Canada Workers Benefit’s First Payment started rolling out on July 28th of 2023, a step in providing financial support to low-income workers and families across Canada.
Eligible singles can receive up to $1,518, and families can receive up to $2,616, based on the income reported on the 2022 tax return.
Let’s dive into the details:
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What is Canada Workers Benefit (CWB)?
The CWB aims to support individuals and families who are working but don’t earn a substantial income to support themselves or their families. The benefit comprises of two parts:
- Basic Amount
- Disability Allowance
You can claim the CWB payment when you file your income tax return.
Starting from July 28, 2023, and using your 2022 tax details, the CWB will give you upfront payments. You’ll get half of your CWB amount spread over three payments as part of the Advanced Canada workers benefit (ACWB). This is a way to give workers more money sooner, to help manage with the increasing cost of living.
If you got the CWB in 2022, you’ll get these upfront payments automatically, so you don’t need to do anything.
Who is Eligible for Canada Workers Benefits (CWB)?
The Canada Workers Benefit (CWB) is available depending on your income and situation. Here’s a quick look at who can get this help.
CWB Basic Benefit Eligibility
To get the basic CWB, you must:
- Earn income from a job and make less than a certain amount, which is set by your province or territory
- Live in Canada all year
- Be at least 19 years old by December 31, or live with your spouse, common-law partner, or your child
You can’t get the CWB if you:
- Are a full-time student for more than 13 weeks in the year, unless you have a dependent child by December 31
- Spend 90 days or more in prison during the year
- Don’t pay Canadian tax because you or your family work for a foreign country, like
Who is an Eligible Spouse or Partner?
Your spouse or partner is eligible for CWB payment if they:
- Live with you by December 31
- Live in Canada all year
Your spouse or partner isn’t eligible for the CWB if they:
- Are a full-time student for more than 13 weeks in the year, unless they have a dependent child by December 31
- Spend 90 days or more in prison during the year
- Don’t pay Canadian tax because they or their family work for a foreign country
Who is an Eligible Dependent?
A child can be a dependent for the CWB if they:
- Are your or your spouse’s or partner’s child
- Are under 19 and live with you by December 31
- Don’t get the CWB themselves
Disability Supplement Eligibility
You could get the disability part of the CWB if you:
- Can get the disability tax credit and have an approved Disability Tax Credit Certificate (Form T2201) with the CRA
- Make less than a certain amount, which is set by your province or territory
How much you can get from Canada Workers Benefits (CWB):
Basic benefit maximum amount
The maximum basic amount for the CWB:
- If you’re single:
- You can get up to $1,518.
- If your income after taxes is more than $23,495, you’ll get less.
- If your income after taxes is over $33,015, you won’t get any.
- If you have a family:
- Your family can get up to $2,616.
- If your family’s income after taxes is over $26,805, you’ll get less.
- If your family’s income after taxes is over $43,212, you won’t get any.
Note: If you live in Quebec, Nunavut, or Alberta, these amounts could be different.
Disability Help
- If you’re single with a disability:
- You can get an extra $737.
- If your income after taxes is more than $33,018, you’ll get less.
- If your income after taxes is over $37,932, you won’t get any.
- If you’re a family with a disability:
- Your family can get an extra $737.
- If your family’s income after taxes is more than $43,210, you’ll get less.
- If your family’s income after taxes is over $48,124 with one person on disability tax credit or $53,037 with both spouses on disability tax credit, you won’t get any.
Note: If you live in Quebec or Nunavut, these amounts could be different.
How your CWB is calculated?
The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) looks at several things when calculating your CWB:
- If you’re married or have a partner
- Where you live
- Your job income
- Your family’s income after taxes
- If you have dependent children
- If you qualify for the disability tax credit
How to Apply for the Canada Workers Benefit (CWB)?
To apply for the CWB, you can follow one of two routes:
- Online Application: Follow the instructions given by your certified tax software.
- Paper Application: Complete and submit Schedule 6, Canada workers benefit.
To qualify for the disability supplement, you must claim both the base credit and the disability supplement when filing your income tax.
Canada Worker Benefit Payment Schedule:
The 2023 CWB payments will be distributed on the following dates:
- First Payment: July 28, 2023
- Second Payment: October 12, 2023
- Third Payment: January 12, 2024
Didn’t Receive Your Payment?
If you don’t receive your CWB, first check your eligibility. If you’re eligible but haven’t received your payment, contact the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA). Be sure to wait at least 10 business days before contacting the CRA about a missed payment.
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