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Canada Workers Benefit Calculator

2025
Your Details
$

Employment or self-employment income

Your CWB Entitlement

CWB Benefit

$1,622.00

Maximum Benefit

$1,622.00

Phase-In Amount

$1,622.00

Phase-Out Amount

-$0.00

Benefit Breakdown
Phase-In & Phase-Out Calculation
Family statusSingle
Earned income$18,000.00
Phase-in starts at$4,000.00
Phase-in rate27%
Phase-in amount$1,622.00
Maximum benefit$1,622.00
Phase-out starts at$25,475.00
Phase-out rate15%
Phase-out reduction-$0.00
Net CWB benefit$1,622.00
Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about the Canada Workers Benefit

The Canada Workers Benefit is a refundable tax credit that provides financial help to low-income individuals and families who are working. It was formerly known as the Working Income Tax Benefit (WITB). The CWB encourages Canadians to enter and stay in the workforce by supplementing the earnings of low-income workers. For 2025, the maximum benefit is $1,590 for single individuals and $2,739 for families.
To be eligible, you must be a Canadian resident throughout the year, be at least 19 years old on December 31 (unless you have an eligible dependant or a spouse/common-law partner), have earned income from employment or self-employment, and not be a full-time student for more than 13 weeks in the year. You must also not be confined to a prison or similar institution for 90 days or more during the year.
Yes, the CWB is a refundable tax credit, meaning you can receive the benefit even if you owe no income tax. The full amount is paid to you as part of your tax refund or as a reduction of taxes owed. This makes it particularly valuable for low-income workers who may have little or no tax liability. You claim the CWB on Schedule 6 of your tax return.
Yes, you can apply to receive up to 50% of your expected CWB in advance quarterly payments throughout the year, rather than waiting until you file your tax return. To apply, file Form RC201 (Canada Workers Benefit Advance Payments Application). Advance payments are issued quarterly in January, April, July, and October. The remaining balance is reconciled when you file your annual tax return.
Yes, if you qualify for the Disability Tax Credit (DTC) and are eligible for the CWB, you may also receive the CWB disability supplement. This supplement provides an additional maximum of $784 for singles and $784 for families (2025). The disability supplement has its own phase-in and phase-out thresholds and is claimed alongside the basic CWB on your tax return.
For singles in 2025: the benefit phases in at 27% of earned income above $4,000, reaching the maximum of $1,590 at about $9,889. It then phases out at 15% of adjusted net income above $24,975. For families: the benefit phases in at 27% above $4,000, reaching the maximum of $2,739 at about $14,144, and phases out at 15% above $28,494. The benefit reaches zero at approximately $35,575 for singles and $46,754 for families.
You claim the CWB by completing Schedule 6 (Canada Workers Benefit) and attaching it to your income tax return. The CRA will also automatically calculate the CWB for you if you do not claim it, ensuring you receive the benefit you are entitled to. You must file a tax return to receive the CWB even if you have no tax owing.

CRA-Aligned: This calculator uses official CRA Canada Workers Benefit rates and thresholds for the 2025 tax year. The CWB is claimed on your annual tax return. Some provinces have their own CWB calculation adjustments. For a definitive assessment, contact the Canada Revenue Agency.

More Information
Understanding the Canada Workers Benefit

How the CWB helps low-income workers keep more of what they earn

What is the Canada Workers Benefit and who gets it?

The Canada Workers Benefit (CWB) is a refundable tax credit from the CRA that tops up the earnings of low-income workers. If you are 19 or older, live in Canada, and earn income from a job or self-employment, you may qualify. For 2025, a single person can receive up to $1,590 and a family can receive up to $2,739 per year.

How does the phase-in work?

The CWB phases in once your earned income passes $4,000. For every dollar you earn above that, you get 27 cents of benefit. For example, if you earn $8,000, the CWB calculates 27% of $4,000 (the amount above $4,000), which gives you $1,080. The benefit keeps growing until it hits the maximum.

When does the benefit start to shrink?

Once your adjusted net income passes a certain threshold, the CWB begins to phase out at 15%. For single individuals in 2025, the phase-out starts at $24,975. For families, it starts at $28,494. For every dollar above the threshold, 15 cents is clawed back until the benefit reaches zero.

What is the CWB disability supplement?

If you qualify for the Disability Tax Credit (DTC) and are eligible for the CWB, you can also receive a disability supplement worth up to $784 per year. This extra amount has its own phase-in and phase-out thresholds and is claimed alongside the basic CWB on Schedule 6 of your tax return.

Can you get CWB money before tax time?

Yes. You can apply on Form RC201 to receive up to 50% of your expected CWB as advance quarterly payments in January, April, July, and October. The remaining balance is settled when you file your annual tax return. This is useful if you need the cash sooner rather than waiting for your refund.

How do you claim the CWB?

You claim the CWB by filling out Schedule 6 and attaching it to your income tax return. Even if you forget, the CRA will automatically calculate it for you. However, you must file a tax return to receive the benefit, even if you owe no tax. The full amount is paid as part of your refund or used to reduce any tax you owe.

Does the CWB vary by province?

The federal CWB rates apply across Canada, but some provinces such as Alberta, Quebec, and Nunavut have their own adjusted calculations. Quebec, for example, has its own work premium that replaces the federal CWB for Quebec residents. Always check your province for any additional provincial top-ups or replacements.

CRA-Aligned: Based on 2025 CRA rates and thresholds. For personal advice, speak to a qualified accountant or tax professional.

Disclaimer: This calculator provides estimates based on current CRA rates and thresholds for the 2025 tax year. It does not constitute professional tax, financial, or legal advice. Your actual liability may differ depending on your individual circumstances. Always consult a qualified accountant before making financial decisions. Read our terms

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