| Resource/Benefit | Description | How & When to Apply |
|---|---|---|
| Canadian Emergency Response Benefit (CERB) | If you have stopped working because of COVID-19, the Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB) may provide you with temporary income support. The CERB provides $500 a week for up to 16 weeks. https://www.canada.ca/en/services/benefits/ei/cerb-application.html | Apply starting April 6, 2020 https://www.canada.ca/en/services/benefits/ei/cerb-application.html” |
| BC-Temporary Rental Supplement (BC-TRS) Program | The temporary rent supplement will provide up to $500 per month, paid directly to your landlord. To be eligible, tenants must have experienced an income loss or reduction as a result of the current COVID-19 pandemic, but do not qualify for existing rental assistance programs. | The rental supplement program will be accepting applications in mid-April. |
| Additional Info on BC regulations for Tenancies | The Residential Tenancy Act has been amended to support renters and landlords during the provincial state of emergency and to help prevent the spread of COVID-19. The amendments are in effect for the duration of the state of emergency. Talk to your landlord and make sure they are aware of the changes that have been made.
https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/housing-tenancy/residential-tenancies/covid-19#temporary-rent | N/A |
| BC Hydro COVID-19 Relief Fund | If you or your spouse/partner have lost employment or have become unable to work due to COVID-19, you may be eligible for three months of bill credit based on your average consumption. | There is no rush to apply. Eligible customers can apply any time until June 30, 2020 to receive the credit. |
| Increasing the Canada Child Benefit | Up to an extra $300 per child through the Canada Child Benefit (CCB) for 2019-20. This will mean approximately $550 more for the average family. This benefit will be delivered as part of the scheduled CCB payment in May. | Those who already receive the CCB do not need to re-apply.
Follow this link to apply for the CCB: https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/services/child-family-benefits/canada-child-benefit-overview/canada-child-benefit-apply.html |
| Special Goods and Services Tax credit payment | A one-time special payment starting April 9 through the Goods and Services Tax credit for low- and modest-income families. The average additional benefit will be close to $400 for single individuals and close to $600 for couples. | There is no need to apply for this payment. If you are eligible, you will get it automatically. |
| Extra time to file income tax returns | The filing due date for 2019 income tax returns for individuals has been deferred until June 1, 2020. Any new income tax balances due, or instalments, are also being deferred until after August 31, 2020 without incurring interest or penalties. | To ensure that your entitlements are properly determined, file your tax return as soon as you can.
See all tax payment dates: https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/campaigns/covid-19-update/covid-19-filing-payment-dates.html |
| Applying for Employment Insurance (EI) | If you have stopped working because of COVID-19, you should apply for the Canada Emergency Response Benefit, whether or not you are eligible for Employment Insurance. The Benefit is available for the period from March 15, 2020 to October 3, 2020. | If you applied for EI regular or sickness benefits on March 15, 2020 or later, your claim will be automatically processed through the Canada Emergency Response Benefit.
Starting now, there will be a single portal to assist you with the application process: https://www.canada.ca/en/services/benefits/ei/cerb-application.html |
| BC Rent Bank | On March 25, 2020, the Government of B.C. announced a plan to support renters and landlords during the provincial state of emergency. The Residential Tenancy Branch has a special “COVID-19 and Tenancies” web page where many Q&As are being answered. | N/A |
Tourim Whistler / Justa Juskova
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