COVID-19 Financial Supports

Workers who had income of at least $5,000 in 2019 or the 12 months prior to their date of application, and expect to be without employment/self-employment income for at least 14 days in the initial four-week period due to COVID-19. (Learn more)

Includes people who:

• Lost their job
• Are sick, quarantined, or a caretaker
• Must stay home without pay to care for children because of COVID-19
• Are still employed, but aren’t receiving income because of COVID-19

EI eligible Canadians who have lost their job can continue to apply for EI, as can Canadians applying for other EI benefits

• Online: The portal individuals should use to apply (the CRA or Service Canada) varies on their previous employment status. Visit the federal government’s website for more information.
• Over the Phone: By calling the automated toll-free line at 1-800-959-2041

Regular EI Eligibility Requirements

How does CERB change EI?

• If you are already receiving EI regular and sickness benefits: Will continue to receive benefits, should not apply to the CERB. If your EI benefits end before October 3, 2020, you can apply for the CERB after EI benefits cease, if you are unable to return to work due to COVID-19.
• If you have already applied for EI and your application has not yet been processed: You do not need to reapply
• If you are eligible for EI regular and sickness benefits and are still unemployed after 16-week period covered by CERB: You would still be able to access your normal EI benefits

To get the CCB for the first time: apply online, or by mail

To continue receiving the CCB: file income taxes online, by mail, or by telephone (invite only)

Applies to employees who are:

• Under medical investigation, supervision or treatment for COVID-19
• Acting in accordance with an order under the Health Protection and Promotion Act
• In isolation or quarantine
• Acting in accordance with public health information or direction
• Have been asked not to work by employers
• Providing care to a person for a reason related to COVID-19, such as a school or daycare closure

1) File income taxes online, by mail, or by telephone (invite only), even if you have no income

2) Complete a GIS application and send it to your nearest Service Canada office

If you are having difficulties paying your rent, please consult the resources listed above, which provide assistance covering bills.

Note:

• Tribunals Ontario will not issue any new eviction orders until further notice
• The enforcement of residential evictions has been suspended, unless ordered otherwise by the court
• Even if your landlord gives you written notice, you don’t have to move out. Your landlord must first get an order to end the tenancy from the Landlord and Tenant Board – this usually includes a hearing where you can present your concerns.

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Canada’s banks have said they will work with clients on a case-by-case basis to provide flexible solutions to managing hardships, including:

•  Up to a 6-month payment deferral for mortgages
• Opportunity for relief on other credit products.

Student loan repayment will be suspended interest-free until September 30th, 2020.

• If you are registered for pre-authorized debit, they will be automatically stopped so you do not have to do anything.
•  If you are making payments by cheque or other means, you are not required to make payments during the suspension period.
• Interest will not be charged to borrowers on their student loans from March 30th, 2020 to September 30th, 2020.

The tax-filing deadline has been extended to June 1, 2020 and those who owe money on their taxes have September 1, 2020 to pay.

However, as many benefits (including the Canada Child Benefit and the GST Credit) require you to file you income taxes in order to receive them, we strongly encourage you to file your taxes as soon as possible.

Electricity use rates have been set to their off-peak rate throughout the whole day until further notice.

OESP (Ontario Energy Support Program): Provides a monthly credit to eligible low-income customers based on household income and household size that is applied directly to eligible customers’ bills

LEAP (Low-Income Energy Assistance Program): A grant program that helps people struggling to pay past-due bills or have already received a disconnection notice. Offers a maximum grant of $500 per household per year ($600 for electrically heated homes)

OESP

LEAP

Many phone and internet providers are providing options for customers unable to pay their bills:

Rogers:

• March 16 – June 14: Accounts will not be suspended or disconnected for any customers experiencing financial difficulties, and providing more flexible payment options
• March 14 – May 31: Waiving data overage fees for home internet usage
• Until April 30: Waive long distance calling across Canada for wireless, wireless home phone customers and small business

Telus:

• Waiving all Easy Roam®, Travel Passes and pay-per-use roaming charges for postpaid and small business customers until April 30
• Offering flexible payment options for consumer and small business customers who have been financially affected by the crisis

Bell:

• If you can’t pay your bill on time, you can set up a flexible payment option in self-serve tools to ensure your services remain active

Rogers: 1 and  2

Telus

Bell