Have your finances been affected by Covid-19 and the current Stay-At-Home Order / State of Emergency? Lost your job or had your hours drastically cut back? You may qualify for assistance.

Covid-19 Financial Supports:

In preparation for the current shut-down, here is information about the COVID-19 financial supports:

Employment Insurance

This is the first place to go if you lose your job. Because of COVID-19, there have been changes to this program. If you are not eligible for Employment Insurance, look at the other options below.

Visit: https://www.canada.ca/en/services/benefits/ei.html

Canada Recovery Benefit

Gives income support to employed and self-employed individuals who are directly affected by COVID-19 and are not entitled to Employment Insurance (EI) benefits. The CRB is administered by the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA). If you are eligible for the CRB, you can receive $1,000 ($900 after taxes withheld) for a 2-week period.

If your situation continues past 2 weeks, you will need to apply again. You may apply up to a total of 19 eligibility periods (38 weeks) between September 27, 2020 and September 25, 2021.

Visit: https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/services/benefits/recovery-benefit.html

Canada Recovery Sickness Benefit

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 4 weeks between September 27, 2020 and September 25, 2021. You cannot apply for periods that are closed.

Visit: https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/services/benefits/recovery-sickness-benefit.html

Canada Recovery Caregiver Benefit

Gives income support to employed and self-employed individuals who are unable to work because they must care for their child under 12 years old or a family member who needs supervised care. This 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. The CRCB is administered by the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA).

If you are eligible for the CRCB, your household can receive $500 ($450 after taxes withheld) for each 1-week period.

If your situation continues past 1 week, you will need to apply again. Each household may apply up to a total of 38 weeks between September 27, 2020 and September 25, 2021.

Visit: https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/services/benefits/recovery-caregiving-benefit.html

Ontario Works

If you are not eligible for EI or any of the three COVID-19 related programs, Ontario Works is your next option. Contact your local Social Assistance Office:
Bruce County Human Services: https://brucecounty.on.ca/living/ontario-works

Grey County Social Services: https://www.grey.ca/social-assistance

United Way of Bruce Grey – Utility Assistance Program

If you are struggling to pay your utility bills during the Covid-19 pandemic, you may qualify for assistance which can help get your finances back on track. The program is available to low income households to provide financial relief for heating and electricity costs.

LEAP Program: For assistance with Hydro One and natural gas. You may qualify for $500 relief or $600 if you heat with electricity. Call LEAP to apply at 1-855-487-5327.

Westario: Will pay up to $500.00 every 12 months on an electricity bill. If you heat with electricity, it is $600.00. Funds are limited. Call 211 to register and check availability.

United Way of Bruce Grey – Utility Relief Fund: Provides up to $600 every 12 months to help alleviate heating costs (wood, oil and propane). Call 211 to register.

Ontario Energy Support Program – O.E.S.P.: Low income households may receive a monthly credit on their Hydro Bill of at least $35.00. The credit will continue for 2 to 5 years, depending on income and age.

To apply online, visit: https://ontarioelectricitysupport.ca/. The United Way of Bruce Grey can also assist you with the application process. To find out more, call 519-376-1560.

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If you need help improving your financial situation or need helpful budgeting advice, our Financial Literacy Program can help. Contact Caroline, our Program Coordinator at 519-378-4773 or email her at advice@unitedwaybg.com.