When Canadians needed support the most, the Canada Emergency Response Benefit was there to help support nearly nine million people pay their bills and be there for their families.
In August, we announced the next steps in our government’s plan to support Canadians through this pandemic. Our plan includes a seamless transition to EI coupled with the creation of 3 new benefits to ensure that no Canadian worker is left behind. Our goal during this transition from emergency to recovery is to provide Canadian workers with the certainty and comfort they can count on over the longer term. No matter what stage or phase of recovery communities are in, we will leave no one behind.
We made temporary changes to the Employment Insurance (EI) program to better support Canadians looking for work.
As of September 27, you may be eligible for EI if you:
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 eligible for EI please consider reviewing the 3 new benefits below.
The CRSB provides $500 per week for up to a maximum of two weeks, for workers who:
The CRCB provides $500 per week for up to 26 weeks per household for workers:
Homeowners facing financial hardship may be eligible for a mortgage payment deferral of up to six months.
The deferral is an agreement between you and your lender. Typically, the agreement indicates that you and your lender have agreed to pause or suspend your mortgage payments for a certain amount of time. After the agreement ends, your mortgage payments return to normal and the deferred payments — including principal and accumulated interest – are added to the outstanding principal balance and subsequently repaid throughout the life of the mortgage.
To know if you are eligible for a mortgage payment deferral or to learn what options are available, contact your lender — your bank or your mortgage professional.
For more information click here.
This benefit will provide $2,000 a month for up individuals that have lost their income as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Canadians will begin to receive their CERB payments within 3-5 days via direct deposit and 10 days by mail.
Updates related to the Canada Emergency Response Benefit transitioning to the Employment Insurance program can be found here.
The one-week waiting period for EI sickness benefits will be waived for new claimants who are quarantined, so they can be paid for the first week of their claim. The requirement to provide a medical certificate will also be waived.
We are Implementing the EI Work Sharing Program, which provides EI benefits to workers who agree to reduce their normal working hour as a result of developments beyond the control of their employers, by extending the eligibility of such agreements to 76 weeks, easing eligibility requirements, and streamlining the application process.
The Government of Canada will provide up to $3 billion in support to increase the wages of low-income essential workers. Each province or territory will determine which workers would be eligible for support, and how much support they will receive. Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, announced in May 2020 that all provinces and territories have confirmed, or are in the process of confirming, plans to cost share wage top-ups for their essential workers.
Mon: | 9:00am - 4:00pm |
Tue: | 9:00am - 4:00pm |
Wed: | 9:00am - 4:00pm |
Thu: | 9:00am - 4:00pm |
Fri: | 9:00am - 1:00pm |
Sat: | Closed. |
Sun: | Closed. |