Greetings:
Further to the correspondence I sent out in October regarding the Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB) coming to an end and a transition to Employment Insurance (EI) and the Canada Recovery Benefits, please see below for clarification of benefits.
Even though the CERB has ended, there are still benefits in place to assist Canadians during the pandemic. These benefits include the following:
- Employment Insurance (EI) – If you have paid EI premiums as an employee and have at least120 hours of insurable employment, you are likely eligible for Employment Insurance Benefits and should apply.
- Canada Recovery Benefit (CRB) – For those who are not eligible to receive EI regular benefits. This benefit will provide $500 per week (taxable) for up to 26 weeks. You must apply after every 2-week period for which you are seeking income support. Eligibility includes but isn’t limited to:
- Are not employed or self-employed due to the COVID-19 pandemic or are working and have had a reduction of at least 50 per cent in your employment/self-employment income for reasons related to COVID-19
- Had employment and/or self-employment income of at least $5,000 in 2019 or in 2020,or in the 12-month period prior to your first application for the Canada Recovery Benefit
- Canada Recovery Sickness Benefit (CRSB) – For workers 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. This benefit will provide $500 per week(taxable) for up to 2 weeks. You must apply for each week for which you are seeking income support. Eligibility includes but isn’t limited to:
- Have a total income of at least $5,000 for 2019, 2020, or in the 12-month period preceding the day on which you make your first application for this benefit
- Was unable to work for at least 50% of the time you would have otherwise worked or devoted to your work
- Canada Recovery Caregiving Benefit (CRCB) – For employed and self-employed individuals who are unable to work because they must care for their child under 12 years old or a family member who needs supervised care. This benefit will provide $500 per week(taxable) for up to 26 weeks. You must apply every week for which you are seeking income support. Eligibility includes but isn’t limited to:
- Had a total income of at least $5,000 for 2019, 2020, or in the 12-month period preceding the day on which you make your first application for this benefit
- Was unable to work for at least 50% the time you would have otherwise worked or devoted to your work
Additionally, you cannot claim more than one Recovery Benefit for the same period and you cannot get the Recovery Benefits at the same time you are getting any Employment Insurance Benefits, provincial maternity or parental benefits, or any other paid leave. CRB, CRSB and CRCB benefits are available between September 27, 2020 and September 25, 2021.
For further clarification and questions regarding these benefits including eligible criteria, please review the Federal Government website HERE. My office will keep you posted to any further changes to the temporary recovery benefits or changes to EI in the coming weeks and months ahead.
Best wishes and stay safe.
In solidarity,
Tom Reid
International Vice President