6 COVID-19 Benefits You Can Apply For If Ontario's Restrictions Have You Struggling RN
Ontario moved back into Step Two of its Roadmap to Reopen plan last week, forcing many establishments across the province to shut down for at least 21 days (until January 26). As a result, many workers and business owners are bound to take a hit financially. However, there are certain benefits you can apply for that could help ease the burden.
The provincial and federal governments have several programs in place to help people receive relief while new restrictions are put into place to curb the spread of the Omicron variant.
So, here's a rundown of the COVID-19 benefits Ontarians can apply for and how they work, so you can figure out which ones apply to you.
The Small Business Relief Grant
The Ontario government announced a new $10,000 grant on January 7 to help small businesses cope while the new restrictions are in place.
The Ontario COVID-19 Small Business Relief Grant targets eligible small businesses that are "subject to closure under the modified Step Two of the Roadmap to Reopen."
Qualified businesses are as follows:
- "Restaurants and bars;
- Facilities for indoor sports and recreational fitness activities (including fitness centres and gyms);
- Performing arts and cinemas;
- Museums, galleries, aquariums, zoos, science centres, landmarks, historic sites, botanical gardens and similar attractions;
- Meeting or event spaces;
- Tour and guide services;
- Conference centres and convention centres;
- Driving instruction for individuals; and
- Before- and after-school programs"
Businesses that previously qualified for the Ontario Small Business Support Grant and are subject to closure under modified Step Two of the Roadmap to Reopen will not need to apply to the new program.
The province also announced that electricity prices for homes and businesses would be set 24 hours a day at the current off-peak rate of 8.2 cents per kilowatt-hour, which the government says is "less than half the cost of the current on-peak rate."
The initiative, which is scheduled to last 21 days, will come into effect at 12:01 a.m. on Tuesday, January 18, 2022.
The Canada Worker Lockdown Benefit
According to the Government of Canada, the Canada Worker Lockdown Benefit (CWLB) offers temporary income support to employed and self-employed people who cannot work due to the COVID-19 lockdown.
Those eligible for the CWLB will receive $300, or $270 after taxes for every week, so long as they apply between October 24, 2021, and May 7, 2022, after their region is eligible.
Designated regions are those that are currently experiencing lockdowns or have capacity restrictions of 50% or more.
The plan's eligibility criteria include people 15 years old or older who reside in Canada, possess a valid social insurance number, filed a 2020 tax return, and made at least $5,000 in 2020 or 2021.
Anyone who received multiple benefits over the same period, including employment insurance, and short-term disability benefits, will not qualify.
Ontario Business Costs Rebate Program
The provincial government announced on January 3 that it would expand its new Ontario Business Costs Rebate Program.
As a result, businesses that were forced to close or reduce capacity can now receive rebate payments for "a portion of the property tax and energy costs they incur while subject to these measures."
Eligible businesses, such as smaller retail stores, that are required to operate at half capacity will get a payment adding up to 50% of their costs, while places closing for indoor activities, like restaurants and gyms, will obtain a rebate payment of 100%.
"Yesterday morning we announced expanded supports for small businesses on their property tax and energy costs – rebates retroactive to December 19 when the 50% measure was put in place," a spokesperson for the Ministry of Finance told Narcity.
"This is in addition to the announcement before Christmas providing up to $7.5 billion for a six-month interest- and penalty-free period for Ontario businesses to make payments for most provincially administered taxes," they added.
Canada Recovery Sickness Benefit
The Canada Recovery Sickness Benefit (CRSB) offers income support to individuals who cannot work because "they are 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."
Those eligible, which primarily focuses on those who are unable to work at least 50% of their scheduled work week because they're sick or self-isolating, can receive $500 or $450 after taxes every week.
Qualified individuals can apply for up to 6 weeks between September 27, 2020, and May 7, 2022.
Canada Recovery Caregiving Benefit
The Canada Recovery Caregiving Benefit (CRCB) offers 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."
The benefit only applies if the school, program or facility they attend is closed or unavailable to them due to COVID-19 or because they are sick, self-isolating, or at risk of severe health complications.
Households eligible for the CRCB can receive $500 or $450 after taxes for one week.
If the situation continues, you can apply for up to 6 weeks total between September 27, 2020, and May 7, 2022.
Second Career
Second Career is a program that provides up to $28,000 for Ontario workers laid off due to COVID-19, to train for in-demand careers close to their homes.
The sum goes towards paying for tuition, books, manuals, workbooks, other instructional costs, transportation, and a basic living allowance of up to $500 per week.
Additionally, funding is also available to those who need help with child care and disability-related supports.
To qualify, residents must have been laid off or not working or at a temporary job to cover costs. It's also worth noting that anyone receiving Employment Insurance, or have in the past, can still apply
"The Second Career program is open to all laid-off workers and jobseekers, priority is given to applications for people who were laid off because of COVID-19 and want to retrain for jobs in sectors that have good potential for future employment," an excerpt from the government's website reads.
Other Benefits
Other available COVID-19 supports include the Tourism and Hospitality Recovery Program and the Hardest-Hit Business Recovery Program, each of which provides wage and rent subsidies to struggling businesses.
