Overview
The Canada recovery sickness benefit (CRSB) was a temporary income support program designed to provide financial assistance to employed and self-employed individuals who were unable to work due to illness, self-isolation, or underlying health conditions during the COVID-19 pandemic.
This benefit aimed to reduce the financial burden on Canadians who needed to take time off work for health-related reasons, ensuring they could prioritize their well-being without losing essential income.
- Purpose: The CRSB offered income support to eligible individuals who missed at least 50% of their scheduled work week because they were sick or needed to self-isolate due to COVID-19, or had an underlying health condition that put them at greater risk.
- Eligibility: To qualify for the benefit, applicants had to meet specific criteria, including being at least 15 years old, residing in Canada, and having earned at least $5,000 in 2019, 2020, or the 12 months prior to their application. Further details on eligibility requirements are available.
- Benefit Amount: Eligible individuals could receive $500 ($450 after taxes withheld) for each one-week period they applied for, up to a maximum of six weeks.
- Application Process: Applications were submitted through the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) website or by phone, requiring applicants to attest that they met all eligibility conditions for the period they were claiming.
Understanding the Canada Recovery Sickness Benefit (CRSB)
“The Canada Recovery Sickness Benefit (CRSB) gives income support to employed and self-employed individuals who are unable to work because they are sick or need to self-isolate due to COVID-19, or have an underlying health condition that puts them at greater risk of getting COVID-19. The CRSB is administered by the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA).
If you are eligible for the CRSB, you can receive $500 ($450 after taxes withheld) for a 1-week period.
If your situation continues past 1 week, you will need to apply again. You may apply up to a total of 2 weeks between September 27, 2020 and September 25, 2021.” – www.canada.ca
What does this mean and does it apply to you or an employee of yours?
In order to apply for and be granted the CRSB you will need to meet ALL of the following conditions:
- You have not been able to work at least half of your scheduled work week because you are self-isolating for ONE of the following reasons:
- You have tested positive for COVID-19 or you have COVID-19 symptoms
- You have been advised to self-isolate due to COVID-19 by your doctor, employer, nurse practitioner, the government, your public health authority or a person in authority.
- You have a health condition that puts you at risk of getting COVID-19. A health authority such as your doctor, nurse practitioner, public health authority or the government would need to advise you to stay home.
- You have not applied for or received any of the following benefits for THE SAME period:
- Employment Insurance (EI)
- Canada Recovery Benefit (CRB)
- Canada Recovery Caregiving Benefit (CRCB)
- Short-term disability benefits
- WCB (worker’s compensation)
- You need to reside in Canada (you do not have to be a citizen or a permanent resident but you do need to live and have a home in Canada).
- You were in Canada during the week that you are applying for.
- You need to be at least 15 years of age.
- You must have a valid SIN number (Social Insurance Number).
- You need to have earned at least $5,000 in 2019, 2020 or in the 12 months before the date you apply from any of the following:
- Employment income (your gross amount)
- Self-Employment (your net amount – i.e. gross less expenses)
- Maternity and parental benefits from EI (Employment Insurance)
- You cannot apply if your employer is paying you for the same period.
If you are refused this benefit, there are other benefits that you may be eligible for.
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Source: Government of Canada