Canadians who qualify for the Advanced Canada Workers Benefit (ACWB) will receive their next payment on October 10, 2025. This payment will help low- and moderate-income workers manage rising costs as the year ends. After the Canada Workers Benefit (CWB) increase in July 2025, many working Canadians can now expect higher Advanced Canada Workers Benefit payments before the holiday season.
The ACWB remains one of the most impactful federal programs that reward hard work and reduce financial pressure on working families. According to the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA), payments are sent automatically to eligible individuals who filed their income tax returns and claimed the Canada Workers Benefit.
Understanding the Advanced Canada Workers Benefit (ACWB)
The Advanced Canada Workers Benefit allows eligible workers to receive up to 50% of their annual CWB entitlement in advance. Instead of waiting for tax season, beneficiaries receive the payments in three equal parts during the year.
The initiative targets Canadians who work full-time or part-time but earn low wages. The goal is simple: provide income relief faster and more consistently.
If you qualify, you will automatically get these payments. Keep in mind that no separate application is required. The Canada Workers Benefit is then adjusted when your tax return is filed, and any remaining balance is paid during tax season.
2025–2026 ACWB Payment Dates
Here are the scheduled Advanced Canada Workers Benefit payment dates for the next cycle:
| Payment Period | Payment Date | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Final 2025 Advance | October 10, 2025 | Last payment for 2025 |
| First 2026 Advance | January 12, 2026 | Starts 2026 cycle |
| Mid-Year 2026 Advance | July 12, 2026 | Second installment |
| Final 2026 Advance | October 12, 2026 | Last 2026 payment |
If the scheduled date falls on a weekend or federal holiday, the payment is issued on the last business day before.
How Much ACWB Payment You Can Expect in October 2025
The Advanced Canada Workers Benefit Payment amount depends on your income, family size, and province. After the July 2025 increase, eligible recipients may notice higher payments.
Because the ACWB pays out 50% of your total annual benefit in three parts, each payment represents roughly 16–17% of your total CWB amount for the year.
Here’s what most Canadians can expect to receive in October:
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Single individuals: about $250–$300
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Families: about $400–$500
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Disability supplement recipients: an additional $120–$150
Exact amounts may vary depending on your net income and province.
Updated Canada Workers Benefit Amounts for 2025
In 2025, the Canada Workers Benefit was expanded to reflect inflation and higher living costs. The new limits make more workers eligible for increased support.
Basic CWB (2024 benefit year):
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Single individuals: up to $1,590
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Reduced when income exceeds $26,149
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Ends completely above $36,749
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Families: up to $2,739
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Reduced when family income exceeds $29,833
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Ends completely above $48,093
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Disability Supplement:
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Up to $821 for eligible individuals
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Reduction starts at $36,748 and ends at $42,222 for singles
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Ends completely above $59,038 if both spouses qualify
(Note: Quebec, Nunavut, and Alberta have different benefit amounts.)
Who Qualifies for the Advanced Canada Workers Benefit (ACWB)
You may qualify for the ACWB if you meet these conditions:
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Earn income from employment or self-employment.
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Were a Canadian resident for the entire year.
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Were at least 19 years old on December 31 (or lived with a spouse, partner, or child).
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Had a net income below your province or territory’s threshold.
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Were not enrolled as a full-time student for more than 13 weeks (unless with an eligible dependent).
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Were not confined to a prison for 90 consecutive days or more.
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Did not have tax-exempt income (for example, diplomats or foreign government employees).
The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) automatically calculates eligibility once you file your tax return.
Income Levels That Disqualify You from the ACWB
Below is a summary of income limits for Advanced Canada Workers Benefit eligibility:
| Household Type | Canada (excl. AB, QC, NU) | Quebec | Nunavut | Alberta |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Family with children | $48,093 | $39,969 | $65,595 | $48,918 |
| Family without children | $48,093 | $50,150 | $65,595 | $48,918 |
| Single with children | $48,093 | $23,916 | $65,595 | $48,918 |
| Single without children | $36,749 | $32,357 | $65,577 | $36,832 |
If your adjusted net income is below these limits, you likely qualify for the Advanced Canada Workers Benefit payment on October 10.
How the Disability Supplement Works
The Disability Supplement under the Advanced Canada Workers Benefit (ACWB) provides additional financial support to working Canadians with disabilities. It recognizes that individuals living with disabilities often face higher daily expenses and helps reduce some of that financial pressure.
If you qualify for the Disability Tax Credit (DTC), you may also be eligible for the Canada Workers Benefit (CWB) Disability Supplement. This supplement is added to your regular ACWB payments and is distributed automatically by the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) if you meet the requirements.
Eligibility Requirements for the Disability Supplement
To receive this extra payment, you must meet all of the following conditions:
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Be eligible for the Disability Tax Credit (DTC):
You must qualify for the DTC, a non-refundable credit that reduces the amount of income tax you may owe. It is designed for individuals who have a severe and prolonged impairment in physical or mental functions that affects daily living. -
Have an approved Form T2201 – Disability Tax Credit Certificate:
To apply for the DTC, your medical practitioner must complete Form T2201, which verifies your eligibility based on your medical condition. Once approved by the CRA, this certificate remains valid for several years, depending on your medical status. -
Meet the income requirements for your province or territory:
Your income must fall below your region’s maximum threshold for the Canada Workers Benefit. The CRA uses your net income and family situation to determine how much of the disability supplement you qualify for. -
Be eligible for the Canada Workers Benefit (CWB):
You must already qualify for the basic CWB or ACWB. This ensures the supplement goes only to individuals who are active in the workforce but earning a modest income.
How Much You Can Receive
The CWB Disability Supplement adds up to $821 per year to your total benefit. For those receiving Advanced Canada Workers Benefit payments, a portion of this amount is automatically included in your quarterly installments. That means part of your disability supplement is paid in advance, alongside your regular ACWB benefit, so you don’t have to wait until tax season to access it.
Here’s how it typically works:
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The CRA calculates your total annual entitlement, including the disability supplement.
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Up to 50% of that amount is paid through ACWB installments (in January, July, and October).
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The remaining balance is issued when your tax return is processed.
Your exact supplement amount depends on your income, province, and whether you are single or part of a family. The benefit gradually decreases once your income exceeds a certain limit and stops entirely when you reach the maximum threshold.
Example of a Typical Payment Scenario
Let’s consider a worker who earns $30,000 annually and qualifies for the Disability Tax Credit. Based on the CRA’s income thresholds:
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Their basic Canada Workers Benefit may amount to approximately $1,500.
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The disability supplement could add another $821.
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The total benefit for the year would be $2,321, with half paid in advance through ACWB installments.
This means they could receive about $380–$400 every few months as part of their Advanced Canada Workers Benefit payments, helping them better manage living expenses throughout the year.
Why the Disability Supplement Matters
The CWB Disability Supplement plays a crucial role in promoting economic inclusion. It not only supports workers with disabilities but also encourages continued participation in the labor force.
Many individuals with disabilities face barriers to stable employment, including accessibility challenges, limited job opportunities, and higher work-related costs. The Advanced Canada Workers Benefit Disability Supplement provides extra income stability, helping them stay employed and financially independent.
Moreover, the supplement is non-taxable, meaning recipients do not have to pay additional income tax on the amount received. It is designed to increase disposable income and improve overall quality of life for working Canadians with disabilities.
How to Apply
You don’t need to file a separate application for the CWB Disability Supplement once your Disability Tax Credit Certificate (Form T2201) is approved. The CRA will automatically assess your eligibility when you file your income tax return and include the supplement in your ACWB calculations.
If you believe you may qualify but haven’t yet applied for the DTC, you can download Form T2201 from the CRA’s Disability Tax Credit page. After your medical practitioner completes it, submit the form online through your CRA account or by mail.
Once approved, your ACWB payments will automatically reflect the additional disability amount in future installments.
Staying Eligible
To continue receiving the CWB Disability Supplement, ensure that:
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Your DTC approval remains valid for the benefit year.
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You continue to meet the income and employment criteria.
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You file your tax return on time each year.
Failure to renew your Disability Tax Credit Certificate or update your CRA records can lead to delayed or missed payments. Always check your CRA My Account for updates and renewal reminders.
What to Do If You Don’t Receive Your ACWB Payment
If your Advanced Canada Workers Benefit payment scheduled for October 10, 2025 does not arrive, don’t panic. Delays can happen for several reasons, including tax processing issues, outdated banking information, or changes in eligibility. The good news is that most cases can be resolved quickly by taking a few practical steps.
Here’s what to do if your Advanced Canada Workers Benefit payment is late:
Check your eligibility on CRA My Account
Log in to your CRA My Account to confirm your current benefit status. Your account displays upcoming payment dates, eligibility notices, and any recent reassessments. Sometimes, the CRA temporarily withholds payments if your tax return is still being reviewed or if your income information needs verification.
Confirm your direct deposit details
Direct deposit is the primary method for receiving ACWB payments. Ensure your bank account information is current and correctly listed under your CRA account profile. Outdated or closed accounts are among the most common reasons for missed or returned payments. If you changed banks recently, update your information immediately to avoid further delays.
Review your tax filing:
The Advanced Canada Workers Benefit is based on your previous year’s income tax return. Check that your 2024 return was filed correctly and included Schedule 6 – Canada Workers Benefit. Missing or incomplete forms can automatically disqualify your payment until the issue is fixed. You can view your tax return status directly in your CRA account or call the CRA for confirmation.
Wait ten business days before calling:
Payments can take a few days to process, especially during national holidays or high-volume periods. The CRA recommends waiting ten business days from the payment date before contacting them. This allows enough time for deposits to clear through banking systems.
Contact the CRA if payment delays persist:
If ten business days have passed and the payment still hasn’t arrived, contact the Canada Revenue Agency at 1-800-959-8281. Have your Social Insurance Number (SIN) and recent tax return details ready. A representative can check your payment status, confirm whether it was issued, and advise on next steps.
Check for recent CRA notices or mail:
Occasionally, the CRA will send a notice explaining why a payment was adjusted or withheld. These notices are available through your CRA My Account or by mail. Reading them can clarify if your ACWB payment was delayed due to income changes, eligibility updates, or verification requirements.
Verify your CRA profile details:
Ensure that your mailing address, marital status, and dependent information are correct. Incorrect personal data can trigger administrative holds or errors in payment calculation. Keeping your profile current helps prevent future interruptions in Advanced Canada Workers Benefit payments.
Reconfirm your eligibility next quarter:
If you were disqualified for this payment due to updated income or missing documentation, you might still qualify for the next cycle. Once your tax information is corrected, the CRA automatically reassesses your eligibility for the next scheduled ACWB installment in January 2026.
Keeping your CRA account and tax records updated is the best way to avoid missed or delayed Advanced Canada Workers Benefit payments. Taking these steps ensures your benefit continues without disruption and that you receive the financial support you’ve earned through your work.
Maximizing Your Advanced Canada Workers Benefit
To make the most of your ACWB payments, every step you take matters. A small mistake such as a late tax filing or outdated banking information, can delay your benefit. Here’s how to ensure you receive your full entitlement and on time:
File your taxes early:
The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) calculates your ACWB eligibility based on your most recent tax return. Filing early ensures your information is processed before payment schedules are finalized.
Sign up for direct deposit:
Direct deposit is the fastest and most secure way to receive your Advanced Canada Workers Benefit payment. It eliminates mailing delays and prevents lost or stolen checks. You can set up or update your direct deposit details through your CRA My Account or by contacting your financial institution.
Use the CRA’s benefit calculator:
The CRA’s online child and family benefits calculator helps estimate your total Canada Workers Benefit (CWB) and Advanced Canada Workers Benefit (ACWB) entitlement. By entering your income, family status, and province of residence, you can see what to expect in upcoming installments and plan your finances accordingly.
Report all income accurately:
Accuracy is key to receiving the correct payment. Misreporting even small amounts of income may reduce your eligibility or trigger reassessments later. Always include all sources of employment or self-employment income on your tax return. benefits.
Keep your personal information current:
If you move, change jobs, or switch banks, update your CRA records immediately. Outdated information can cause missed payments or incorrect benefit calculations. You can make updates online through your CRA My Account or by calling the CRA directly at 1-800-959-8281.
Monitor your CRA account regularly:
Your CRA My Account displays detailed payment histories, eligibility updates, and notices about upcoming Advanced Canada Workers Benefit deposits. Checking your account before each payment period helps you confirm your status and spot any issues early.
Review your benefit notice carefully:
Each time the CRA issues an ACWB installment, it sends a benefit notice outlining how your payment was calculated. Review this document closely as it helps you understand how income, dependents, and provincial factors affect your amount.
Outlook for 2026
The 2026 Advanced Canada Workers Benefit cycle begins in January, with payment dates already confirmed for January 12, July 12, and October 12. The federal government continues to adjust benefit thresholds to match inflation and changing income levels.
Policy analysts expect that the Advanced Canada Workers Benefit will continue to expand as part of Ottawa’s commitment to support working-class Canadians.
Supporting Canada’s Workforce
The ACWB reflects a growing trend in Canadian fiscal policy: providing ongoing support to people who work but earn modest wages. The benefit structure ensures that working is always more rewarding than relying solely on income assistance.
As the cost of living continues to rise, programs like the Advanced Canada Workers Benefit make a direct difference in affordability for thousands of households.
If you’re a low-income worker, check your eligibility and ensure your CRA information is correct before October 10. Missing this payment could mean losing vital financial support for the final quarter of the year.
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