Last updated: Oct 12, 2020 8:50 am PST
FINANCIAL SUPPORT QUESTIONS & INFORMATION
SUPPORT FOR INDIVIDUALS
Special one-time tax-free payment for certified holders of the Disability Tax Credit
This non-taxable, non-reportable, one-time payment provides up to $600 in recognition of the extraordinary expenses faced by persons with disabilities during the COVID-19 pandemic.
This payment complements other emergency supports, such as the one-time special payment through the Goods and Services Tax Credit and the one-time payment to seniors.
Eligibility
We will automatically issue this payment if:
Payment for seniors
If you were eligible for the one-time seniors payment you may also be eligible for the one-time payment to persons with disabilities.
You will receive a cumulative amount of up to $600 broken into 2 payments:
Children with disabilities
If you are the parents of children with disabilities, you will receive the one-time payment.
For cases of shared custody, the payment will be split among care providers, like the Child Disability Benefit payment and the Canada Child Benefit.
Agencies and care providers of children in their care will receive the payment as per the Children’s Special Allowance Act.
How to apply
You do not have to apply to receive this one-time payment.
Check if you are eligible.
Date of payment
Eligible clients will start receiving payments on October 30, 2020.
Payment amount
This is a separate one-time payment of up to 600$.
Method of payment
We are using your existing Canada Pension Plan Disability, Quebec Pension Plan Disability Pension, Veterans Affairs Canada, or Canada Revenue Agency direct deposit or mailing information to issue the payment.
To ensure you get your benefits, it is important that you keep your personal information up to date including your:
Contact:
Canada Pension Plan Disability
Telephone: 1-800-277-9914
TTY: 1-800-255-4786
Disability Tax Credit
Telephone: 1-800-959-8281
TTY: 1-800-665-0354
Quebec Pension Plan Disability Pension
Telephone: 1-800-463-5185
Veterans Affairs Canada
Telephone: 1-866-522-2122
TTY: 1-800-567-5803
Online through My VAC Account secure messaging
This non-taxable, non-reportable, one-time payment provides up to $600 in recognition of the extraordinary expenses faced by persons with disabilities during the COVID-19 pandemic.
This payment complements other emergency supports, such as the one-time special payment through the Goods and Services Tax Credit and the one-time payment to seniors.
Eligibility
We will automatically issue this payment if:
- you have an existing valid Disability Tax Credit (DTC) certificate
- you are eligible and applied for the DTC by September 25, 2020
- you are a beneficiary as at July 1, 2020 of:
- Canada Pension Plan Disability
- Quebec Pension Plan Disability Pension
- One of the disability supports provided by Veterans Affairs Canada (VAC)
- Disability Pension
- Disability Award
- Pain and Suffering Compensation
- Critical Injury Benefit
- Rehabilitation Services and Vocational Assistance Program
- Income Replacement Benefit
- Canadian Forces Income Support
Payment for seniors
If you were eligible for the one-time seniors payment you may also be eligible for the one-time payment to persons with disabilities.
You will receive a cumulative amount of up to $600 broken into 2 payments:
- if you received the $300 one-time seniors payment for the Old Age Security (OAS) pension, you will receive an additional $300
- if you received the $500 one-time seniors payment for both the OAS pension and the Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS) or the Allowance, you will receive an additional $100
Children with disabilities
If you are the parents of children with disabilities, you will receive the one-time payment.
For cases of shared custody, the payment will be split among care providers, like the Child Disability Benefit payment and the Canada Child Benefit.
Agencies and care providers of children in their care will receive the payment as per the Children’s Special Allowance Act.
How to apply
You do not have to apply to receive this one-time payment.
Check if you are eligible.
Date of payment
Eligible clients will start receiving payments on October 30, 2020.
Payment amount
This is a separate one-time payment of up to 600$.
Method of payment
We are using your existing Canada Pension Plan Disability, Quebec Pension Plan Disability Pension, Veterans Affairs Canada, or Canada Revenue Agency direct deposit or mailing information to issue the payment.
To ensure you get your benefits, it is important that you keep your personal information up to date including your:
- marital status
- direct deposit, and
- mailing address
Contact:
Canada Pension Plan Disability
Telephone: 1-800-277-9914
TTY: 1-800-255-4786
Disability Tax Credit
Telephone: 1-800-959-8281
TTY: 1-800-665-0354
Quebec Pension Plan Disability Pension
Telephone: 1-800-463-5185
Veterans Affairs Canada
Telephone: 1-866-522-2122
TTY: 1-800-567-5803
Online through My VAC Account secure messaging
UPDATE: Transition from CERB
The Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB) ends when you’ve received 28 weeks of benefits or on October 3, 2020, whichever comes first. For those who applied through the Canada Revenue Agency, the last four-week period for the CERB was August 30, 2020 through Septemer 26, 2020.
If you need financial assistance after your CERB endsAs of September 27, 2020, there are some temporary changes to the EI program to help you access EI benefits. These changes will be in effect for 1 year.
If you received the CERB through Service Canada:
After you receive your last CERB payment, continue completing reports.
In most cases, you do not need to apply for EI benefits.
We'll automatically review your file and your Record of Employment (ROE, then start a claim for EI regular benefits if you qualify.
If you don’t qualify, you’ll be notified by mail.
You will need to apply for EI after your CERB ends if:
You can declare on your reports that you’re unable to work for medical reasons and you could receive up to 15 weeks of sickness benefits.
If you received the CERB through the Canada Revenue Agency
As of September 27, you may be eligible for EI if you:
*received the CERB, the 52 week period to accumulate insured hours will be extended
Apply for Employment Insurance
New Recovery Benefits
Canada Recovery Benefit (CRB) - APPLICATIONS ARE NOW OPEN
The Canada Recovery Benefit will provide eligible workers with $500 per week (taxable, tax deducted at source) 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.
ELIGIBILTY:
To be eligible for the CRB, you must meet all the following conditions for the 2-week period you are applying for:
During the period you’re applying for:
You did not apply for or receive any of the following:
You were not eligible for EI benefits.
You reside in Canada.
You are at least 15 years old.
You have a valid Social Insurance Number (SIN)
You earned at least $5,000 in 2019, 2020, or in the 12 months before the date you apply.
What counts towards the $5,000?
You have not quit your job or reduced your hours voluntarily on or after September 27, 2020, unless it was reasonable to do so
Penalty.
You were seeking work during the period, either as an employee or in self-employment.
You may work while receiving the CRB.
You have not turned down reasonable work during the 2-week period you’re applying for.
CLICK HERE TO APPLY OR FOR MORE INFORMATION:
https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/services/benefits/recovery-benefit/crb-who-apply.html
Canada Recovery Caregiving Benefit (CRCB)
The Canada Recovery Caregiving Benefit (CRCB) will provide $500 per week (taxable, tax deducted at source) 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 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 or is at high risk of serious health implications because of COVID-19. This benefit will be paid in one-week periods.
FOR MORE INFORMATION ON THE CANADA RECOVERY CAREGIVING BENEFIT:
https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/services/benefits/recovery-caregiving-benefit.html
Canada Recovery Sickness Benefit (CRSB)
The Canada Recovery Sickness Benefit (CRSB) will provide $500 per week (taxable, tax deducted at source) 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.
FOR MORE INFORMATION ON THE CANADA RECOVERY SICKNESS BENEFIT:
https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/services/benefits/recovery-sickness-benefit.html
The Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB) ends when you’ve received 28 weeks of benefits or on October 3, 2020, whichever comes first. For those who applied through the Canada Revenue Agency, the last four-week period for the CERB was August 30, 2020 through Septemer 26, 2020.
If you need financial assistance after your CERB endsAs of September 27, 2020, there are some temporary changes to the EI program to help you access EI benefits. These changes will be in effect for 1 year.
If you received the CERB through Service Canada:
After you receive your last CERB payment, continue completing reports.
In most cases, you do not need to apply for EI benefits.
We'll automatically review your file and your Record of Employment (ROE, then start a claim for EI regular benefits if you qualify.
If you don’t qualify, you’ll be notified by mail.
You will need to apply for EI after your CERB ends if:
- you have a SIN that starts with a 9
- you’re self-employed, or
- you declared that you returned to work full-time on your CERB report
You can declare on your reports that you’re unable to work for medical reasons and you could receive up to 15 weeks of sickness benefits.
If you received the CERB through the Canada Revenue Agency
As of September 27, you may be eligible for EI if you:
- were employed for at least 120 insurable hours in the past 52 weeks:*
- have not quit your job voluntarily;
- are ready, willing and capable of working each day (for EI regular benefits)
- are temporarily unable to work while you care for someone else or yourself (for EI maternity, parental, sickness, compassionate care, and family caregiver benefits)
*received the CERB, the 52 week period to accumulate insured hours will be extended
Apply for Employment Insurance
New Recovery Benefits
Canada Recovery Benefit (CRB) - APPLICATIONS ARE NOW OPEN
The Canada Recovery Benefit will provide eligible workers with $500 per week (taxable, tax deducted at source) 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.
ELIGIBILTY:
To be eligible for the CRB, you must meet all the following conditions for the 2-week period you are applying for:
During the period you’re applying for:
- oryou were not working for reasons related to COVID-19
- you had a 50% reduction in your average weekly income compared to the previous year due to COVID-19
You did not apply for or receive any of the following:
- Canada Recovery Sickness Benefit (CRSB)
- Canada Recovery Caregiving Benefit (CRCB)
- short-term disability benefits
- workers' compensation benefits
- Employment Insurance (EI) benefits
- Québec Parental Insurance Plan (QPIP) benefits
You were not eligible for EI benefits.
You reside in Canada.
You are at least 15 years old.
You have a valid Social Insurance Number (SIN)
You earned at least $5,000 in 2019, 2020, or in the 12 months before the date you apply.
What counts towards the $5,000?
- employment income (total or gross pay)
- net self-employment income (after deducting expenses)
- maternity and parental benefits from EI or similar QPIP benefits
You have not quit your job or reduced your hours voluntarily on or after September 27, 2020, unless it was reasonable to do so
Penalty.
You were seeking work during the period, either as an employee or in self-employment.
You may work while receiving the CRB.
You have not turned down reasonable work during the 2-week period you’re applying for.
CLICK HERE TO APPLY OR FOR MORE INFORMATION:
https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/services/benefits/recovery-benefit/crb-who-apply.html
Canada Recovery Caregiving Benefit (CRCB)
The Canada Recovery Caregiving Benefit (CRCB) will provide $500 per week (taxable, tax deducted at source) 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 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 or is at high risk of serious health implications because of COVID-19. This benefit will be paid in one-week periods.
FOR MORE INFORMATION ON THE CANADA RECOVERY CAREGIVING BENEFIT:
https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/services/benefits/recovery-caregiving-benefit.html
Canada Recovery Sickness Benefit (CRSB)
The Canada Recovery Sickness Benefit (CRSB) will provide $500 per week (taxable, tax deducted at source) 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.
FOR MORE INFORMATION ON THE CANADA RECOVERY SICKNESS BENEFIT:
https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/services/benefits/recovery-sickness-benefit.html
To access information on supports available from the Province of BC, please click here:
https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/safety/emergency-preparedness-response-recovery/covid-19-provincial-support
https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/safety/emergency-preparedness-response-recovery/covid-19-provincial-support
SUPPORT FOR BUSINESSES
The Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy (CEWS)
Applications for claim period 7 (August 30, 2020, to September 26, 2020) are now open.
FOR MORE INFORMATION OR TO APPLY: https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/services/subsidy/emergency-wage-subsidy.html
Extending Work-Sharing program
The Government of Canada is Implementing the EI Work Sharing Program, which provides EI benefits to workers who agree to reduce their normal working hour as a result of developments beyond the control of their employers, by extending the eligibility of such agreements to 76 weeks, easing eligibility requirements, and streamlining the application process.
Click here to apply: https://www.canada.ca/en/employment-social-development/services/work-sharing/apply.html
Canada Emergency Business Account (CEBA)
CEBA has been extended to October 31, 2020, making the program accessible longer to Canadians. If you have already applied for CEBA and have questions, please contact the CEBA Call Centre at 1-888-324-4201. Please note, in order to provider a quicker response time and improve the overall customer experience you will be asked to leave a call back number. An agent will return your call between Monday and Friday from 10:00 am to 9:00 pm EST and can address the following types of questions:
The CEBA Call Centre is experiencing significant call volumes. As a result, a return call may take more than 7 business days. Your call is important to us and we appreciate your patience as we continue to provide CEBA support to Canadian businesses.
FOR MORE INFORMATION OR TO APPLY: https://ceba-cuec.ca/
The Government of Canada is Implementing the EI Work Sharing Program, which provides EI benefits to workers who agree to reduce their normal working hour as a result of developments beyond the control of their employers, by extending the eligibility of such agreements to 76 weeks, easing eligibility requirements, and streamlining the application process.
Click here to apply: https://www.canada.ca/en/employment-social-development/services/work-sharing/apply.html
Canada Emergency Business Account (CEBA)
CEBA has been extended to October 31, 2020, making the program accessible longer to Canadians. If you have already applied for CEBA and have questions, please contact the CEBA Call Centre at 1-888-324-4201. Please note, in order to provider a quicker response time and improve the overall customer experience you will be asked to leave a call back number. An agent will return your call between Monday and Friday from 10:00 am to 9:00 pm EST and can address the following types of questions:
- What is the status of my application?
- Why was my application declined?
- Why was my submitted document rejected?
The CEBA Call Centre is experiencing significant call volumes. As a result, a return call may take more than 7 business days. Your call is important to us and we appreciate your patience as we continue to provide CEBA support to Canadian businesses.
FOR MORE INFORMATION OR TO APPLY: https://ceba-cuec.ca/
Support for farmers
The Government of Canada has increased credit available to farmers and the agri-food sector through Farm Credit Canada.
The Government of Canada has increased credit available to farmers and the agri-food sector through Farm Credit Canada.
To access information on supports available from the Province of BC, please click here:
https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/safety/emergency-preparedness-response-recovery/covid-19-provincial-support
https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/safety/emergency-preparedness-response-recovery/covid-19-provincial-support
TRAVEL QUESTIONS
Canada-U.S. border restrictions
As of June 16, 2020, the restriction on all discretionary travel at the Canada-U.S. border that was initially implemented on March 21, 2020, was extended for an until OCTOBER 21, 2020. This applies to all foreign nationals with some exceptions for immediate family members (see section below).
Potential travellers should consult the Border Information Service for information.
LINK TO BORDER SERVICES: https://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/contact/bis-sif-eng.html
LINK TO COMPLETE TRAVEL INFORMATION: https://travel.gc.ca/covid-19-travel
As of June 16, 2020, the restriction on all discretionary travel at the Canada-U.S. border that was initially implemented on March 21, 2020, was extended for an until OCTOBER 21, 2020. This applies to all foreign nationals with some exceptions for immediate family members (see section below).
Potential travellers should consult the Border Information Service for information.
LINK TO BORDER SERVICES: https://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/contact/bis-sif-eng.html
LINK TO COMPLETE TRAVEL INFORMATION: https://travel.gc.ca/covid-19-travel
GENERAL COVD-19 QUESTIONS
How do I prevent and prepare for COVID-19?
The most important thing you can do to prevent infection is to wash your hands regularly and avoid touching your face.
To help reduce your risk of infection:
More information:
http://www.bccdc.ca/health-info/diseases-conditions/covid-19/about-covid-19/prevention
The most important thing you can do to prevent infection is to wash your hands regularly and avoid touching your face.
To help reduce your risk of infection:
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Using soap and water is the single most effective way of reducing the spread of infection.
- If a sink is not available, alcohol based hand rubs (ABHR) can be used to clean your hands as long as they are not visibly soiled. If they are visibly soiled, use a wipe and then ABHR to effectively clean them.
- Do not touch your face, eyes, nose or mouth with unwashed hands.
- Cover your mouth and nose with a disposable tissue or the crease of your elbow when you sneeze or cough.
- Regularly clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces.
- Do not share food, drinks, utensils, etc.
More information:
http://www.bccdc.ca/health-info/diseases-conditions/covid-19/about-covid-19/prevention
What should I do if I think I have symptoms or think I may have been in contact with someone who has COVID-19?
BC COVID-19 SELF ASSESSMENT TOOL: https://bc.thrive.health/
This self-assessment tool, developed with the BC Ministry of Health, will help determine whether you may need further assessment or testing for COVID-19.
You can complete this assessment for yourself, or on behalf of someone else, if they are unable to.
The BC Centre for Disease Control has outlined additional steps to take here:
http://www.bccdc.ca/health-info/diseases-conditions/covid-19/about-covid-19/if-you-are-sick
BC COVID-19 SELF ASSESSMENT TOOL: https://bc.thrive.health/
This self-assessment tool, developed with the BC Ministry of Health, will help determine whether you may need further assessment or testing for COVID-19.
You can complete this assessment for yourself, or on behalf of someone else, if they are unable to.
The BC Centre for Disease Control has outlined additional steps to take here:
http://www.bccdc.ca/health-info/diseases-conditions/covid-19/about-covid-19/if-you-are-sick
Is it okay to attend public gatherings?
All event organizers are ordered to limit all public gatherings larger than 50 people. This includes indoor and outdoor sporting events, conferences, meetings, religious gatherings or other similar events.
This threshold has been selected, as it is much easier to maintain important social distancing to prevent transmission of COVID-19.
More Information:
http://www.bccdc.ca/health-info/diseases-conditions/covid-19/event-planning
All event organizers are ordered to limit all public gatherings larger than 50 people. This includes indoor and outdoor sporting events, conferences, meetings, religious gatherings or other similar events.
This threshold has been selected, as it is much easier to maintain important social distancing to prevent transmission of COVID-19.
More Information:
http://www.bccdc.ca/health-info/diseases-conditions/covid-19/event-planning
Where can I get the most up to date information on the coronavirus (COVID-19) and actions being taken to protect the health of British Columbians?
For the most up to date information locally including current situation, risk, cases and testing, prevention, etc. please visit: http://www.bccdc.ca/health-info/diseases-conditions/covid-19
Additional information can be found on the Government of Canada’s website here: https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/diseases/coronavirus-disease-covid-19.html
For the most up to date information locally including current situation, risk, cases and testing, prevention, etc. please visit: http://www.bccdc.ca/health-info/diseases-conditions/covid-19
Additional information can be found on the Government of Canada’s website here: https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/diseases/coronavirus-disease-covid-19.html
Should you have questions or concerns not answered here, please contact my office at Dan.Albas@parl.gc.ca or at 1-800-665-8711.
My team and I will do our best to direct you to the correct resource.
My team and I will do our best to direct you to the correct resource.