Inflation is on the rise, and our wages are slow to increase. For those of you at Entry Levels 1 and 2 and Echelons 1 and 2, i.e. $35.16/hr or less, you could qualify for the Canada Workers’ Benefit plan!
In recent weeks, the federal government has issued the first automatic advance payments of the new, improved Canada Workers’ Benefit. This refundable tax credit is designed to help low-income working individuals and families.
The CWA has two components: a basic amount and a disability supplement.
You can apply for the ACT when you file your income tax return.
Starting in July 2023 and based on the 2022 tax year, the ACT will provide advance payments equal to 50% of the ACT over 3 payments as part of the Canada Allowance for Advanced Workers (CAWB).This initiative puts more money in workers’ pockets to help them cope with the rising cost of living.
Anyone who received the ACWB in 2022 will receive the advance payments; there’s no need to apply.
Below is a quote from the government announcement:
“The Canada Workers Benefit tops-up the income of up to 4.2 million hardworking Canadians—because no one working full-time should be struggling to put food on the table or to pay their rent. With the first quarterly Canada Workers Benefit payments going out tomorrow, we’re delivering important support to some of our lowest-paid and often most essential workers at a time when they need it most
The full press release can be viewed here : Low-income workers to receive first enhanced Canada Workers’ Allowance payments – Canada.ca
For our members on entry levels 1 and 2 and echelons 1 and 2 of the pay scale , you could be eligible for the low-income supplement based on a guaranteed minimum of 75 hours in RSV or an average of your hours of 75h or less regular block .
Refer to the Government of Canada website to consult the table of eligible earnings.
Remuneration levels
Entry 1 $29.53 x 75h = $26,577 gross, before deductions
Entry 2 $30.74 x 75h = $27,666 gross, before deductions
Step 1 $32.04 x 75h = $28,836 gross, before deductions
Step 2 $35.16 x 75h = $31,644 gross, before deductions
Amount you could receive. This information is general; each case must be analyzed individually.
1,428 for a single person:
The amount gradually decreases once adjusted net income exceeds $23,495. You are not entitled to the basic amount if your adjusted net income exceeds $33,015 for a single person in Ontario, or $29,072 in Quebec.
2,461 for a family:
The amount gradually decreases once adjusted family net income exceeds $26,805. Your family is not entitled to the basic amount if your adjusted family net income exceeds $43,212 in Ontario, $35,912 in Québec.
The amount gradually decreases once adjusted family net income exceeds $26,805. Your family is not entitled to the basic amount if your adjusted family net income exceeds $43,212 in Ontario, $35,912 in Quebec.
Source: Government of Canada
Please note that the income threshold is based on net income.
Net income level at which the beneficiary is not eligible for the Canada Workers’ Allowance
Taxation year 2022 – Canada Workers’ Allowance