Applications for Canada Recovery Benefit now open!

The Canada Recovery Benefit (CRB) is now open for applications.

As described on the Canada.ca website, the CRB gives income support to employed and self-employed individuals who are directly affected by COVID-19 and are not entitled to Employment Insurance (EI) benefits. The CRB is administered by the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA).

This program replaces the Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB) and, if eligible, provides $1,000 ($900 after taxes withheld) for a 2-week period.

If your situation continues past 2 weeks, you will need to apply again. You may apply up to a total of 13 eligibility periods (26 weeks) between September 27, 2020 and September 25, 2021.

Eligibility

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 were not working for reasons related to COVID-19 OR

  • 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 were present 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 from any of the following sources:

  • 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

• You were seeking work during the period, either as an employee or in self-employment

• You have not turned down reasonable work during the 2-week period you’re applying for

You need all of the above to be eligible for the CRB.