After CERB: Transitioning to New Benefits
In early April, the Federal Government introduced CERB, the Canada Emergency Response Benefit, to assist those who had to stop working due to COVID. The benefit paid applicants $500 a week for a maximum of 28 weeks. The program ended September 27, 2020.
The following new programs replace CERB:
Canada Recovery Benefit (CRB)*
The Canada Recovery Benefit 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% due to COVID-19. This benefit will be paid in two-week periods. Canadians who receive CRB may also earn employment or self-employment income while doing so but will have to reimburse $0.50 of the CRB for every dollar of net income above $38,000 earned in the calendar year.
Canada Recovery Caregiving Benefit (CRCB)*
The Canada Recovery Caregiving Benefit (CRCB) will provide $500 per week for up to 26 weeks per household for workers unable to work for at least 50% of the week because they must care for a child under the age of 12 or a family member who needs supervised care. This may be due to schools, day-cares or care facilities being closed due to COVID-19 or because the child or family member is sick and/or required to quarantine or is at high risk of serious health implications because of COVID-19. This benefit will be paid in one-week periods.
Canada Recovery Sickness Benefit (CRSB)*
The Canada Recovery Sickness Benefit (CRSB) will provide $500 per week for up to a maximum of two weeks, for workers who are unable to work for at least 50% 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 will be paid in one-week periods.
*Please note that the above listed benefits are taxable and there will be 10% tax withheld at the source.
If you have questions or concerns about qualifying for these benefits, call your consultant at The Better Life Company to help you navigate the benefits available.