CRA Confirms $1,238 Canada Workers Benefit Boost For 2025 – Eligibility And Dates Explained

The Canada Workers Benefit (CWB) is a refundable tax credit designed to support low- and modest-income workers across the country. Recently, many people have been talking about a $1,238 boost for 2025.

While this figure has circulated online, it is important to understand the real numbers, eligibility rules, and payment dates for 2025 as confirmed by the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA).

This article breaks down the details in simple English, with a focus on who qualifies, how much you can actually receive, and when payments will arrive.

What is the Canada Workers Benefit (CWB)?

The CWB is a federal benefit that reduces the financial pressure on individuals and families with low earnings. It is delivered in two parts:

1. The Basic Amount – paid to qualifying workers based on income.
2. The Disability Supplement – for those eligible for the Disability Tax Credit (DTC).

To make things easier for workers, the government also provides advance payments through the Advanced Canada Workers Benefit (ACWB).

CRA’s Confirmed Amounts for 2025

Contrary to some claims, the CRA has not officially declared a one-time $1,238 boost. Instead, the amounts are based on indexed calculations for 2025.

Here are the official CWB maximums:

• Single individuals: Up to $1,518 (basic amount).
• Families: Up to $2,616 (basic amount).
• Disability supplement: Up to $784 per eligible individual.

From July 2025 onward, the indexed amounts are set to rise slightly to reflect inflation adjustments:

• Single individuals: Up to $1,590.
• Families: Up to $2,739.
• Disability supplement: Up to $821.

Payment Schedule for 2025

The Advanced Canada Workers Benefit (ACWB) is issued in three instalments during the year, making it easier for workers to access funds without waiting until tax season.

Here are the confirmed dates for 2025:

Payment Type	Date	Notes
First ACWB instalment	January 10, 2025	Covers the first share of 2025 benefits
Second ACWB instalment	July 11, 2025	Mid-year advance payment
Third ACWB instalment	October 10, 2025	Final advance before tax filing
Tax-time settlement	Spring 2026	Balance of CWB based on 2025 income

Each advance is usually up to 50% of your estimated annual CWB. The final balance is calculated once your tax return is assessed.

Who Qualifies for the CWB in 2025?

You may qualify if:

• You earn working income and your net income is within the CRA’s thresholds.
• You are a Canadian resident throughout the year.
• You are 19 or older by December 31, 2025 (or you live with a spouse/common-law partner or an eligible dependant).

Income thresholds –

• Single individuals: CWB begins to phase out after $24,975 in net income and ends at $35,095.
• Families: CWB begins to phase out after $28,494 and ends at $45,934.

You are not eligible if:

• You were a full-time student for more than 13 weeks (without an eligible dependant).
• You were incarcerated for 90 days or more during the year.
• You are exempt from paying Canadian income tax (such as certain diplomats).

Disability Supplement Details

Workers who qualify for the Disability Tax Credit (DTC) can receive an additional $784–$821 in 2025. To claim this, you must:

• Have an approved Disability Tax Credit certificate (T2201).
• Meet the same income and eligibility requirements as other CWB recipients.

Why Do Some People Mention a $1,238 Boost?

The figure of $1,238 that’s being shared widely online is not an official CRA figure. In many cases, it is a misinterpretation of benefit calculations or a combination of partial amounts.

The CRA’s actual posted amounts are $1,518 (single) and $2,616 (families), plus the disability supplement. The indexed increases beginning July 2025 will be $1,590 and $2,739.

Example Scenarios

Example 1- Single Worker

• Net income: $24,500
• Eligible for basic CWB, close to maximum $1,518.
• Half (around $759) paid in advance instalments, rest at tax time.

Example 2- Family of Two

• Family net income: $29,000
• Eligible for nearly the $2,616 maximum.
• Half advanced in instalments, balance after filing taxes.

Example 3- Disabled Worker

• Single worker, approved for Disability Tax Credit.
• Receives $1,518 basic amount + $784 disability supplement = $2,302 total (phased out gradually as income rises).

The Canada Workers Benefit (CWB) remains one of Canada’s most important tools to support low-income workers.

While the number $1,238 has been widely circulated, it is not an official boost. Instead, the real 2025 amounts are $1,518 for singles and $2,616 for families, with a $784 disability supplement—and slightly higher indexed values from July 2025 onward.

By filing taxes on time, workers can automatically receive the Advanced CWB on January 10, July 11, and October 10, 2025, ensuring steady financial support throughout the year.

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