Basic + Disability
Single with disability	$2,476
Family with disability	$3,656

How CWB is calculated

Phase-in: CWB increases at 27% of working income above $3,000 until it reaches the maximum.

Phase-out: CWB decreases at 15% of income above the phase-out threshold until it reaches $0.

Example: Single person earning $20,000

Working income: $20,000
Phase-in amount: ($20,000 − $3,000) × 27% = $4,590 → capped at $1,633
Phase-out: $0 (income below $26,855)
CWB: $1,633

Example: Single person earning $30,000

Maximum CWB: $1,633
Phase-out reduction: ($30,000 − $26,855) × 15% = $471.75
CWB: $1,161.25

How to apply for ACWB

File your tax return and claim CWB on Schedule 6
Check the box to apply for advance payments
CRA will calculate your ACWB and begin quarterly deposits
You must reapply each year through your tax return