Temporary COVID-19 Recovery Benefits

Last updated October 12th

The federal government has created three new temporary recovery benefits to support Canadians unable to work for reasons related to COVID-19, and who do not qualify for Employment Insurance (EI):

  1. The Canada Recovery Caregiving Benefit (CRCB) Applications open October 5th 
  2. The Canada Recovery Sickness Benefit (CRSB) Applications open October 5th 
  3. The Canada Recovery Benefit (CRB) Applications open October 12th

These three new temporary recovery benefits replace the now-defunct Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB).

These three temporary recovery benefits are available for Canadians who do not qualify for EI. For those that do qualify for EI, the new legislation has also established a minimum weekly benefit payment of $500 for all EI recipients, at the same level as the CERB. You can apply for EI through the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA).

The Canada Recovery Caregiving Benefit (CRCB) provides $500 per week for up to 26 weeks per household for workers unable to work for at least 50 per cent 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, or because the child or family member is sick or required to quarantine or is at high risk of serious health implications because of COVID-19. 

Canadians can apply for the CRCB beginning October 5th, 2020 through the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA). The CRCB will be paid on a weekly basis, meaning Canadians will have to reapply each week they are eligible.

The Canada Recovery Sickness Benefit (CRSB) provides $500 per week for up to a maximum of two weeks, for workers who are unable to work for at least 50 per cent of the week because they contracted COVID-19, self-isolated for reasons related to COVID-19, or 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. This benefit supports our commitment to ensure all Canadian workers have access to paid sick leave.

Canadians can apply for the CRSB beginning October 5th, 2020 through the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA). CRSB will be paid on a weekly basis, meaning Canadians will have to reapply each week they are eligible.

The Canada Recovery Benefit (CRB) will provide eligible workers with $500 per week for up to 26 weeks for those who have stopped working and who are not eligible for EI, or had their employment/self-employment income reduced by at least 50 per cent due to COVID-19. These workers must be available and looking for work, and must accept work where it is reasonable to do so.

The CRA will open the applications for the CRB on October 12th, 2020. This benefit will be paid in two-week periods. Eligible individuals will be able to apply for recovery benefits online through the CRA’s My Account portal or by phone through the CRA’s automated phone line: 1-800-959-8281

Connect with Kristyn

Invite Me To Your Event
Community Resources
Attend an Event
Contact 311
Email: councillor_wongtam@toronto.ca
Phone: 416-392-7903
Constituency Office: 100 Queen St W A5, Toronto, ON, M5H 2N2