The New Year is here, bringing with it a range of federal benefits that Quebecers can get in 2025, including advanced payments from the Canada Workers Benefit.
This refundable tax credit is designed to support lower-income workers across the country, helping them manage the ever-increasing cost of living.
For those who qualify, this government payment could add a little extra financial relief this winter, joining the lineup of benefit payments you could receive in January for help covering everyday expenses. Since payments are sent out automatically, it's one less thing to worry about as you sort out your budget for the season.
A fresh round of advanced CWB payments goes out this week, and the amounts for Quebec are different from elsewhere in Canada, so you'll want to double-check how much you're eligible for here in La Belle province.
Here's a breakdown of the Advanced Canada Workers Benefit payment for January 2025, including how it works and how much you could receive in Quebec.
What is the Canada Workers Benefit?
The Canada Workers Benefit (CWB) is a refundable tax credit aimed at supporting low-income workers across Canada. It's designed to provide a financial boost for individuals and families, offering a base payment and an additional supplement for those living with an eligible disability.
What is the Advanced Canada Workers Benefit?
The Advanced Canada Workers Benefit (ACWB) allows eligible Canadians to get a portion of their CWB allotment before tax season.
Rather than waiting until you file your tax return, you can receive up to 50% of your total benefit in three instalments throughout the year. These advanced payments are designed to help cover everyday costs, and the best part? You don't need to apply — if you qualify, the money is automatically sent your way.
Who is eligible for the Canada Workers Benefit?
To qualify for the Canada Workers Benefit, there are a few key requirements you'll need to meet. You must have earned a working income, and your net income must fall below your province or territory's threshold, which varies from about $22,800 to $51,800 in Quebec, depending on your family situation. Additionally, you need to have been a resident of Canada throughout the year and either be 19 or older by December 31 or live with a spouse, common-law partner or child.
You won't qualify if you were a full-time student for more than 13 weeks of the year (unless you had an eligible dependant on December 31), if you were incarcerated for at least 90 days during the year or if your role as a diplomat or similar position exempts you from paying Canadian taxes.
How to apply for the Canada Workers Benefit
Applying for the Canada Workers Benefit is super easy — all you need to do is claim it when you file your taxes. If you're filing electronically, your tax software will walk you through the steps to add the CWB. If you're going old school with a paper return, just complete and include Schedule 6, which is the form for the Canada Workers Benefit.
For those eligible for the disability supplement, the process is similar. However, if you have a spouse or common-law partner who also qualifies, only one of you can claim the basic amount, though you should each claim the disability supplement on your individual tax returns if you're both eligible.
There's no need to apply separately for the advance payments under the ACWB program. These will be issued automatically as long as you're eligible and file your tax return before November 1 of the benefit period.
How much is the Canada Workers Benefit?
The amount you can get from the Canada Workers Benefit depends on your income and where you live in Canada.
In Quebec, the maximum basic annual CWB amount is $3,521.87 for singles without children, $5,494.27 for couples without children, $1,888.40 for single parents and $3,522.38 for couples with children.
There's also a disability supplement available, which can add a maximum of $787.70.
Since the Advanced CWB payments are roughly one-sixth of your annual entitlement, the January 2025 payment could be up to:
- $586.98 for singles without children
- $915.71 for couples without children
- $314.73 for single parents
- $587.06 for couples with children
- An additional $131.28 if you qualify for the disability supplement
To get a more exact idea of how much you can get, the CRA's benefit calculator can give you an estimate based on your situation.
Is the Canada Workers Benefit taxable?
Nope, the Canada Workers Benefit isn't taxable! Since it's a refundable tax credit, its purpose is to lower the amount of tax you owe, or provide you with a refund if you don't owe any taxes at all.
When are the Canada Workers Benefit payment dates?
The next Advanced Canada Workers Benefit payment date is this Friday, January 10.
This is the final payment that's based on the 2023 tax year, with the following payment being the 50% you'll get after filing your 2024 tax return. After that, the next advanced payments will arrive on:
- July 11, 2025
- October 10, 2025
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