CERB has closed: What’s available now for Canadians whose employment is affected by COVID-19?

Following the Sept. 27 wrap-up of the Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB), Parliament passed the federal government’s new streams of temporary COVID-19 recovery benefits (part of Employment Insurance but administered by CRA).

There are three streams — one for those ineligible for EI but in need of financial support (including those with reduced incomes who are still employed); one benefit for those who are ill or self-isolating and need time off work; and the third stream for those caring for a loved one who needs supervised care.

• CRB (Canada Recovery Benefit) is for individuals whose employment is directly affected by COVID-19 and are self-employed or not eligible for EI (details about application process will be available on October 12). If you are eligible for the CRB, you can receive $1,000 ($900 after taxes withheld) for a 2-week period. If your situation continues past 2 weeks, you will need to apply again. You may apply for up to a total of 13 eligibility periods (26 weeks) between Sept. 27, 2020 and Sept. 25, 2021.
• CRCB (Canada Recovery Caregiving Benefit): This benefit gives income support to employed and self-employed individuals who are unable to work because they must care for their child under 12 years old or a family member who needs supervised care. This applies if their school, regular program, or facility is closed or unavailable to them due to COVID-19, or because they’re sick, self-isolating, or at risk of serious health complications due to COVID-19. If you’re eligible for the CRCB, your household can receive $500 ($450 after taxes withheld) for each 1-week period. If your situation continues past one week, you will need to apply again. You may apply for up to a total of 26 weeks between Sept. 27, 2020 and Sept. 25, 2021.
• CRSB (Canada Recovery Sickness Benefit):The benefit gives income support to employed and self-employed individuals who are unable to work because they’re sick or need to self-isolate due to COVID-19, or have an underlying health condition that puts them at greater risk of getting COVID-19. If you’re eligible for the CRSB, you can receive $500 ($450 after taxes withheld) for a 1-week period. If your situation continues past one week, you will need to apply again. You may apply up to a total of 2 weeks between Sept. 27, 2020 and Sept. 25, 2021.