Applications for new benefits for Canadians unable to work due to COVID-19 now open

With many Canadians still being impacted by COVID-19 and requiring temporary income support, the Government of Canada has introduced three new benefits, delivered by the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA): the Canada Recovery Benefit (CRB), the Canada Recovery Sickness Benefit (CRSB), and the Canada Recovery Caregiving Benefit (CRCB).

On Monday, the application process for the CRSB and the CRCB opened. Applications for the CRB will be accepted as of October 12, 2020.

Canadians will be able to apply through the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) for the following benefits as of October 5:

1. A Canada Recovery Caregiving Benefit (CRCB) of $500 per week for up to 26 weeks per household for workers unable to work for at least 50% of the week because they must care for a child under the age of 12 or family member because schools, day-cares or care facilities that are closed due to COVID-19, or because the child or family member is sick and/or required to quarantine or is at high risk of serious health implications because of COVID-19.
2. A Canada Recovery Sickness Benefit (CRSB) of $500 per week for up to a maximum of two weeks, for workers who are unable to work for at least 50% of the week because they contracted COVID-19, self-isolated for reasons related to COVID-19, or have underlying conditions, are undergoing treatments or have contracted other sicknesses that, in the opinion of a medical practitioner, nurse practitioner, person in authority, government or public health authority, would make them more susceptible to COVID-19.

The government said these benefits will be paid on a weekly basis, meaning Canadians will have to reapply each week they are eligible.

Planning to apply for the #CanadaRecovery benefits? Here’s how to get ready:

✔️ sign up for My Account
✔️ make sure your personal info is up-to-date
✔️ register for direct deposit

For more: https://t.co/BfilhjyB5f pic.twitter.com/TcSIIVq559

— Canada Revenue Agency (@CanRevAgency) October 4, 2020

Effective on October 12, the CRA will open the applications for the Canada Recovery Benefit, which will provide eligible workers with $500 per week for up to 26 weeks for those who have stopped working and who are not eligible for EI, or had their employment/self-employment income reduced by at least 50% due to COVID-19. This benefit will be paid in two-week periods.

• See also:
  • Trump hospitalized after testing positive for coronavirus
  • Extended family outside of Canada will now be allowed to enter the country
  • Trudeau announces $600M more for businesses as Canada faces second coronavirus wave

To support the delivery of these new recovery benefits, the CRA will provide an attestation-based application process similar to the one used to access CERB payments. Eligible individuals will be able to apply for recovery benefits online through the CRA’s My Account portal or by phone through the CRA’s automated phone line.

“While many Canadians have been able to go back to work safely, there continues to be people who are still unable to return to the workforce due to COVID-19. Our Government will continue to do whatever it takes to ensure that Canadians are supported through the next phase of the recovery,” said Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Disability Inclusion, Carla Qualtrough.

“That is why, we are transitioning to more nimble and flexible programs that will help get Canadians back to work and ensure we are able to quickly respond to any further labour market disruptions due to the ongoing pandemic.”

For information about these benefits including eligibility requirements, how to apply, and eligibility period dates, visit the CRA’s website.