Nova Scotia Buzz
The Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB), which gave support to Canadians who had their employment affected by the COVID-19 pandemic has come to an end. This benefit provided Canadians with $500 per week for up to 28 weeks.
People who were benefiting from CERB when the program ended may be wondering what to do next. They now have to prepare to receive a simplified Employment Insurance (EI) benefit.
If you collected CERB through Service Canada, there is nothing you need to do. You will automatically be switched over to EI if you qualify and once you’ve collected all the CERB benefits.
If you collected CERB through the Canada Revenue Agency you will need to apply for EI through Service Canada after September 26.
Some won’t qualify for the revamped EI program. There are new benefits being put in place by the federal government to help some of those people.
Canada Recovery Benefit
The Canada Recovery Benefit (CRB) is for self-employed workers and those who still need support. They will receive $500 per week for 26 weeks. The benefit is for those who haven’t returned to work due to COVID-19 or have had their income drop by at least 50 per cent.
Canada Recovery Sickness Benefit
The Canada Recovery Sickness Benefit (CRSB) is a new program which provides $500 per week for up to two weeks to those who are sick or those that must self-isolate due to COVID-19.
The program is designed so workers across Canada have access to paid sick leave.
Canada Recovery Caregiving Benefit
The Canada Recovery Caregiving Benefit (CRCB) is for those who are unable to work because they need to care for a child under the age of 12. An example would be if schools and daycares closed and a guardian needed to watch their children.
A person who needs to care for a sick relative would qualify as well. They will receive up to $500 per week for up to 26 weeks per household.
The benefit is also available to those who may have to care for someone in their family who is sick or required to quarantine.
Things to remember
The CERB and newly announced benefits are taxable income. Come tax time you will need to pay taxes on the income you received from the various benefits.
