The Canadian government has created three new temporary monetary benefits as the pandemic rages on with some Canadian jurisdictions seeing rapidly rising COVID-19 infection rates.\u00a0 These benefits have replaced the Canada Emergency Response Benefit (\u201cCERB\u201d) that was available to help Canadians pay their expenses and support their households while off work because of COVID-19.<\/p>\n
These benefits exist to support individuals who are self-employed and are not eligible for Employment Insurance (\u201cEI\u201d).\u00a0 However, the EI program and the new benefits are very similar and each offers an equal minimum weekly benefit rate.<\/p>\n
The first benefit is the Canada Recovery Benefit (\u201cCRB\u201d).\u00a0 The CRB offers $500 per week up to 26 weeks to workers who are not eligible for EI and who need monetary support.\u00a0 Individuals who apply for CRB must also have earned a minimum of $5,000 in 2019, 2020 or in the 12 months before the application from employment income, self-employment income, EI or maternity or parental benefits.\u00a0 Individuals must also have had a reduction of at least 50% of their employment or self-employment income related to COVID-19.<\/p>\n
The second benefit is the Canada Recovery Sickness Benefit (\u201cCRSB\u201d).\u00a0 The CRSB also offers $500 per week for up to two weeks.\u00a0 This benefit is for individuals who cannot work because they are sick or must self-isolate for up to two weeks due to COVID-19.<\/p>\n
Finally, the Canada Recovery Caregiving Benefit (\u201cCRCB\u201d).\u00a0 The CRCB also offers $500 per week for up to 26 weeks to individuals who cannot work because they must provide care to children or other family members due to the closure of schools, daycare centres or other care facilities due to COVID-19.\u00a0 Like the CRB, the individual applying for the CRCB must also have earned a minimum of $5,000 in 2019, 2020 or in the 12 months before the application from employment income, self-employment income, EI or maternity or parental benefits.\u00a0 The individual must also be unable to work for at least 50% of their normally scheduled work within a week.<\/p>\n