The Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB) provided essential financial support to Canadians during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. While CERB officially ended on September 27, 2020, the economic impacts of the pandemic still affect many individuals across the country. Canada continues to face a workforce shortfall, with 1.1 million fewer paid workers than before the pandemic. However, there are still a variety of federal benefits and support programs that many Canadians are eligible for, both new and modified, to help ease financial pressures.
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Here’s an in-depth look at some of the key benefits available to Canadians today, following the conclusion of CERB:
1. Modified Employment Insurance (EI) Program & New Recovery Benefits
Following the end of CERB, the Canadian government introduced a modified Employment Insurance (EI) program to continue supporting those who need assistance.
Who qualifies:
Unemployed workers with at least 120 hours of insurable employment were transitioned into the new EI system. A one-time credit was provided, offering a 300-hour credit for regular benefit claims (due to job loss) and a 480-hour credit for special benefit claims, which include sickness, maternity/parental leave, compassionate care, or family caregiving.
How much you can get:
Under this modified EI system, you could receive a minimum of $650 per week for up to 50 weeks, or $390 per week for extended parental benefits.
Income Considerations:
If you earned money while on EI, you could keep 50 cents of your benefits for every dollar earned, up to 90% of your previous weekly earnings. However, if you work a full week, you would no longer qualify for EI benefits.
How to apply:
If you were receiving CERB through Service Canada, you were likely automatically transitioned to the updated EI program. Those whose CERB payments were administered by the CRA had to apply for EI through Service Canada.
For those who didn’t qualify for EI, there were other options available:
- Canada Recovery Benefit (CRB):
If you were self-employed or not eligible for EI, you could collect $500 per week for up to 38 weeks. This benefit allowed recipients to earn additional self-employment income while collecting the benefit, but with a repayment requirement of $0.50 for every dollar earned over $38,000. Retroactive applications closed on December 23, 2021. - Canada Recovery Sickness Benefit (CRSB):
For individuals who were sick or self-isolating due to COVID-19, you could have received $500 per week for up to four weeks. Retroactive applications closed on July 7, 2022. - Canada Recovery Caregiving Benefit (CRCB):
If you were unable to work because you were caring for dependents, you could have received $500 per week for up to 38 weeks. However, you could not claim this benefit if another household member already received it. Retroactive applications also closed on July 7, 2022.
2. Canada Child Benefit (CCB)
The Canada Child Benefit helps eligible families offset the costs associated with raising children under the age of 18.
Who qualifies:
Families with low to moderate incomes can receive this benefit.
How much you can get:
You could receive up to $7,787 per year for each child under six years old and $6,570 per year for each child aged six to 17 years.
How payments are calculated:
Your payments are based on the number of children, their ages, your marital status, and your adjusted family net income (AFNI) from the previous year.
How to apply:
You can apply for the CCB either by birth registration, online through My Account, or by mail.
3. Old Age Security (OAS)
Old Age Security (OAS) provides taxable monthly payments to seniors. Unlike the Canada Pension Plan (CPP), OAS is not linked to your employment history.
Who qualifies:
Seniors aged 65 and over are eligible.
How much you can get:
The maximum monthly OAS payment as of October 2024 is $800.44. The amount adjusts quarterly based on the Consumer Price Index.
Maximum income levels:
If your income exceeds $90,997, you may need to repay some or all of your OAS.
How to apply:
Most seniors are automatically enrolled, but you may need to apply if you don’t receive a notification letter from Service Canada.
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4. Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS)
The Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS) is a non-taxable monthly payment that helps low-income seniors.
Who qualifies:
OAS recipients with low incomes qualify for GIS.
How much you can get:
The maximum GIS payment for individuals is $1,086.88 per month, with varying amounts for those who have a spouse or common-law partner.
Maximum income levels:
Single seniors must have an annual income under $22,056 to qualify for GIS.
How to apply:
Service Canada generally automatically enrolls eligible seniors for the GIS. However, if you don’t automatically receive it, you can apply online or through mail.
5. GST/HST Tax Credit
The GST/HST credit is a tax-free payment issued quarterly to help low- to modest-income individuals and families offset the GST or HST they pay.
Who qualifies:
Individuals and families who are Canadian residents for income tax purposes.
How much you can get:
The maximum credit amount is $519 for singles, $680 for married/common-law couples, and $179 per child under 19.
How payments are calculated:
The amount depends on your family net income and number of children.
How to apply:
Simply file your taxes every year. If you’re a new resident, you’ll need to submit an application form.
6. Canada Workers Benefit (CWB)
The Canada Workers Benefit (CWB) is a refundable tax credit that supports low-income workers.
Who qualifies:
Canadian residents aged 19 and older who meet income requirements.
How much you can get:
The maximum benefit is $1,518 for individuals and $2,616 for families. The disability supplement for eligible individuals or families is an additional $784.
How to apply:
Claim the CWB when you file your taxes.
7. Disability Tax Credit (DTC)
The Disability Tax Credit (DTC) provides non-refundable tax credits to individuals with disabilities or their caregivers to help offset additional living expenses.
Who qualifies:
Individuals who have an approved Disability Tax Credit Certificate.
How much you can get:
The maximum credit is $9,872, with an additional supplement of $5,758 for children under 18.
How to apply:
Complete Form T2201 and have a medical practitioner certify your condition.
While CERB may have ended, many of these federal benefits continue to support Canadians facing financial challenges. Make sure to review your eligibility and apply for the benefits that you may qualify for, as they can provide vital financial relief.