Here is an update on the various income support measures and their eligibility conditions that have been available to workers since September 27, 2020.
Canada recovery benefit (CRB)
- The CRB is a temporary benefit available to self-employed workers or workers who are not eligible for Employment Insurance and who still need income support if they are unable to return to their job due to COVID-19;
- Must be available and actively looking for work;
- Must have earned at least $5,000 in 2020 or in the 12 months prior to the application date;
- Provides $400 per week for up to 26 weeks;
- Workers must have stopped working due to COVID-19 or experienced a reduction in income compared to their pre-pandemic earnings;
- Workers may earn income from employment or self-employment while receiving the benefit, provided they continue to meet all other eligibility criteria;
- Workers must repay $0.50 for every dollar earned above a net annual income of $38,000 when filing their income tax return, up to the total amount of CRB received during the calendar year;
Canada caregiving benefit (CCB) (Canada Recovery Caregiving Benefit – CRCB)
- The CRCB provides $500 per week per household for up to 26 weeks to workers who are unable to work at least 50% of their scheduled work week because they must care for a child, dependent, or family member due to school, daycare, or care facility closures related to COVID-19;
- The benefit can be shared, but only one member of a household may apply per week;
- Must have earned at least $5,000 in 2019, 2020, or in the 12 months prior to the application date;
- The worker must not be receiving paid leave from their employer for the same period;
- Payment is $500 before taxes per household for each weekly claim period. After a 10% tax deduction at source, the actual payment received is $450 per week;
- Each household may receive payments for a maximum of 26 weeks between September 27, 2020 and September 25, 2021;
- The 26 weeks do not need to be taken consecutively;
- The CRCB does not renew automatically. The household must apply for each period in which they meet eligibility requirements;
Individuals authorized to recommend isolation include:
- A doctor
- A nurse practitioner
- An authority figure
- The government
- Public health authorities
Canada recovery sickness benefit (CRSB)
- The CRSB provides $500 per week for a maximum of two weeks to workers who are unable to work at least 50% of their scheduled work week because they:
- have contracted COVID-19, or
- must self-isolate due to COVID-19, or
- have an underlying condition (confirmed by a medical specialist) that makes them more vulnerable to COVID-19;
- Must have earned at least $5,000 in 2019, 2020, or in the 12 months prior to the application date;
- While it is not possible to receive more than one type of benefit for the same period, the worker may choose which benefit to receive (for example, choosing the CRSB instead of employer sick leave or disability insurance). The choice is up to the worker, and the employer cannot impose a decision.
Translated into English by SEU800 from the original French-language press release.