Canada's COVID-19 Benefits Are Still Available & Some Can Be Claimed For Up To 38 Weeks
As the third wave of the pandemic continues, Canada’s COVID-19 benefits are still available to those who need them.
In a tweet on Monday, April 19, Employment and Social Development Canada reminded everybody that some benefits have recently been extended so that Canadians can get paid for even longer.
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That includes the Canada Recovery Benefit (CRB), the Canada Recovery Caregiving Benefit (CRCB) and the Canada Recovery Sickness Benefit (CRSB).
Additionally, anybody claiming EI regular benefits will be able to access the support for even longer, too.
If you think you could be eligible for one of these supports, or want to know more about how long you can claim them for, here’s what you need to know:
Canada Recovery Benefit
The CRB offers income support to employed and self-employed Canadians whose work has been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Eligible claimants can get $1,000 ($900 after taxes withheld) for any two-week period between September 27, 2020 and September 25, 2021.
Previously, the benefit was available for a maximum of 26 weeks, although this has now been extended to a maximum of 38 weeks.
Canada Recovery Caregiving Benefit
The CRCB is there to help employed and self-employed individuals who can’t work because they’re caring for a family member or child during the pandemic.
Applicants must be unable to work at least 50% of their scheduled work week and cannot be claiming any other COVID-19 support benefits.
Eligible households can get $500 per week via the CRCB ($450 after taxes withheld).
Households can now claim for a total of 38 weeks between September 27, 2020 and September 25, 2021.
Canada Recovery Sickness Benefit
If you’re sick or self-isolating due to COVID-19, or have an underlying health condition that puts you at risk, you could be eligible for the CRSB.
This benefit offers $500 ($450 after taxes withheld) for each one-week period.
Applicants can apply for up to four weeks between September 27, 2020 and September 25, 2021.
An individual cannot claim the CRSB if they’re receiving paid leave from their employer for the same period.
Employment Insurance
EI regular benefits provide support to Canadians who have lost their jobs through no fault of their own. Although it was available before COVID-19, it also supports those impacted by the pandemic.
Those claiming must be available and able to work but unable to find a job.
As of January 31, the waiting period for claiming EI has been suspended and the maximum number of weeks available has been extended from 26 weeks to 50 weeks.
The amount on offer varies on a case-by-case basis, depending on an individual's situation.