Low-income workers in Canada are set to receive increased support in 2026 through the Canada Workers Benefit (CWB), as part of the annual adjustment by the Canada Revenue Agency to keep up with the cost of living.
Millions of Canadians facing rising expenses for rent, groceries, and transportation will benefit from this increase, providing much-needed relief to those on tight budgets.
What Is the Canada Workers Benefit (CWB)?
The CWB is a refundable tax credit that supplements the incomes of low-earning workers, offering direct cash payments even if no taxes are owed. It consists of a basic amount for eligible workers and families, along with a disability supplement for those who qualify.
Eligibility and benefit amounts depend on various factors such as employment income, marital status, family size, province of residence, and disability status.
The goal of the CWB is to promote workforce participation and ensure that working Canadians can keep up with the rising cost of living.
Canada Workers Benefit Increase for 2026
For the 2026 tax year, the CWB will see a 2.0% inflation-based increase to match the rising prices. This adjustment is in line with the indexing process used in previous years.
Advance payments of the CWB are issued three times a year based on the previous year’s tax return. Any discrepancies are reconciled when the tax return is assessed the following spring.
Advance Canada Workers Benefit Payments
Advance payments for the CWB are calculated based on the previous year’s income and are issued three times a year to eligible workers. The 2026 advance payments will reflect the 2025 benefit amounts due to the timing of the increase.
Only when the 2026 tax return is filed in spring 2027 will the full impact of the 2026 increase be felt by recipients.
Canada Workers Benefit Amounts for 2026
- Maximum benefit for single individuals with no children: $1,633 annually
- Maximum benefit for families: $2,813 annually
- Maximum disability supplement: $843 annually
The income thresholds that determine eligibility for the CWB have also been adjusted for 2026 to accommodate rising wages.
Canada Workers Benefit Payment Amounts
Advance payments for the CWB represent 50% of the total benefit divided into three installments. Payments are expected to be:
- Singles: Up to $272.17 per payment
- Families: Up to $468.83 per payment
- Disability supplement: Up to $140.50 extra per payment
Recipients who qualify for both the basic benefit and the disability supplement could receive over $400 per advance payment as a single applicant or nearly $750 per advance payment for eligible families.
Canada Workers Benefit Advance Payment Dates for 2026
The CRA typically sends ACWB payments on the 12th of January, July, and October, unless these dates fall on a weekend or federal holiday.
