The new Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB)
We will provide a taxable benefit of $2,000 a month for up to 4 months to:
The Canada Emergency Response Benefit will be accessible online in early April. You can get ready to apply online by setting up your CRA My Account now, and signing up for direct deposit to get your benefit more quickly.
This benefit replaces the previously announced Emergency Care Benefit and the Emergency Support Benefit.
Support for people who need it most
A new Indigenous Community Support Fund
We will provide $305 million for a new distinctions-based Indigenous Community Support Fund to address immediate needs in First Nations, Inuit, and Métis Nation communities.
Enhancing the Reaching Home initiative
We continue to support people experiencing homelessness during the COVID-19 outbreak by providing $157.5 million to the Reaching Home initiative.
The funding could be used for a range of needs such as purchasing beds and physical barriers for social distancing and securing accommodation to reduce overcrowding in shelters.
Support for women’s shelters and sexual assault centres
We are supporting women and children fleeing violence, by providing up to $50 million to women’s shelters and sexual assault centres to help with their capacity to manage or prevent an outbreak in their facilities.
Support for seniors
Reduced minimum withdrawals for Registered Retirement Income Funds
We are reducing the required minimum withdrawals from Registered Retirement Income Funds (RRIFs) by 25% for 2020.
Practical services: delivery of items and personal outreach
We are contributing $9 million through United Way Canada for local organizations to support practical services to Canadian seniors. These services could include the delivery of groceries, medications, or other needed items, or personal outreach to assess individuals’ needs and connect them to community supports.
Support for students and recent graduates
A moratorium on the repayment of Canada Student Loans
Effective March 30, we are placing a six-month interest-free moratorium on the repayment of Canada Student Loans for all student loan borrowers. No payment will be required and interest will not accrue during this time.
Students do not need to apply for the repayment pause.
Support for youth
Mental health support
We are giving $7.5 million in funding to Kids Help Phone to provide young people with the mental health support they need during this difficult time.
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We will provide a taxable benefit of $2,000 a month for up to 4 months to:
- workers who must stop working due to COVID-19 and do not have access to paid leave or other income support.
- workers who are sick, quarantined, or taking care of someone who is sick with COVID-19.
- working parents who must stay home without pay to care for children that are sick or need additional care because of school and daycare closures.
- workers who still have their employment but are not being paid because there is currently not sufficient work and their employer has asked them not to come to work.
- wage earners and self-employed individuals, including contract workers, who would not otherwise be eligible for Employment Insurance.
The Canada Emergency Response Benefit will be accessible online in early April. You can get ready to apply online by setting up your CRA My Account now, and signing up for direct deposit to get your benefit more quickly.
This benefit replaces the previously announced Emergency Care Benefit and the Emergency Support Benefit.
Support for people who need it most
A new Indigenous Community Support Fund
We will provide $305 million for a new distinctions-based Indigenous Community Support Fund to address immediate needs in First Nations, Inuit, and Métis Nation communities.
Enhancing the Reaching Home initiative
We continue to support people experiencing homelessness during the COVID-19 outbreak by providing $157.5 million to the Reaching Home initiative.
The funding could be used for a range of needs such as purchasing beds and physical barriers for social distancing and securing accommodation to reduce overcrowding in shelters.
Support for women’s shelters and sexual assault centres
We are supporting women and children fleeing violence, by providing up to $50 million to women’s shelters and sexual assault centres to help with their capacity to manage or prevent an outbreak in their facilities.
Support for seniors
Reduced minimum withdrawals for Registered Retirement Income Funds
We are reducing the required minimum withdrawals from Registered Retirement Income Funds (RRIFs) by 25% for 2020.
Practical services: delivery of items and personal outreach
We are contributing $9 million through United Way Canada for local organizations to support practical services to Canadian seniors. These services could include the delivery of groceries, medications, or other needed items, or personal outreach to assess individuals’ needs and connect them to community supports.
Support for students and recent graduates
A moratorium on the repayment of Canada Student Loans
Effective March 30, we are placing a six-month interest-free moratorium on the repayment of Canada Student Loans for all student loan borrowers. No payment will be required and interest will not accrue during this time.
Students do not need to apply for the repayment pause.
Support for youth
Mental health support
We are giving $7.5 million in funding to Kids Help Phone to provide young people with the mental health support they need during this difficult time.
Open chat wizard
