232020Oct

COVID-19: Financial Assistance Programs – EI, CRB, CRSB & CRCB

Are you still unable to work or have your hours been reduced because of the ongoing world-wide pandemic that has millions of people all around the globe? There are measures and relief programs that have been put in place to help those who need financial assistance.

For those that were collecting Canada Emergency Recovery Benefit (CERB) you have already been switched over to the EI program. To qualify for the EI program:

  • were employed for at least 120 insurable hours in the past 52 weeks
  • received the CERB, the 52 week period to accumulate insured hours will be extended
  • stopped working through no fault of your own
  • have not quit your job voluntarily
  • are ready, willing and capable of working each day (EI regular benefits)
  • are temporarily unable to work while you care for someone else or yourself (EI maternity, parental, sickness, compassionate care, and family caregiver benefits)

If you are eligible for EI benefits, you will receive a minimum taxable benefit at a rate of $500 per week, or $300 per week for extended parental benefits.

If you are not qualified for the EI program you may qualify for Canada Recovery Benefit (CRB), Canada Recovery Sickness Benefit (CRSB) or the Canada Recovery Caregiving Benefit (CRCB). 

CRB: The CRB provides $500 per week for up to 26 weeks for workers who have stopped working or had their income reduced by at least 50% due to COVID-19, and who are not eligible for Employment Insurance (EI).

CRSB: The CRSB provides $500 per week for up to a maximum of two weeks, for workers who:

  • Are unable to work for at least 50% of the week because they contracted COVID-19
  • Are self-isolated for reasons related to COVID-19
  • have underlying conditions, are undergoing treatments or have contracted other sicknesses that, in the opinion of a medical practitioner, nurse practitioner, person in authority, government or public health authority, would make them more susceptible to COVID-19.

CRCB: The CRCB provides $500 per week 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 COVID-19
  • because the child or family member is sick and/or required to quarantine or is at high risk of serious health implications because of COVID-19.