February 9th, 2021

COVID-19 Support for Employees - Current to February 2021


The Canadian government has enacted a number of economic relief measures to assist individuals facing hardship as a result of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. In this blog post we explore some of the benefits that may be available to employees who are experiencing a reduction of work or income due to COVID-19, current to February 2021.

Please note the benefits listed in this blog post are not exhaustive. If you are facing a loss of employment during COVID-19, we encourage you to discuss your entitlements and available options with an experienced employment lawyer.


1. Employment Insurance:

Canada has long had a comprehensive and complex Employment Insurance (EI) program in place to assist individuals who experience a reduction in work. In the past year, however, the federal government has made a number of temporary changes to simplify the EI program and make benefits more accessible to those impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. These changes include reducing the eligibility requirements and increasing the minimum benefit amounts, amongst others. The chart below outlines some of the recent changes, as well as the basic requirements to qualify for regular EI benefits.

Benefit

Recent Changes

Current Eligibility Requirements*

Entitlement

Employment Insurance - Regular Benefits

Waiver of the one-week waiting period

Minimum unemployment rate of 13.1% applies to all regions across Canada

Decreased the number of hours required to qualify to a uniform 120 insured hours

Increased the minimum amount of benefits to $400 per week

Increased minimum number of weeks to 26 weeks of benefits

Receipt of most severance/termination pay will not result in interruption to EI benefits
  1. Were employed in insurable employment
  2. Lost job through no fault of your own
  3. Have been without work or pay for at least 7 consecutive days in last 52 weeks
  4. Have worked 120 insurable hours
  5. Ready, willing and capable of working
  6. Actively looking for work

Minimum benefit rate of $400 per week

At least 26 weeks of regular benefits

Must submit bi-weekly reports to prove eligibility and receive payment

*This list reflects the current eligibility requirements, effective until September 25, 2021. This list is not exhaustive. For further information on eligibility for EI regular benefits please visit: EI Regular Benefits - Eligibility - Canada.ca

The EI program also provides a variety of other benefits to assist individuals who experience a reduction in earnings other than through a loss of job. These benefits include: sickness benefits, maternity and parental benefits, caregiving benefits and leave, benefits for the self-employed, and fishing benefits.


2. COVID-19 Specific Benefits:

In addition to simplifying and increasing access to EI benefits, the federal government has also created several COVID-19 specific benefits. These benefits are intended to provide short-term relief to employees or self-employed individuals whose employment or earnings have been impacted by COVID-19. The chart below outlines the benefits available, as well as the basic requirements for each.

Benefit

Effective Period

Eligibility Requirements*

Entitlement

Canada Recovery Benefit

(CRB)

September 27, 2020 - September 25, 2021
  1. Not employed or self-employed due to COVID-19 OR experienced 50% reduction in wages due to COVID-19
  2. Earned at least $5,000 in 2019, 2020 or 12 months before date of applying
  3. Did not apply for or receive another employment benefit during the same period (e.g. E.I, CRSB etc.)
  4. Not eligible for EI benefits
  5. Did not quit job or voluntarily reduce hours
  6. Seeking work and have not turned down reasonable work during the period you're applying
  7. Not receiving paid leave from employer

$900 per two- week period

Available for maximum of 13 periods

Canada Recovery Sickness Benefit (CRSB)

September 27, 2020 - September 25, 2021
  1. Unable to work at least 50% of scheduled work week because you're self-isolating for one of the following reasons:sick with or may have COVID-19; advised to self-isolate due to COVID-19; or have an underlying health condition that puts you at greater risk of getting COVID-19
  2. Earned at least $5,000 in 2019, 2020 or 12 months before date of applying
  3. Did not apply for or receive another employment benefit during the same period (e.g. E.I, CRCB etc.)
  4. Not receiving paid leave from employer

$450 per one-week period

Available for maximum of two weeks

Canada Recovery Caregiver Benefit (CRCB)

September 27, 2020 - September 25, 2021
  1. Unable to work at least 50% of scheduled work week due to caring for a family member
  2. Earned at least $5,000 in 2019, 2020 or 12 months before date of applying
  3. Did not apply for or receive another employment benefit during the same period (e.g. E.I, CRSB etc.)
  4. Only person in household applying for benefit for the week
  5. Not receiving paid leave from employer

$450 per one- week period

Each household may receive payments for maximum of 26 weeks

*In order to be eligible for any of these benefits each individual must also: (1) reside in Canada; (2) have been present in Canada; (3) be at least 15 years old; and (4) have a valid Social Insurance Number (SIN). For further information on the eligibility criteria and to determine your entitlements, please visit: COVID-19 benefits and services - Canada.ca

3. Provincial Benefits or Relief:

In addition to the benefits offered by the federal government, employees may be eligible to apply for and receive other benefits or relief offered through their provincial or local governments. For example, the Ontario government has extended the Ontario Community Support Program, which provides support to low-income seniors and people with disabilities, until 2022.


In every case, employees facing a loss of employment should consult with an employment lawyer. Our team at Lee Workplace Law can answer any questions you may have and help ensure you are armed with the facts during this difficult time.