How to use the Canada Workers Benefit calculator
- 1 Enter your working income: employment and self-employment earnings.
- 2 Enter your adjusted family net income.
- 3 Choose single or family.
- 4 Say whether you qualify for the disability tax credit, then read your CWB.
Worked example
A single worker earning $18,000 with no other income. 27% of the $15,000 above $3,000 is $4,050, more than the maximum, so the benefit is the full $1,665. Income is below $27,392, so there is no reduction. At $30,000, the benefit is reduced by 15% of $2,608 to $1,273.80.
Claiming the CWB
- Claim it on Schedule 6 of your tax return.
- Apply for advance payments to get half during the year.
- Count tips and side jobs as working income.
- Contribute to an RRSP to lower net income near the phase-out.
Add the GST Credit Calculator, check the Canada Disability Benefit Calculator, and work out pay with the Hourly to Salary Calculator.
Features
2026 amounts
Federal maximums and phase-out thresholds for the 2026 tax year.
Disability supplement
Adds up to $860 for workers with the disability tax credit.
Advance payments
Shows the advance paid in July, October and January.
When to use it
Low-income workers
See what you will get back at tax time. Add the GST Credit Calculator.
Part-time work
See how more hours change the benefit. Work out pay with the Hourly to Salary Calculator.
Families
Combine with the CCB Calculator.
People with disabilities
Check the Canada Disability Benefit Calculator as well.
Related Benefits and Retirement tasks
Frequently asked questions
What is the Canada Workers Benefit?
A refundable tax credit for people and families with low working income. You get it even if you owe no tax, and up to half can be paid in advance.
How much is the CWB for 2026?
Up to $1,665 for single individuals and $2,869 for families, plus up to $860 if you qualify for the disability tax credit. These are the 2026 tax year amounts, indexed 2% from 2025.
How is it calculated?
It builds up at 27% of working income above $3,000 until it reaches the maximum, then is reduced by 15% of adjusted family net income above $27,392 for singles or $31,251 for families.
When does the CWB stop?
For a single person with no disability supplement, at about $38,500 of income. For families, at about $50,400.
What counts as working income?
Employment income, including tips, and net self-employment income. Pensions, EI and investment income count toward net income but not working income.
What are advance payments?
The Advanced Canada Workers Benefit pays up to half of your expected CWB in three payments in July, October and January, based on last year's return. The rest comes when you file.
Do I need to apply?
You claim it on Schedule 6 of your tax return. The CRA can also apply it for you if you seem eligible.
Is it different in Quebec, Alberta or Nunavut?
Yes. These provinces and territory have their own versions with different amounts, so this calculator uses the federal amounts that apply elsewhere.
Can students get it?
Not if you were a full-time student for more than 13 weeks in the year, unless you have an eligible dependant.
Does the CWB affect my other benefits?
No. The CWB is a refundable tax credit and does not count as income for the GST credit, the Canada Child Benefit or provincial benefits.
Results are estimates based on the official rates linked above. Confirm important figures with the issuing authority or a qualified adviser before you act on them.
Built and reviewed by Hamza Farooq, founder and lead developer
· Last updated
· How we check our tools
· Report a problem