The Canada Workers Benefit becomes the Build Canada Workers Benefit
A larger refundable benefit for lower-income workers, paid with the tax return instead of in advance.
Quick answer: From 2027 Budget 2026 proposes renaming the Canada Workers Benefit the Build Canada Workers Benefit and raising the maximum from $1,709 to $1,859 for singles and from $2,943 to $3,143 for families. The benefit starts after $500 of working income instead of $3,000. Advance payments fall from 50% to 25% in 2027 and end in 2028.
| Now | 2027 (proposed) | |
|---|---|---|
| Maximum, single | $1,709 | $1,859 |
| Maximum, family | $2,943 | $3,143 |
| Starts after working income of | $3,000 | $500 |
| Paid in advance | 50% | 25% in 2027, none from 2028 |
Example
A student earning $2,000 from a summer job gets nothing today, because the benefit starts at $3,000 of working income. From 2027 the benefit would start after $500, so part of that $2,000 would count.
Whether this applies to you depends on your year-end and structure; ask about your own situation and a CPA replies by email, usually the same business day, free.
Common questions
What is the Build Canada Workers Benefit?+
Will advance payments continue?+
Where this comes from
Budget 2026 was tabled on 5 November 2026. Figures on this page are from:
- BLG — Federal Budget 2026: tax measures
- Thor — 2026 Federal Budget: key tax measures
- Department of Finance Canada — Budget 2026: Key Measures
General information, not tax advice. Budget measures are proposals until enacted and can change. Before deciding anything, send an enquiry.