If you've noticed a deposit labelled "Canada FHB/ALF" on your bank statement, you're not alone. Many Canadians see unfamiliar codes from the CRA and have no idea where the money came from. The short answer: it's a government payment from the Canada Revenue Agency, most likely related to the Canada Workers Benefit or other federal payments.
Key Takeaways
- Canada FHB/ALF is a federal government deposit code that appears on your bank statement when the CRA sends you payments
- It's most commonly linked to the Canada Workers Benefit, a refundable tax credit that supports low-income Canadian workers with direct payments
- Payments are issued automatically — you don't need to apply separately, but you do need to file your return
- CWB payments are a refundable tax credit — they don't count as taxable earnings and won't increase the amount you owe at tax time
What Is the Canada FHB/ALF Payment?
When the federal government deposits payments into your account, your bank assigns a code to the transaction. "Canada FHB/ALF" is one of several codes — alongside "Canada Fed," "Canada FPT," and "Canada PRO" — that identify payments from the Canada Revenue Agency. The exact code you see depends on your bank and the program the payment is linked to.
The most common source of a Canada FHB/ALF deposit is the Canada Workers Benefit — a refundable tax credit designed to put money back into the pockets of low-income Canadian workers and their families.
Other payments that may show up under this or similar codes include the Canada Child Benefit, the GST/HST credit, and provincial workers benefits like the Ontario Trillium Benefit. The exact program depends on which payments you're eligible for.
CWB payments are a refundable tax credit, not taxable earnings. They are yours to keep and spend however you need — whether that's covering bills, buying groceries, or building savings.
Which Payments Show Up as Canada FHB/ALF?
The most common payments that appear under this code include:
Canada Workers Benefit — A refundable tax credit paid by the Government of Canada to support low-income Canadian workers. Payments are made in advance throughout the year, with the remaining balance paid when you file your tax return.
Canada Child Benefit — Monthly payments for families raising children under 18.
GST/HST Credit — Quarterly payments to help offset sales taxes for Canadians with low and modest earnings.
Provincial and territorial payments — Some provinces bundle additional payments into the same deposit. For example, Ontario residents may receive the Ontario Trillium Benefit through the same payments.
If you're not sure which specific programs make up your payments, log into your CRA My Account online. You'll find a breakdown of every payment you're receiving and the exact amounts.
How Do Canada Workers Benefit Payments Work?
The Canada Workers Benefit is the program most commonly associated with the Canada FHB/ALF deposit code. Here's how payments work.
When you file your tax return, the CRA checks whether you qualify for payments. If your working earnings are above a minimum threshold (generally around $3,000) and your total earnings stay below the phase-out limits, the CRA calculates your payments automatically. There's no separate application — filing your return is all you need to do. Most tax software will handle this for you.
The Canada Workers Benefit has two parts. The basic amount determines your core payments. The disability supplement provides extra payments for anyone who qualifies for the Disability Tax Credit.
Payments are delivered in advance — you don't have to wait until the following year. The CRA sends up to 50% of your estimated annual payments in three instalments. For 2026, those payment dates are:
- January 12, 2026
- July 10, 2026
- October 9, 2026
The remaining balance is included when your return is assessed. If a payment date falls on a weekend or holiday, the CRA issues payments on the last business day before that date.
For the 2025 tax year, maximum payments are approximately:
- Single workers: Up to $1,633 (basic) + $843 (disability supplement)
- Families: Up to $2,813 (basic) + $843 (disability supplement)
Payments are gradually reduced as your earnings rise. For single workers, the basic payments begin phasing out once adjusted earnings exceed roughly $26,855, and payments stop entirely above approximately $37,742. For families, the phase-out begins at roughly $30,639 and ends around $49,393. The CRA adjusts these thresholds annually for inflation.
What If You Didn't Expect This Payment?
If you received a Canada FHB/ALF deposit and weren't expecting it, don't panic. This usually means you're eligible for one or more federal payments based on your most recent filing.
Here's what to do:
- Check your CRA My Account to see which payments you've been assessed for
- Review the payment amounts to make sure they match what was deposited
- Keep the money — CWB payments are a refundable tax credit and won't increase the amount you owe
If the amount seems wrong, contact the CRA. Overpayments may need to be returned, but this is rare for workers benefits payments like the Canada Workers Benefit.
How to Make Sure You Keep Getting Payments
The single most important thing you can do to keep receiving these payments is to file your return every year — even if you earned very little or owe nothing. The CRA uses your filing to calculate payments automatically. If you don't file, your payments will stop.
You should also keep your personal information current with the CRA, including your address, marital status, and banking details for direct deposit. Changes in your life — like getting married, having a child, or changing jobs — can affect your payments.
FAQs
Is the Canada FHB/ALF payment the same as Canada Fed or Canada FPT?
They're all payments from the federal government, but the code on your bank statement depends on your financial institution and which program the payment is linked to. "Canada Fed" and "Canada FPT" are other common codes for CRA deposits. Regardless of the code, you can confirm exactly which payments you're receiving by logging into your CRA My Account.
Do I need to apply for Canada FHB/ALF payments?
No. There's no separate application. The CRA calculates your payments automatically when you file your tax return. If you're eligible for the Canada Workers Benefit or other federal payments, the CRA will send them to your account without any extra steps. Just make sure you file every year — even if you earned very little — and keep your direct deposit details up to date.
What to Do When Payments Don't Cover Everything
Government payments like the Canada Workers Benefit help, but they don't always arrive when you need them most. If you're between payments and facing an unexpected bill, Bree can help. Bree offers cash advances up to $750 with 0% interest, no credit check, and no late fees. You can get your money in minutes with Express delivery and repay on your next payday — up to 90 days.
Whether you're waiting for your next Canada FHB/ALF payment or just need to bridge the gap between paycheques, Bree is here to help.
References:
- https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/services/tax/individuals/topics/about-your-tax-return/tax-return/completing-a-tax-return/deductions-credits-expenses/line-45300-canada-workers-benefit-cwb/how-much-you-can-get.html
- https://www.canada.ca/en/services/benefits/calendar.html
- https://www.canada.ca/en/department-finance/news/2023/07/low-income-workers-to-receive-first-enhanced-canada-workers-benefit-payments.html
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