Canadians who have COVID-19 or need to isolate can get $500 a week

Oct 21 2020, 4:29 pm

Canadians who are forced to miss work because they’re self-isolating or are sick with COVID-19 are now eligible to receive $500 per week from the federal government.

The Canada Recovery Sickness Benefit (CRSB) is available to Canadians above the age of 15 who are unable to work at least half of their work week because they have coronavirus or have been advised to self-isolate due to potential exposure to the virus, according to the CRA. Anyone with an underlying health condition that puts them at greater risk of contracting coronavirus is also eligible.

Those that qualify can receive $500 ($450 after taxes) for up to two weeks until September 25, 2021. While the two weeks don’t have to be consecutive, the second week must be within 60 days of the first, says the CRA.

Unfortunately, even if you contract coronavirus at a later date or must self-isolate again, your eligibility for the Canada Recovery Sickness Benefit can not be extended.

Applicants must have a valid Social Insurance Number and have earned at least $5,000 in 2019, 2020, or in the past 12 months.

You can not apply for the Canada Recovery Sickness Benefit if you are also receiving paid leave from your job, employment insurance, or other benefits, such as the Canada Recovery Benefit or the Canada Recovery Caregiving Benefit.

The Canada Recovery Caregiving Benefit (CRCB) provides $500 per week (taxable, tax deducted at source) 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 are closed due to the pandemic, 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 coronavirus, states the Government of Canada.

According to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, “if you can’t work because you’re sick or need to self-isolate due to COVID-19, or because you have to take care of a loved one, these benefits are there for you.”

Zoe DemarcoZoe Demarco

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