For CERB claimants who don’t qualify for the new EI benefits, which the CCPA estimates could be as many as two million people, they may be eligible to apply for three new temporary benefits. The three new benefits are called the Canada Recovery Benefit, the Canada Recovery Sickness Benefit, and the Canada Recovery Caregiving Benefit.
CANADA RECOVERY BENEFIT (CRB)
The Canada Recovery Benefit (CRB) is designed for workers who are self-employed or who are not eligible for EI but still require support. Valued at $500 for 26 weeks, the benefit is only provided to workers who haven’t returned to work due to COVID-19 or who have seen their income drop by at least 50 per cent. Those who apply for the CRB must be looking for work, and accept work “where it is reasonable to do so,” according to government criteria.
CANADA RECOVERY SICKNESS BENEFIT (CRSB)
The Canada Recovery Sickness Benefit (CRSB) is a new initiative that provides $500 per week for up to two weeks for workers who are sick or who must self-isolate due to COVID-19. Details on the benefit, including who is and is not eligible, remain slim, but the government describes the measure as a way to “ensure all Canadian workers have access to paid sick leave.”
CANADA RECOVERY CAREGIVING BENEFIT (CRCB)
Those who are unable to work because they need to care for a child under the age of 12 or family member because schools and daycares are closed are entitled to the Canada Recovery Caregiving Benefit (CRCB), a benefit of up to $500 per week for up to 26 weeks per household. The benefit is also available for those caring for a child or family member who is sick and/or required to quarantine.
