Many people are still being impacted by COVID-19 and require temporary income support. To ensure that Canadians continue to have the help they need the Government of Canada has introduced three new benefits, delivered by the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA): the Canada Recovery Benefit (CRB), the Canada Recovery Sickness Benefit (CRSB), and the Canada Recovery Caregiving Benefit (CRCB).
Today, the Honourable Diane Lebouthillier, Minister of National Revenue, opened the application process for the CRSB and the CRCB. Applications for the CRB will be accepted as of October 12, 2020.
Eligible people can apply for these benefits online through the CRA’s My Account portal or by phone through our automated toll-free phone line.
To ensure that the recovery benefits provide more targeted support for those people who continue to need it, the application process includes new elements, such as:
- shorter eligibility periods of one week for the CRSB and CRCB and two weeks for the CRB;
- retroactive periods, meaning that people will be required to apply after the period has ended;
- a 10% tax withholding at source; and
- a three-to-five day window to receive payments for applications made by direct deposit, and a 10-12 day window by cheque by mail.
To apply for these benefits, Canadians are encouraged to sign up for CRA’s My Account, ensure that personal information with the CRA is up-to-date, and register for direct deposit. People should also file a 2019 tax return, if they haven’t done so yet, as this will reduce the likelihood that we need to request additional information before the CRA can process their application.
For information about these benefits including eligibility requirements, how to apply, and eligibility period dates, visit the CRA’s webpages.
