COVID-19 Funding: Canada Recovery Caregiving Benefit (CRCB)

This article was originally published on kpopelaw.com

As CERB wraps up there are some new supports in place to assist people through these trying times. One of those benefits is the Canada Recovery Caregiver Benefit (CRCB).

The new Canada Recovery Caregiver Benefit is effective from September 27, 2020 for one year, and provides $500 per week (($450 after taxes withheld), for up to 26 weeks per household to eligible Canadians.

To be eligible, one must:

  • reside in Canada
  • be at least 15 years of age on the first day of the period for which they apply for the benefit
  • have a valid Social Insurance Number
  • be employed or self-employed on the day immediately preceding the period for which the application is made
  • have earned at least $5,000 in 2019 or in 2020
  • have been unable to work for at least 50% of their normally scheduled work within a given week because of one of the following conditions:
    • they must take care of a child who is under 12 years of age on the first day of the period for which the benefit is claimed:
      • because their school or daycare is closed or operates under an alternative schedule for reasons related to the COVID-19 pandemic
      • who cannot attend school or daycare under the advice of a medical professional due to being at high risk if they contract COVID-19, or
      • because the caregiver who usually provides care is not available for reasons related to the COVID-19 pandemic, or
    • they must provide care to a family member with a disability or a dependent:
      • because their day program or care facility is closed or operates under an alternative schedule for reasons related to COVID-19
      • who cannot attend their day program or care facility under the advice of a medical professional due to being at high risk if they contract COVID-19, or
      • because the caregiver who usually provides care is not available for reasons related to the COVID-19 pandemic
  • not be in receipt of paid leave from an employer in respect of the same week, and
  • not be in receipt of the CERB, the EI Emergency Response Benefit (ERB), the Canada Recovery Benefit, the Canada Recovery Sickness Benefit, short-term disability benefits, workers’ compensation benefits, or any EI benefits or Quebec Parental Insurance Plan (QPIP) benefits in respect of the same week.

It is also important to note that if a facility is available but you are keeping your dependent home due to preference, you are NOT entitled to CRCB.

There’s also 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. It has also expanded the eligibility criteria for the sick leave benefit so that it applies not just to individuals who contract Covid-19 but also to those with underlying health conditions or other illnesses, including the flu or the common cold, that makes them more susceptible to Covid-19.

And lastly 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.

You cannot claim CRCB or CRSB while on EI or CRB.

All benefits received under the three Canada Recovery Benefit programs are considered taxable income.

You can apply for the Canada Recover Caregiver Benefit through your MyAccount or over the phone at 1-800-959-2019 or 1-800-959-2041, click here for more details.

We hope this information is helpful, and wish you all continued health and endurance during this difficult time.

Stay well.

 

Peggy Stewart

Sales Representative

103-240 Waterloo St. London, ON N6B 2N4
Office: 519.672.9880
Mobile: 519.852.3822
Fax: 519.672.5145
Email: peggy@accessiblehouses.ca

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