One year after the country’s first known case was confirmed, Justin Trudeau is reminding Canadians which of Canada’s COVID-19 benefits are still available.
In a series of tweets, the prime minister explained what kind of support the federal government is offering right now, including financial benefits and mental health resources.
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“It’s been one year since the first case of COVID-19 was confirmed in Canada,” Trudeau confirmed on Monday, January 25.
Acknowledging the past year hasn’t been easy, he promised Canadians that the government has “got your back.”
Here’s what’s on offer to eligible Canadian residents, according to the PM:
Wage Subsidy & Rent Subsidy
We’ve created a number of programs and benefits to help you make ends meet - there’s the wage subsidy, the rent sub… https://t.co/4Wr1YdBIPN— Justin Trudeau (@Justin Trudeau) 1611615701.0
To support business owners during the pandemic, the government launched the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy (CEWS) and the Canada Emergency Rent Subsidy (CERS).
The CEWS offers up to 75% of an employee’s wages for eligible employers until March, 2021.
It aims to help businesses keep hold of their staff and to avoid any layoffs.
On the other hand, the CERS offers eligible businesses a rent or mortgage subsidy of up to 65%.
Canada Recovery Benefit
Has your income been reduced by at least 50% due to #COVID19? If you’re not eligible for Employment Insurance, you… https://t.co/fIppLVp3Qt— Canada Revenue Agency (@Canada Revenue Agency) 1610564707.0
The Canada Recovery Benefit (CRB) aims to support people who are out of work or who have lost work due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
It’s administered by the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) and can be claimed by eligible Canadians who are unemployed or working less than 50% of their usual schedule.
The benefit offers $1,000 for a two-week period ($900 after taxes withheld.)
It can be claimed for up to 26 weeks (13 eligibility periods) between September 27, 2020 and September 25, 2021.
Canada Recovery Sickness Benefit
Self-isolating for reasons related to #COVID19 or because you have underlying conditions that would make you more s… https://t.co/jyOJeFRSZ1— Canada Revenue Agency (@Canada Revenue Agency) 1611246007.0
The Canada Recovery Sickness Benefit (CRSB) supports individuals who are unable to work due to health concerns related to COVID-19.
This includes those who have tested positive for the illness, as well as those who need to self-isolate due to symptoms or due to being an at-risk person.
The benefit offers $500 for a one-week period ($450 after taxes withheld.)
It can be claimed for up to two weeks between September 27, 2020 and September 25, 2021.
Canada Recovery Caregiving Benefit
Has a school or daycare closure forced you to miss work? If it’s related to #COVID19, you might be entitled to $500… https://t.co/s1YIpVZERN— Canada Revenue Agency (@Canada Revenue Agency) 1611591313.0
The Canada Recovery Caregiving Benefit (CRCB) is designed to support parents and caregivers during the pandemic.
This includes those caring for a loved one who is COVID-19 and parents caring for children who are currently unable to go to school or daycare.
Eligible households can get $500 per week ($450 after taxes withheld) from the CRA.
Each household can claim for a maximum of 26 weeks between September 27, 2020 and September 25, 2021.
Employment Insurance (EI)
The government remains committed to supporting Canadians through #COVID19. Changes were made to the Employment In… https://t.co/LSRsJX5rki— Finance Canada (@Finance Canada) 1611262549.0
While Employment Insurance (EI) was available before the COVID-19 pandemic, it continues to support those who need it right now.
In particular, it offers benefits to workers who have taken time off work due to specific life events such as illness, pregnancy and caring for a child, among other things.
The support amount varies depending on the individual and the type of claim.
The funding is administered by the Canada Employment Insurance Commission (CEIC).
Wellness Together
We’ve started rolling out vaccines, too. That means better days are coming. But right now, we need to keep doing wh… https://t.co/oWAMp19JPy— Justin Trudeau (@Justin Trudeau) 1611615701.0
Finally, as part of his series of notices, the prime minister informed Canadians that free mental health resources were also available.
The federal government has launched Wellness Together, which works to connect Canadians with mental health support online.
To access the support, you simply need to visit the government-supported website.
There’s also 24/7 support available via phone for children and young people who are struggling.
If you or anyone you know is struggling with depression or mental health concerns, please reach out to a trusted peer, parent or health care professional. You can also contact a helpline which is available 24 hours a day to talk. Or click here, for additional resources.
If you need immediate assistance please call 9-1-1 or go to your nearest hospital. Support is available.
