Government of Canada Announce 3 New Recovery Benefit Options to Assist Canadians

In addition to announcing changes to the Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB) in fall of 2020, The Government of Canada recently created three new recovery benefit options to assist Canadian workers during the continued COVID-19 pandemic. Learn more about each new option below to find out if you qualify.

1. Canada Recovery Benefit (CRB)

The CRB provides eligible workers with $500 per week for up to 26 weeks for those who are not employed or self-employed due to COVID-19 and who are not eligible for EI, or had their employment/self-employment income reduced by 50% or more due to COVID-19.

This benefit pays $1000 ($900 after taxes) in two-week periods. If the situation continues past two weeks, recipients will need to apply again. Workers may apply up to a total of 13 eligibility periods.

2. Canada Recovery Caregiving Benefit (CRCB)

The CRCB provides $500 per week ($450 after taxes) for up to 26 weeks per household for workers unable to work for 50% of the week or more for any of the following reasons:

• Must care for a child under the age of 12 or a family member due to the closure of schools, daycares, or care facilities because of COVID-19
• Must care for a child or family member who is sick, required to quarantine, or is at risk of serious health implications because of COVID-19

This benefit is paid in one-week periods. If the situation continues past one week, recipients will need to apply again. Workers may apply up to a total of 26 weeks.

3. Canada Recovery Sickness Benefit (CRSB)

The CRSB provides $500 per week ($450 after taxes) for up to a maximum of two weeks. Members who are unable to work for 50% of the week or more and who fall under the following categories are eligible to apply:

• Have contracted COVID-19
• Are in self-isolation due to possible COVID-19 exposure
• Have underlying conditions, contracted sicknesses, or are undergoing medical treatments that make them more susceptible to COVID-19

This benefit is paid in one-week periods. If the situation continues past one week, the recipient will need to apply again. The two weeks do not have to be taken consecutively.If a worker becomes ill or must self-isolate due to COVID-19 part way through a period, they can only apply for the period if they missed more than 50% of that work week. NOTE: Benefits cannot be used if a worker is off because they travelled for non-essential reasons.

How To Apply For Benefits

Workers can apply for any of the three recovery benefits by logging into their CRA account or calling a toll-free number (1-800-959-2019). These benefits are available until September 25, 2021.

For more information about COVID-19 benefits or to obtain documents required for application, contact an OELocal987 representative at: (204)-786-8658 or local987@oe987.mb.ca