The public health measures enacted to protect Canadians during the COVID-19 pandemic is having major impacts on individuals and businesses. Both the Canadian and Ontario government, along with the private sector, have introduced measures to assist those who are facing challenges, outlined below.
As this situation is rapidly evolving, this list will be updated as new measures are announced or more details become available.
This documents is available as a printable PDF
If you are in need of immediate food support, you can find your nearest Feed Ontario member food bank with our Find a Food Bank tool.
Last updated: Monday, March 30, 2020
Benefit | Amount or Change | Eligibility | How to Apply |
Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB) | A taxable benefit of $2000/month for up to 4 months; replaces previously-announced benefits |
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:
EI eligible Canadians who have lost their job can continue to apply for EI, as can Canadians applying for other EI benefits |
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Employment Insurance | 1 week waiting period has been removed for EI-Sickness |
Regular EI Eligibility Requirements How does CERB change EI?
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Employment Insurance website |
OW/ODSP | Additional resources available | Currently receiving social assistance | Contact your OW/ODSP caseworker or apply online via MyBenefits or Ontario.ca/community |
Emergency Assistance | Additional resources available, and can be used for up to 45 days at a time | Low-income individuals who do not qualify for support under federal programs, are not on OW/ODSP, and can’t meet basic needs/shelter expenses | Apply online at ontario.ca/community or through local Ontario Works offices |
Canada Child Benefit | An additional one-time payment of $300 per child | The caregiver of children under the age of 18 |
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) |
GST Credit | An additional one-time payment (avg. $400 for individuals, $600 for couples) | Low and medium income families and individuals | File income taxes online, by mail, or by telephone (invite only) |
Wage Subsidy | 75% subsidy of wages (up to $847 per week) |
Paid directly to small and medium-sized businesses, non-profits and charities who have lost more than 30% of their revenue due to COVID-19 | Employers apply |
Protected Leave & Sick Notes | Employers must ensure protected leave for workers who have to take unpaid leave to be in self-isolation or quarantine. Employees will not be required to provide a medical note to take unpaid sick leave |
Applies to employees who are:
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Covers all employees in Ontario |
Seniors – GAINS | Double payment for six months | Low-income seniors who receive OAS and GIS |
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 |
Child Care | One-time payment of $200 per child, or $250 for a child with special needs | Parents with children 12 and under (or children 21 and under with special needs) to help cover costs related to educating children at home | Apply online |
Expense | Change | More Information |
Rent |
If you are having difficulties paying your rent, please consult the resources listed above, which provide assistance covering bills. Note:
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Ontario Protecting Critical Front-Line Justice Services in Response to COVID-19 |
Mortgages & Other Credit Products |
Canada’s banks have said they will work with clients on a case-by-case basis to provide flexible solutions to managing hardships, including:
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COVID-19: Understanding Mortgage Payment Deferral |
Student Loans |
Student loan repayment will be suspended interest-free until September 30th, 2020.
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National Student Loans Service Centre (NSLSC) |
Taxes |
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. |
Income tax filing and payment dates: CRA and COVID-19 |
Hydro |
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) |
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Property Taxes, Water & Garbage Fees | Many municipalities have introduced grace periods for paying taxes or fees. Contact your municipality or look for information on their website. | |
Phone, Internet |
Many phone and internet providers are providing options for customers unable to pay their bills: Rogers:
Telus:
Bell:
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