Who Can Receive the Canada Workers Benefit (CWB) and Supplement

Knowing about the Canada Workers Benefit (CWB) is one thing. Knowing whether you actually qualify is another. While the benefit is designed to support low- and modest-income workers, the specific criteria can feel confusing—especially if your income fluctuates or you live with a spouse or dependent.

Understanding the eligibility criteria matters when you’re deciding whether to file a return, apply for advance payments, or help a family member access financial support. It becomes particularly important if you are new to the workforce, returning after a leave, working part-time, or living with a disability.

This article walks through who qualifies for the basic CWB and the CWB disability supplement, and outlines common situations where eligibility is misunderstood or missed.

General Eligibility for the Canada Workers Benefit

To receive the basic CWB, you must meet the following criteria:

• You were a resident of Canada throughout the year

• You were 19 or older on December 31 of the tax year, or lived with your spouse, common-law partner, or child

• You earned working income during the year (from employment or self-employment)

• Your adjusted net income was below the upper income limit (varies by individual or family status and province)

The CWB is based on individual or family income, whichever applies to your situation. You do not have to live alone to qualify, but if you have a spouse or partner, your combined income is used to calculate eligibility and payment.

Income Thresholds (Illustrative Only)

Exact income thresholds vary slightly each year and by province. But for general context:

• Single individuals typically begin to see a phase-out of benefits above $23,495, and benefits fully phase out by around $33,000–35,000

• Families generally begin to phase out above $26,805, with benefits ending around $43,000–45,000

These ranges are estimates and will differ if you live in a province with an enhanced or modified CWB program.

Situations That Make You Ineligible

Even if you earned working income, you are not eligible for the CWB if:

• You were enrolled full-time at a designated educational institution for more than 13 weeks (unless you had a dependent)

• You were confined to a prison or similar institution for at least 90 days during the year

• You did not live in Canada for the full calendar year

• You had no earned income from employment or self-employment

• Your income exceeded the maximum cut-off for your family type and province

Understanding Family Eligibility

If you are married or living common-law, your spouse’s income is factored into the calculation. Only one person per couple needs to apply—the benefit is paid out based on your combined income.

You must both meet the work-related eligibility criteria. If one spouse does not have working income, the benefit may still apply, but it will be reduced based on family net income.

For single parents, your benefit is calculated using your income and that of your dependents. Children do not need to have income to qualify you for the family benefit.

Who Qualifies for the CWB Disability Supplement?

The disability supplement is an additional amount paid to eligible workers who also qualify for the Disability Tax Credit (DTC). To receive it, you must:

• Be eligible for the base CWB

• Have a valid Disability Tax Credit certificate on file with the CRA

• Earn at least $1,150 in working income (2024 figure)

• Have net income below the disability supplement threshold (lower than the general CWB threshold)

You do not need to be receiving disability benefits such as CPP-D or provincial supports to qualify. The CWB supplement is based solely on DTC eligibility and earned income.

Common Scenarios and Clarifications

• You worked part-time and made $8,000: You likely qualify for CWB, even if you paid little or no tax

• You received CERB or EI: These are not considered "working income" for CWB purposes

• You have self-employment income: As long as it’s from active business or professional work, it qualifies

• You recently immigrated: You must have been a resident of Canada for the full calendar year to qualify

At Optimize, we assess not only whether you qualify, but whether you’ve been missing past-year entitlements. If you skipped a tax return or underreported eligibility, retroactive claims may be possible.