COVID Support Programs

The Federal Government of Canada has now ended the Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB). The last period for CERB ended on September 26. However, if you were eligible, you may still apply for CERB retroactively. Going forward the government has replaced CERB with three different programs, which are described below. They are each designed to cover a different challenge that may arise from COVID-19. 

 

All three of these programs pay $500 a week. They do take taxes off these payments, therefore what you will actually receive is $450 per week. 

 

All 3 share similar eligibility criteria, which include:

  • Earning at least $5,000 in eligible income in 2019/2020, or the 12 months preceding when you apply
  • Are at least 15
  • Not receiving any other benefits or pay
  • Reside in Canada
  • Have a valid SIN

 

Canada Recovery Benefit (CRB) 

 

This benefit is for people who are not employed, either as an employee or self-employer, or have had their income reduced by 50%, due to COVID-19. 

 

The CRB is paid in two week periods, and you need to apply for it every two weeks if your situation remains unchanged. You may apply up to 13 times (total of 26 weeks) between September 27 2020 and September 25 2021.

 

In addition to the above eligibility criteria, for CRB you also have to: 

 

  • Be looking for work
  • Not turn down any reasonable work
  • Not eligible for EI 

 

You can check out all the eligibility for CRB here 

 

Canada Recovery Sickness Benefit (CRSB) 

 

CRSB is payable to people who are unable to work for at least 50% of the week due to having COVID, needing to isolate for COVID related reasons, or have medical reasons (verified by a medical practitioner) that make them more susceptible to COVID. 

 

It is paid weekly, and you must reapply every week if your situation remains the same. However, this benefit is only payable for a total of 2 weeks between September 27 2020 and September 25 2021.

 

You can find the eligibility criteria here, it includes all the items listed above. 

 

Canada Recovery Caregiving Benefit (CRCB)

 

This benefit is payable to people who have to stay home at least 50% of the week because they have to care for a child under 12 or family member who is sick, needs to quarantine, or daycare/school needs to be closed, due to COVID-19. 

 

CRCB is paid weekly, and you must reapply every week that your situation remains unchanged. You can apply for the benefit for up to 26 weeks between September 27 2020 and September 25 2021. 

 

You can find the eligibility criteria here, it includes all the items listed above, and you also need to be the only person in the household receiving this benefit. 

 

You can find more information on all benefits here