EMILY HSUEH
PONTIAC Sept. 2, 2020
With the end of the Canadian Emergency Response Benefit approaching, Canadians will have a few new choices of financial support to choose from. When the CERB ends in December . . .
— after a four week extension from Oct. 3 — those benefiting from the system will have four options to continue getting aid.
“When Canadians needed the support the most, the Canada Emergency Response Benefit was there to help support over 8.5 million people pay their bills and be there for their families,” Pontiac MP Will Amos said in a press release. “That’s why we are extending the CERB. This program extension means that they will be supported as they plan the fall and back-to-school.”
EI eligibility is based upon regional unemployment rate and number of hours worked. As of Aug. 9, the Canadian government established a minimum 13.1 per cent unemployment rate across all economic regions in the country. The number of required hours worked has decreased from 420 to 120 with 300 temporary insurable hours given as a one-time credit. The lower hours and higher minimum employment rate mean the benefit will be accessible to more applicants.
“Canadians who are currently receiving CERB… who believe they are entitled to EI will have to apply through Service Canada after September 26,” Amos said in an interview with THE EQUITY. “The CRA which administer the CERB will be administering the Canada recovery benefit.”
In addition, there are three new benefits that Canadians can apply to if they do not qualify for EI.
The Canada Recovery Benefit (CRB) applies to workers who are self-employed or still require income support and are actively looking for employment. It is $400 per week for up to 26 weeks, and must be applied for every two weeks. Recipients will also gain access to training and tools like the Job Bank to help them return to work. For every dollar of income over $38,000 earned, claimants must repay 50 cents.
The Canada Recovery Sickness Benefit (CRSB) is for those who are sick or must isolate themselves due to COVID-19. Recipients can earn $500 for up to two weeks. This is a one-time benefit.
The Canada Recovery Caregiver Benefit (CRCB) can be collected by those unable to work because they must care for a child under age 12, a family member with a disability, or other high-risk dependent unable to attend school, daycare or other care facilities due to COVID-19. This will be a benefit of $500 for up to 26 weeks. One person per household can receive this benefit.
Having been on EI in the past, Amos acknowledges the struggle in claiming EI.
“I know firsthand, it’s very complicated. It can be very complicated and meeting the requirements of the system,” he said. “With the winding up of the CERB. there needed to be benefits created for those who were just not eligible for EI at all.”
Amos stated that many residents in the Pontiac are employed in the tourism and construction sectors, which have both been hit with low demand during the pandemic. He hopes the EI changes and new benefits will be able to better support more Canadians as the economy restarts.
“By returning to the EI program, and introducing new complimentary recovery benefits, we are ensuring Canadians have access to better supports that will help them through the next phase of our recovery,” he said in a press release.
More information can be found at https://www.canada.ca/en/department-finance/economic-response-plan.
