The federal government has announced plans to increase the amount of time that individuals can receive income support through its COVID-19 recovery benefits.
CANADA RECOVERY BENEFIT AND CANADA RECOVERY CAREGIVING BENEFIT
12 weeks will be added to the eligibility periods for these programs, which will max out at 38 weeks:
- The Canada Recovery Benefit provides $1,000 ($900 after tax) per each two-week period to eligible applicants who are not entitled to Employment Insurance benefits and are unemployed due to COVID-19 or have had their income reduced by 50% due to COVID-19.
- The Canada Recovery Caregiving Benefits provides $500 ($450 after tax) per week to eligible applicants who are unable to work at least 50% of their scheduled work week because they are caring for a child under 12 years old or a family member that requires supervised care.
CANADA RECOVERY SICKNESS BENEFIT
The Canada Recovery Sickness Benefit will provide $500 ($450 after tax) per week for four weeks (up from two weeks) to those who are unable to work because they are sick or need to self-isolate due to COVID-19, or have an underlying health condition that puts them at greater risk of getting COVID-19.
EMPLOYMENT INSURANCE
Employment Insurance eligibility is being expanded, allowing qualified applicants to claim up to 50 weeks of benefits, up from 26.
Prior to the announcement of these programs being extended/expanded, many Canadians would have stopped receiving these benefits by late March.
Visit the Government of Canada's webpage on COVID-19 benefits and services for full details and program eligibility requirements.
