COVID-19 Resources

COVID-19 Updates and Resources

 Click here for emergency resources for COVID-19 updates from the Government of Canada.

While many Canadians have seen their jobs come back and have returned to work since the start of the pandemic, the Government of Canada recognizes that there remain others that have been particularly hit hard who continue to need support.

The new Benefits would provide income support to Canadians while promoting economic recovery by introducing measures that encourage people to safely return to work. Specifically, the legislation includes:

• A Canada Recovery Benefit (CRB) of $500 per week for up to 26 weeks, to workers who are self-employed or are not eligible for EI and who still require income support. This Benefit would support Canadians who have not returned to work due to COVID-19 or whose income has dropped by at least 50%. These workers must be available and looking for work, and must accept work where it is reasonable to do so;
• A Canada Recovery Sickness Benefit (CRSB) of $500 per week for up to two weeks, for workers who are sick or must self-isolate for reasons related to COVID-19. This Benefit supports our commitment to ensure all Canadian workers have access to paid sick leave; and,
• A Canada Recovery Caregiving Benefit (CRCB) of $500 per week for up to 26 weeks per household, for eligible Canadians unable to work 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 and/or required to quarantine.

More detailed eligibility criteria can be found online.

Canadians will be able to apply for the CRB, CRSB, and CRCB through the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) for one year up until September 25, 2021.

For Seniors:

GIS & Allowance: We are temporarily extending GIS and Allowance payments if seniors’ 2019 income information has not been assessed.

This will ensure that the most vulnerable seniors continue to receive their benefits when they need them the most. To avoid an interruption in benefits, seniors are encouraged to submit their 2019 income information as soon as possible and no later than by October 1, 2020.

Registered Retirement Income Funds: We reduced the required minimum withdrawals from Registered Retirement Income Funds (RRIFs) by 25 % for 2020.

Here’s a useful guide about improving mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic.

A Guide of Resources for COVID-19

We know that the COVID-19 can create stressors for community. With many agencies closing or limiting services, rest assured that there are still many resources and supports available by phone or online for people to access. The following are a list of resources available online or by phone:

General Guidance

Mental Health Resources

Housing Services

Newcomer Services

Food and Essential Services