Income supports and COVID-19
While the need to stay home and isolate remains critical for those who have tested positive for COVID-19, this can also cause feelings of stress, anxiety, and uncertainty. There are supports in place to help offset the physical, mental, financial burden that may be a reality to some. There are federal and provincial supports in place to assist anyone with COVID-19, including those who are unable to work or taking care of someone with the virus.
Government of Canada COVID-19 benefits and services
Government of Ontario COVID-19 support for people
Local income supports and benefits
Government of Canada COVID-19 benefits and services
The Government of Canada is offering different benefits and income supports (Government of Canada) to help Canadians facing hardship during the pandemic. Individuals who are not a citizen or a permanent resident in Canada can still receive the Canada Emergency Response Benefit (Government of Canada) if they meet the eligibility requirements (including residing in Canada and having a valid Social Insurance Number).
You will find below a list of available benefits and income supports:
Canada Recovery Sickness Benefit
- This income support is for individuals who are employed or self-employed and are unable to work because they are sick or need to self-isolate due to COVID-19, or they have an underlying health condition that puts them at greater risk of getting COVID-19.
- Individuals who are eligible for the Canada Recovery Sickness Benefit may receive $500 ($450 after taxes withheld) for a 1-week period.
- If their situation continues past 1 week, they will need to apply again. Individuals may apply up to a total of 2 weeks between September 27, 2020, and September 25, 2021.
- Visit the Canada Recovery Sickness Benefit information page (Government of Canada) for more information about eligibility and application process.
Canada Recovery Benefit (CRB)
- This income support is for individuals who are employed or self-employed and are directly affected by COVID-19 and are not entitled to Employment Insurance (EI) benefits.
- Individuals who are eligible for the Canada Recovery Benefit may receive $1,000 ($900 after taxes withheld) for a 2-week
- If their situation continues past 2 weeks, they will need to apply again. Individuals may apply up to a total of 13 eligibility periods (26 weeks) between September 27, 2020, and September 25, 2021.
- Visit the Canada Recovery Benefit information page (Government of Canada) for more information about eligibility and application process.
Canada Recovery Caregiving Benefit
- This income support if for individuals who are employed or self-employed and are unable to work because they must care for their child under 12 years old or have a family member who needs supervised care. This also applies if their school, regular program or facility is closed or unavailable to them due to COVID-19, or because they are sick, self-isolating, or at risk of serious health complications due to COVID-19.
- Individuals who are eligible for the Canada Recovery Caregiving Benefit may receive $500 ($450 after taxes withheld) for their household for each 1-week period.
- If their situation continues past 1 week, they will need to apply again. Individuals may apply up to a total of 26 weeks between September 27, 2020, and September 25, 2021.
- Visit the Canada Recovery Caregiving Benefit information page (Government of Canada) for more information about eligibility and application process.
Employment Insurance
- Employment Insurance provides regular benefits to individuals who lose their jobs and are available and able to work but are unable to find employment.
- Visit the Employment Insurance information page (Government of Canada) for up to date information about eligibility and application process.
Government of Ontario COVID-19 support for people
The Government of Ontario passed the Employment Standards Amendment Act (Government of Ontario) and it provides a job-protected leave to employee in isolation or quarantine due to the pandemic or for individuals who need to be away from work to care for children because of school or day care closures or to care for other relatives.
The Government of Ontario is providing information about financial, mental health and other supports (Government of Ontario) available to individuals during the pandemic.
You will find below a list of the available financial support:
Emergency assistance
- Individuals who need help paying for food and housing and who are not already receiving Ontario Works or Ontario Disability Program may be eligible to apply for the COVID-19 emergency assistance.
- Visit the emergency assistance information page (Government of Ontario) to learn more about eligibility and application process.
Low-income Energy Assistance Program (LEAP)
- The Low-income Energy Assistance Program is available to Individuals who are behind on paying their electricity or natural gas bill and may get their service disconnected.
- Visit the Low-income Energy Assistance Program information page (Ontario Energy Board) to learn more about eligibility and application process.
Coverage for care
To ensure that anyone in need of care can receive it, Ontario is waiving the three-month waiting period for Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) coverage. Additionally, the province will cover the cost of COVID-19 services for uninsured people who do not meet the criteria for OHIP coverage. Together, these measures will ensure that no one will be discouraged from seeking screening or treatment for COVID-19 for financial reasons. Visit Ontario’s website for more information.
Local income supports and benefits
Community Homelessness Prevention Initiative
- The Community Homelessness Prevention Initiative offers financial assistance to help a person or family establish a residence in the community. This fund can also be used to help individuals or families at risk of homelessness due to:
- facing eviction,
- disconnection of utilities,
- unsafe or unaffordable accommodations.
- Visit the Community Homelessness Prevention Initiative information page (City of Greater Sudbury) to learn more about eligibility and application process.
Financial assistance—Ontario Works
- Ontario Works provides temporary basic financial assistance help to individuals and families while providing support with finding employment.
- Visit the Ontario Works information page (City of Greater Sudbury) to learn more about eligibility and application process.
Local supports with basic needs
211
- 211 is a free confidential service designed to help connect people to the right information and services. 211 is available 24 hours a day and provides service in more than 150 languages, by phone, chat, text, and web. Dial 2-1-1 to connect to local community services or visit https://211.ca/ for more information.
The Good Food Box
- The Good Food Box is a non-profit community initiative that helps individuals and families access affordable fresh fruits and vegetables year-round. Visit https://www.goodfoodboxsudbury.ca/ for more information.
This item was last modified on November 18, 2020