Canadian Worker Benefit (CWB) A Simple Guide: Who Qualifies, How Much You Get, and How It’s Paid

1. What is the Canadian Worker Benefit (CWB)?

The CWB is extra money from the government for people who:

• Work

• Earn a low income

• Live in Canada

It is meant to help with living costs and encourage people to work.

2. Who Can Get the CWB?

You may qualify if you:

• Are 19 years or older

• Work and earn income

• Earn under a certain amount

• Are a resident of Canada

• Are not a full-time student (unless you have a child)

  
  

3. How Much Money Can You Get?

It depends on:

• How much you earn

• If you are single or have a family

• Where you live

Rough yearly maximum (approximate):

• Single person: up to about $1,600

• Family: up to about $2,700

(These amounts slowly go down as income goes up.)

4. How Do You Get the Money?

There are two ways:

When You File Your Tax Return

• CRA calculates it automatically

• It comes as part of your tax refund

  
  

Advance Payments (Paid During the Year)

• You can get half of it early

• Paid every 3 months

• Helps with monthly bills

Can you get maternity benefits if self employed?

You can get maternity benefits if:

• You are self-employed

• You registered for EI special benefits

• You paid into EI

• You made enough income before your leave

Do you have to contribute to EI to be eligible 

• you MUST pay (contribute) to EI if you are self-employed to be eligible.