The COVID-19 outbreak has wreaked economic havoc around the globe. Canada is no exception. Social distancing, with all of the measures it entails, has a steep price. The suspension of non-essential services. The shuttering of retail shops, bars and restaurants. The closure of schools and daycare centers.
Unfortunately, this outbreak leaves many workers without a source of income.
Through no fault of your own, you may find yourself in a situation beyond your control. This is a true state of emergency. We all have to do what we have to do. So now what?
We hear you. You need to know where to turn to get the help you need to keep yourself and your family economically viable. If you are experiencing financial hardship due to COVID-19, there are several government options available to you. We have compiled a list of current government aid resources.
Bookmark this page now and keep it handy. We will update it as needed. Even if you think you don’t qualify, there will likely be helpful information for you, or a loved one, below:
Federal: Canada’s COVID-19 Economic Response Plan
- Emergency Response Benefit for the Unemployed (CERB) ended in September 2020.
- People who are eligible will be transitioned to EI Benefits
- People who are self employed and are ineligible for EI can get the CRB: Canadian Recovery Benefit
- Workers without paid leave
- Income support if you must stop work to care for dependants due to closures, high risk and caregiver availability : Recovery Caregiver Benefit.
- Up to two weeks of support if you are sick or must self-isolate due to COVID-19: Recovery Sickness Benefit
- Canada Childcare Benefit Increase
- An extra $300 through Canada Child Benefit as part of the scheduled CCB payment in May
- Mortgage Support
- Help for those unable to find a mortgage solution by working with their financial institution
- EI Waiting Period Waived
- If you have been quarantined due to COVID-19, you can apply for EI benefits now.
- Goods and Services Tax Credit Increase
- There will be an automatic one-time payment in early May of up to $600 through the Goods and Services Tax Payment for qualified low- and modest-income families by early May.
- Tax Filing Deadline Extended
- The filing deadline for individual taxes has been deferred until June 1, 2020, with payments not due until August 31, 2020 without penalty.
- Canada Student Loan Moratorium
- Students and recent graduates will receive an interest-free, 6-month moratorium on loan repayments.
Provincial: New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, and Prince Edward Island
New Brunswick Virus Support
- There is a $900 benefit for workers in New Brunswick who have lost their jobs due to COVID-19. The one-time benefit provides support until federal payments begin. This includes self-employed.
- For Low Income Seniors
- Tenant evictions are suspended until May 31, 2020
Nova Scotia Virus Support
- Each individual or family member on income assistance will receive an additional $50 beginning on March 20, 2020.
- Nova Scotia Student Loan payments are suspended without penalty until September 30, 2010.
- Tenant evictions are suspended effective March 19, 2020 for the next three months.
Prince Edward Island Virus Support
- Employee Gift Card Program
- Provides a $100 Sobeys gift card to employees living and working on PEI who have received a lay-off notice as a direct result of COVID-19 impacts. The form is completed by the employer.
- Emergency Income Relief Fund for the Self-employed
- Provides up to $500 per week for the period of March 16 to March 29, 2020 for individuals affected by COVID-19 impacts. This time period will be reviewed as required.
- Emergency Relief – Worker Assistance Program
- Provides up to $250 per week for each employee impacted by at least an 8-hour reduction in hours as a result of COVID-19 during the two week period March 16 to March 29, 2020.
- Temporary Rental Assistance Benefit
- Tenant evictions are suspended until June 2020. Eligible households will receive $1,000 temporary rental assistance for a three-month period ($500 in the first month and $250 the following two months).
Not Finding What You Need?
If you find that you’ve fallen behind on your bill payments during the pandemic, you are certainly not alone. These are extreme times… and an additional couple hundred dollars here or there may be of little consequence.
Now could be the perfect opportunity to fix your finances once and for all. Assistance is only a phone call away. We can help, even from a distance. Please contact Allan Marshall & Associates at 1-888-371-8900 for a free, no-obligation consultation. You have more options than you think.
