Changes to Recovery Benefits

On September 24, 2020 the government released information on the new recovery benefits to commence at the end of September. The details vary slightly from what was previously announced, such as payments under CRB going up from $400/week to $500/week. Supporting legislation was included in Bill C-2. Details include:

  • A Canada Recovery Benefit (CRB) of $500 (previously announced at $400 ) 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.

Individuals can apply for the CRB, CRSB, and CRCB through CRA for one year up until September 25, 2021.

Also, changes to EI from that announced on August 20, 2020 would set the weekly minimum at $500 (as opposed to the $400 previously announced).

Press Release

Bill C-2