Canada continues to implement new measures to help its citizens and stimulate the economy, many of which are accessible to immigrants.
Among the measures recently implemented is the extension of the Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB) to the end of September, bringing the total duration of benefits to 28 weeks. As a result, many individuals for whom payment was expected to expire in August will now have access to an additional month of support.
CERB is a temporary income support program for those affected by the current coronavirus epidemic. The program provides $ 2,000 per month to affected people.
To qualify for emergency benefits offered by the Canadian government, temporary foreign workers and international students must meet the same criteria as Canadians. Temporary residents must also live in Canada and have a valid social insurance number (SIN).
When the CERB ends at the end of September, three new proposed benefits may be offered to those who continue to face financial hardship, particularly those who have ceased due to the epidemic.
Those who were already eligible for Employment Insurance (EI) can go to the program, while those who are not eligible can apply for three new “reinstatement” benefits starting on 27 September.
- The New Canada Recovery Benefit (CRB) will provide $ 400 per week for 26 weeks to self-employed individuals or those who do not qualify for EI and still need income support and are looking for work.
- Canada Recovery Sickness Benefit (CRSB) will provide $ 500 a week for two weeks to workers who remain ill or isolated for reasons related to COVID-19. However, it is not possible to get this benefit and any other sick leave allowance at the same time.
- Canada Recovery Caregiving Benefit (CRCB) will provide $ 500 per week for 26 weeks to eligible individuals who are unable to work due to caregiving responsibilities, such as
- Children under 12 years of age whose school or daycare is closed due to COVID-19;
- A family member with a disability or dependent whose daycare program is suspended or a care facility is closed due to COVID-19; or
- A child, disabled family member or dependent who is not attending school, daycare, or other care facilities on the advice of a health professional due to high risk for COVID-19.
Any Canadian resident who is at least 15 years of age and has a valid SIN can apply for new recovery benefits. The three proposed new benefits will be applicable for one year starting from September 27, 2020.
Access to CERB for temporary residents
In May, the Canadian government introduced a special measure for eligible temporary work permit holders and eligible international students in Canada to apply for the CERB, making it easier.
The government removed the condition for confirmation of a valid work or study permission or confirmation that Canadian newcomers applied for renewal by email, with oral confirmation to be sufficient.
This change was one of the measures initiated by the federal government to encourage immigrants to stay in Canada to accommodate immigrants and to provide more assistance to foreign workers and international students during this difficult time.