BENEFITS SUPPORT TOOL
Welcome to the WeGotchu Benefits Support Tool. We wanted to make sure that you had a comprehensive resource to guide you through finding the best supports during COVID-19. Remember, if you're unsure that this tool is working for you, check out the different pages on our site for help.
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We would like to thank Dr. Jennifer Robson, Associate Professor of Political Management at Carleton University for compiling the information resources.
FIRST, DO YOU LIVE IN BRITISH COLUMBIA?
THAT'S GREAT! WHILE A LOT OF THE INFORMATION ON HERE CAN BE USED BY INDIVIDUALS ACROSS CANADA, SOME OF THE INFORMATION IS MOST USEFUL FOR RESIDENTS OF BC.
NOT A PROBLEM! A LOT OF THE INFORMATION ON HERE CAN BE USED BY INDIVIDUALS ACROSS CANADA. HOWEVER, KEEP IN MIND THAT SOME OF THE INFORMATION IS MOST USEFUL FOR RESIDENTS OF BC.
PLEASE SELECT THE STATEMENT THAT BEST DESCRIBES YOU
DID YOU PAY INTO EMPLOYMENT INSURANCE (EI) AND WORK AT LEAST 600 HOURS IN THE LAST 52 WEEKS?
HAVE YOU ALREADY APPLIED FOR EI?
THE CANADA EMERGENCY RESPONSE BENEFIT IS AVAILABLE!
Here are the steps to apply:
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1: If you can apply online, make sure you have and use a MyAccount with the CRA.
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2: If you can't apply online, check public information sourced for the dedicated telephone number that will be launched by the Government of Canada soon.
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You are eligible if you had at least $5000 in income from work, EI maternity or parental benefits or QC's parental benefits program in the last year, AND you have had no income from employment, self-employment, any EI benefit or QPIP for at least 14 days in a row.
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You could receive $2000 for every 4 weeks that you are eligible, to max of 16 weeks between March 15 and October 3, 2020.
THERE IS NO NEED TO RE-APPLY. YOUR APPLICATION WILL AUTOMATICALLY BE ASSESSED FOR ELIGIBLE BENEFITS.
EI SICKNESS BENEFITS ARE AVAILABLE!
Here are the steps to apply:
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1: Ask your employer for a Record of Employment. They will either give you a paper copy or send an electronic copy to Service Canada directly.
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2: Apply NOW (even if you do not have your Record of Employment yet).
You can apply online here.
If you can't apply online, click or dial this number to call: 1-833-381-2725
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You may be eligible for 15 weeks of payments up to 55% of your usual pay or $573/week , whichever is less. The funds can be deposited directly to your financial institution to access them faster.
DID YOU PAY INTO EMPLOYMENT INSURANCE (EI) AND WORK AT LEAST 600 HOURS IN THE LAST 52 WEEKS?
EI CAREGIVER BENEFITS ARE AVAILABLE IF SOMEONE IS CRITICALLY ILL!
Here are the steps to apply. If you have already applied and are not yet receiving benefits, you will automatically be assessed for eligible benefits:
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1: Ask your employer for a Record of Employment. They will either give you a paper copy or send an electronic copy to Service Canada directly.
​
2: Apply NOW (even if you do not have your Record of Employment yet).
You can apply online here.
If you can't apply online, click or dial this number to call: 1-833-381-2725
​
You may be eligible for 15-35 weeks of payments up to 55% of your usual pay or $573/week , whichever is less. The funds can be deposited directly to your financial institution to access them faster.
THE CANADA EMERGENCY RESPONSE BENEFIT IS AVAILABLE!
Here are the steps to apply:
​
1: If you can apply online, make sure you have and use a MyAccount with the CRA.
​
2: If you can't apply online, check public information sourced for the dedicated telephone number that will be launched by the Government of Canada soon.
​
You are eligible if you had at least $5000 in income from work, EI maternity or parental benefits or QC's parental benefits program in the last year, AND you have had no income from employment, self-employment, any EI benefit or QPIP for at least 14 days in a row.
​
You could receive $2000 for every 4 weeks that you are eligible, to max of 16 weeks between March 15 and October 3, 2020.
DID YOU PAY INTO EMPLOYMENT INSURANCE (EI) AND WORK THE REQUIRED HOURS IN THE LAST 52 WEEKS?
EI REGULAR BENEFITS ARE AVAILABLE!
Here are the steps to apply. If you have already applied and are not yet receiving benefits, you will automatically be assessed for eligible benefits:
​
1: Ask your employer for a Record of Employment. They will either give you a paper copy or send an electronic copy to Service Canada directly.
​
2: Apply NOW (even if you do not have your Record of Employment yet).
You can apply online here.
If you can't apply online, click or dial this number to call: 1-833-381-2725
​
You may be eligible for 14-45 weeks of payments up to 55% of your usual pay or $573/week , whichever is less. The funds can be deposited directly to your financial institution to access them faster.
THE CANADA EMERGENCY RESPONSE BENEFIT IS AVAILABLE!
Here are the steps to apply:
​
1: If you can apply online, make sure you have and use a MyAccount with the CRA.
​
2: If you can't apply online, check public information sourced for the dedicated telephone number that will be launched by the Government of Canada soon.
​
You are eligible if you had at least $5000 in income from work, EI maternity or parental benefits or QC's parental benefits program in the last year, AND you have had no income from employment, self-employment, any EI benefit or QPIP for at least 14 days in a row.
​
You could receive $2000 for every 4 weeks that you are eligible, to max of 16 weeks between March 15 and October 3, 2020.
YOU HAVE TWO OPTIONS:
Ask your employer if they have looked at the temporary Federal wage subsidy program.
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So far, the Government of Canada has announced the following eligibility criteria:
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Employers (regardless of size) will get a subsidy of up to 75% if they continue to pay their employees during the COVID-19 crisis;
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Employers have to have had a 30% decline in revenues because of the pandemic. The number of employees is not an eligibility factor.
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Eligible employers are corporations, non-profits, and charities.
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OR
THE CANADA EMERGENCY RESPONSE BENEFIT IS AVAILABLE!
Here are the steps to apply:
​
1: If you can apply online, make sure you have and use a MyAccount with the CRA.
​
2: If you can't apply online, check public information sourced for the dedicated telephone number that will be launched by the Government of Canada soon.
​
You are eligible if you had at least $5000 in income from work, EI maternity or parental benefits or QC's parental benefits program in the last year, AND you have had no income from employment, self-employment, any EI benefit or QPIP for at least 14 days in a row.
​
You could receive $2000 for every 4 weeks that you are eligible, to max of 16 weeks between March 15 and October 3, 2020.
TWO THINGS:
MAKE SURE YOU ARE RECEIVING THE CANADA CHILD BENEFIT!
Here are the steps to apply:
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1: Check your bank account to ensure you're receiving CCB. If you are, then you're all set for this benefit. If you're not, did you file a tax return for 2018?
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2: If you did, then check or apply here. If you didn't, then you (and your spouse if applicable) need to file one immediately and then apply unless the CRA already knows you have kids.
​
Also, ask your employer if they offer paid family leave or are considering the temporary Federal wage subsidy program.
THE CANADA EMERGENCY RESPONSE BENEFIT IS AVAILABLE!
Here are the steps to apply:
​
1: If you can apply online, make sure you have and use a MyAccount with the CRA.
​
2: If you can't apply online, check public information sourced for the dedicated telephone number that will be launched by the Government of Canada soon.
​
You are eligible if you had at least $5000 in income from work, EI maternity or parental benefits or QC's parental benefits program in the last year, AND you have had no income from employment, self-employment, any EI benefit or QPIP for at least 14 days in a row.
​
You could receive $2000 for every 4 weeks that you are eligible, to max of 16 weeks between March 15 and October 3, 2020.
DID YOU PAY YOURSELF A SALARY WITH PAYROLL DEDUCTIONS INCLUDING EI PREMIUMS?
EI SICKNESS BENEFITS ARE AVAILABLE!
Here are the steps to apply. If you have already applied and are not yet receiving benefits, you will automatically be assessed for eligible benefits:
​
1: Ask your employer for a Record of Employment. They will either give you a paper copy or send an electronic copy to Service Canada directly.
​
2: Apply NOW (even if you do not have your Record of Employment yet).
You can apply online here.
If you can't apply online, click or dial this number to call: 1-833-381-2725
​
There currently is a bit of a backlog, so you may want to apply for the Canada Emergency Relief Benefit.
THE CANADA EMERGENCY RESPONSE BENEFIT IS AVAILABLE!
Here are the steps to apply:
​
1: If you can apply online, make sure you have and use a MyAccount with the CRA.
​
2: If you can't apply online, check public information sourced for the dedicated telephone number that will be launched by the Government of Canada soon.
​
You are eligible if you had at least $5000 in income from work, EI maternity or parental benefits or QC's parental benefits program in the last year, AND you have had no income from employment, self-employment, any EI benefit or QPIP for at least 14 days in a row.
​
You could receive $2000 for every 4 weeks that you are eligible, to max of 16 weeks between March 15 and October 3, 2020.
D0 YOU HAVE CHILDREN?
MAKE SURE YOU ARE RECEIVING THE CANADA CHILD BENEFIT!
Here are the steps to apply:
​
1: Check your bank account to ensure you're receiving CCB. If you are, then you're all set for this benefit. If you're not, did you file a tax return for 2018?
​
2: If you did, then check or apply here. If you didn't, then you (and your spouse if applicable) need to file one immediately and then apply unless the CRA already knows you have kids.
​
Also, ask your employer if they offer paid family leave or are considering the temporary Federal wage subsidy program.
DID YOU WORK FOR PAY (INCLUDING GIGS AND SELF-EMPLOYMENT) IN 2019 OR IN THE LAST 12 MONTHS?
DID YOU MAKE AT LEAST $5000 IN THAT WORK?
SINCE MARCH 15, HAVE YOU GONE WITHOUT PAID WORK FOR 14 DAYS IN A ROW?
THE CANADA EMERGENCY RESPONSE BENEFIT IS AVAILABLE!
Here are the steps to apply:
​
1: If you can apply online, make sure you have and use a MyAccount with the CRA.
​
2: If you can't apply online, check public information sourced for the dedicated telephone number that will be launched by the Government of Canada soon.
​
You are eligible if you had at least $5000 in income from work, EI maternity or parental benefits or QC's parental benefits program in the last year, AND you have had no income from employment, self-employment, any EI benefit or QPIP for at least 14 days in a row.
​
You could receive $2000 for every 4 weeks that you are eligible, to max of 16 weeks between March 15 and October 3, 2020.
SOME SOURCES OF SUPPORT MIGHT BE AVAILABLE
The Government of Canada is making changes to the Canada Summer Jobs program , including:
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Increasing the wage subsidy so that employers can receive up to 100% of the hourly minimum wage for each employee;
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An extension to the end date of employment to February 28, 2021;
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Allowing employers to adapt activities to support essential services;
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Allowing employers to hire staff on a part-time basis.
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ALSO,
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Are the resources you've used during the school year to cover essentials still available to you?
Have you contacted the student financial office at your institution to inquire about support options for students including grants and loans?
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If you need help with your institution, we've created a "Find My Uni" tool to access all COVID-19 related information for your school.
DID YOU WORK FOR PAY (INCLUDING GIGS AND SELF-EMPLOYMENT) IN 2019 OR IN THE LAST 12 MONTHS?
DID YOU MAKE AT LEAST $5000 IN THAT WORK?
DO YOU CURRENTLY MAKE $1000 OR LESS PER MONTH?
THE CANADA EMERGENCY RESPONSE BENEFIT IS AVAILABLE!
Here are the steps to apply:
​
1: If you can apply online, make sure you have and use a MyAccount with the CRA.
​
2: If you can't apply online, check public information sourced for the dedicated telephone number that will be launched by the Government of Canada soon.
​
You are eligible if you had at least $5000 in income from work, EI maternity or parental benefits or QC's parental benefits program in the last year, AND you have had no income from employment, self-employment, any EI benefit or QPIP for at least 14 days in a row.
​
You could receive $2000 for every 4 weeks that you are eligible, to max of 16 weeks between March 15 and October 3, 2020.
DID YOU WORK FOR PAY (INCLUDING GIGS AND SELF-EMPLOYMENT) IN 2019 OR IN THE LAST 12 MONTHS?
DID YOU MAKE AT LEAST $5000 IN THAT WORK?
THE CANADA EMERGENCY RESPONSE BENEFIT IS AVAILABLE!
Here are the steps to apply:
​
1: If you can apply online, make sure you have and use a MyAccount with the CRA.
​
2: If you can't apply online, check public information sourced for the dedicated telephone number that will be launched by the Government of Canada soon.
​
You are eligible if you had at least $5000 in income from work, EI maternity or parental benefits or QC's parental benefits program in the last year, AND you have had no income from employment, self-employment, any EI benefit or QPIP for at least 14 days in a row.
​
You could receive $2000 for every 4 weeks that you are eligible, to max of 16 weeks between March 15 and October 3, 2020.
DID YOU WORK FOR PAY (INCLUDING GIGS AND SELF-EMPLOYMENT) IN 2019 OR IN THE LAST 12 MONTHS?
DID YOU MAKE AT LEAST $5000 IN THAT WORK?
THE CANADA EMERGENCY RESPONSE BENEFIT IS AVAILABLE!
Here are the steps to apply:
​
1: If you can apply online, make sure you have and use a MyAccount with the CRA.
​
2: If you can't apply online, check public information sourced for the dedicated telephone number that will be launched by the Government of Canada soon.
​
You are eligible if you had at least $5000 in income from work, EI maternity or parental benefits or QC's parental benefits program in the last year, AND you have had no income from employment, self-employment, any EI benefit or QPIP for at least 14 days in a row.
​
You could receive $2000 for every 4 weeks that you are eligible, to max of 16 weeks between March 15 and October 3, 2020.
DID YOU WORK FOR PAY (INCLUDING GIGS AND SELF-EMPLOYMENT) IN 2019 OR IN THE LAST 12 MONTHS?
DO YOU CURRENTLY MAKE $2500 OR LESS PER MONTH?
THE CANADA EMERGENCY RESPONSE BENEFIT IS AVAILABLE!
Here are the steps to apply:
​
1: If you can apply online, make sure you have and use a MyAccount with the CRA.
​
2: If you can't apply online, check public information sourced for the dedicated telephone number that will be launched by the Government of Canada soon.
​
You are eligible if you had at least $5000 in income from work, EI maternity or parental benefits or QC's parental benefits program in the last year, AND you have had no income from employment, self-employment, any EI benefit or QPIP for at least 14 days in a row.
​
You could receive $2000 for every 4 weeks that you are eligible, to max of 16 weeks between March 15 and October 3, 2020.
DID YOU MAKE AT LEAST $5000 THAT WORK?
I AM NOT SURE THAT MY EMPLOYER IS FOLLOWING THE RULES
If you work for banks, air transportation, telecom and mobility, radio or TV, marine shipping or ports, rail or road transportation across provinces, or other federally regulated work.
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You are covered by the federal labour code. You can check the above link for more info.
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If you work for another employer, then you should be covered by provincial or territorial rules. Check the BC website or call: 1-833-236-3700