COVID-19 Resources For Individuals in Canada
*UPDATE*
The Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB) ended on October 3, 2020.
If financial assistance is still required, you can access more information for Financial Support here.
Mental health resources below
Financial Resources and Support
If you are facing reduced work hours, and making more than $1,000 a month:
- Talk to your employer about EI Work-Sharing benefits, info at this website
NEW: Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB)
Live updated Q&A document at this website
- To simplify the process, it is a combination of the former two benefits (Emergency Care and Support Benefits)
- $2000 a month for up to 4 months
- Applications are open online at this website (see dates above)— you should receive payment within 10 days of applying
- If you've applied for EI benefits since March 15, or if you are already receiving EI payments, you will be automatically enrolled in the CERB
- If you are receiving the 75% wage subsidy, you cannot receive the CERB
Eligibility:
- You have lost your job, are sick, quarantined, or taking care of someone who is sick with COVID-19
- You are earning less than $1,000 a month due to COVID-19
- Working parents who must stay home without pay to care for children who are sick or at home because of school and daycare closures.
- Wage earners, as well as contract workers and self-employed individuals who would not otherwise be eligible for Employment Insurance (EI)
- Workers who are still employed, but are not receiving income because of disruptions to their work situation due to COVID-19, would also qualify for the CERB
The benefit will be available to workers:
- Residing in Canada, who are at least 15 years old;
- Who have stopped working because of COVID-19, are earning less than $1,000 a month, or are eligible for Employment Insurance regular or sickness benefits:
- Who had income of at least $5,000 in 2019 or in the 12 months prior to the date of their application; and
- Who are or expect to be without employment or self-employment income, or made less than $1,000 a month, for at least 14 consecutive days in the initial four-week period. For subsequent benefit periods, they expect to have no employment income.
More information on CERB here.
Carleton prof creates plain-language guide for getting government aid
Additional Supports
- Tax filing deadline has been extended to June 1, payments due August 31.
- Low to middle income Canadians: GST credit top-up (average of $400 for single adults, $600 for couples) available as soon as May 2020.
- Families: One-time enhanced Canada Child Benefit this April (additional $300 per child).
- Homeowners: Deferral of mortgage payments for affected Canadians by up to 6 months (disruptions to your pay interruptions to child care, or unexpected health needs).
- Students: See Students page here.
- Seniors: One-time, tax-free payment of up to $500, increasing support for New Horizons for Seniors program, and reducing mandatory withdrawal from RRIFs by 25%.
- Indigenous: New $305 million Indigenous Community Support Fund. $75 million for communities and organizations working with Indigenous peoples living in urban areas and off-reserve. Additional funding for health, economic, and social support for Indigenous peoples and communities.
- Vulnerable Population: Additional $50 million available to shelters and centres for women and children fleeing domestic violence, and new $350 million fund for charities and non-profits.
Mental Health Resources and Support
HealthLink BC
Provides 24/7, confidential health information and advice.
Call 8-1-1
www.healthlinkbc.ca
Crisis Intervention and Suicide Prevention Centre
Provides confidential, non-judgmental, free emotional support for people experiencing feelings of distress or despair, including thoughts of suicide.
Call 604 872-3311 (Greater Vancouver)
Toll-free 1 800 SUICIDE (784-2433)
www.crisiscentre.bc.ca
The KUU-US Crisis Response Service
Provides 24/7 culturally-aware crisis support to Indigenous people in B.C.
Call 1-800-588-8717
www.kuu-uscrisisline.ca
Mental Health Digital Hub
A provincial website that provides information, services and education and awareness about mental health and substance use for adults, youth and children.
www.gov.bc.ca/mentalhealth
Bounce Back
A free evidence-based program designed to help youth and adults experiencing symptoms of mild to moderate depression, low mood or stress, with or without anxiety. Bounce Back® teaches effective skills to help people improve their mental health.
Call toll-free: 1 866 639-0522
www.bouncebackbc.ca
MindHealthBC
Vancouver Coastal Health Authority, Providence Health Care and community partners have created an online mental health counselling program. If you’re struggling with depression, anxiety, or other mental health or substance use challenges, please visit the website for information and recommendations for further support in Vancouver, Richmond and other coastal communities.
www.mindhealthbc.ca
HeretoHelp
Provides information about managing mental illness and maintaining good mental health, including self-management resources and screening self-tests for wellness, mood, anxiety and risky drinking.
www.heretohelp.bc.ca
Additional Resources
Virtual Mental Health Supports During COVID-19
Mental Health and the COVID-19 Pandemic
UBC Resources for Students
General & medical information
Call 1-888-COVID19/1-888-268-4319 for non-medical information on the virus, covering everything from travel recommendations to social distancing (available in more than 110 languages from 7:30am - 8:00pm, 7 days a week)
Text 604-630-0300 for COVID-19 information
Click Here: Info for Seniors and People with Disabilities
