If you're one of the millions of Canadians that have been relying on CERB to get you through the pandemic, you'll want to keep a keen eye on the changes the government is making to the program, as well as opening back up EI (Employment Insurance). Let's break it down:
The federal government has two kinds of EI that apply generally to workers: regular benefits and special benefits.
- EI regular benefits provide assistance to employees who lose their jobs involuntarily and are actively looking for work. Those who are eligible will receive a minimum of $400 for up to 26 weeks, or $240 per week for extended parental benefits.
- EI special benefits provide assistance to employees or self-employed individuals who are absent from work due to specific life circumstances, including sickness, maternity, parental benefits, as well as compassionate care or family caregivers.
- New programs for those who don’t qualify for EI:
- The Canada Recovery Benefit will provide $400 per week for up to 26 weeks for workers who are self-employed and cannot resume or return to work.
- The Canada Recovery Sickness Benefit will provide $500 per week for up to two weeks for workers who are ill or must self-isolate due to COVID-19-related reasons.
- The Canada Recovery Caregiving Benefit will provide $500 per week for up to 26 weeks per household for those who are unable to work because they care for a child under 12 or another dependent whose school, daycare or other day program facility is shut down due to COVID-19.
To learn more, check out www.canada.ca and my Global National, The Morning Show interview.