Off-Campus Housing & Job Resource Centre
March 31

Applying for COVID-19 Governmental Financial Aid
 

Out of work due to Covid-19? One of these government financial assistance programs may help.

Employment Insurance (EI) sickness benefits

You are eligible if you...

  • have worked 600 insured hours in the 52 weeks before your illness or quarantine or selfisolation due to covid-19.
  • are unable to work or your weekly regular earnings have decreased by more than 40% for one week due to covid-19 (sickness, quarantine or self-isolation).
  • People working in Canada are eligible to receive EI benefits, whether they are Canadian citizens, permanent resident or temporary resident. If your SIN begins with a 9, you will need to supply proof of your immigration status and work permit.

For self-employed workers:

  • If you registered for access to EI special benefits for self-employed people.
  • Waited 12 months from the date of your confirmed registration.
  • The amount of time you spend on your business has decreased by more than 40% for at least one week because of your illness, quarantine or self-isolation.
  • You have earned at least $7,279 in 2019.

You must have been ordered to self-isolate by the Government of Canada, the Government of Quebec or another responsible authority.

How to apply

  • Gather supporting documents: You must have your records of employment (ROEs), but a medical certificate won’t be necessary for those who have been asked to self-isolate or quarantine.
  • Complete the online application: This includes making sure you have: the names and addresses of your employers in the last 52 weeks, the dates employed with each employer and the reasons you’re no longer employed, and personal information including mailing address, Social Insurance Number (SIN), and banking information.
  • Provide supporting documents: You can visit My Service Canada Account (MSCA) to view ROEs that have been issued to you by past and current employers.
  • Receive access code by mail: Service Canada will mail you a benefit statement, which includes a 4-digit access code. You need this code and your SIN to get updates about your application and to complete biweekly reports.
  • Review your application status

*Service Canada advises people to apply right away even if you don’t have these documents as you can send them in later.

Financial Assistance

55% of your weekly paycheck based on your best 22 working weeks. Up to 15 weeks of income replacement.

Apply
 

Provincial Temporary Aid for Workers Program (PATT-COVID-19)

You are eligible as of March 19, 2020 if:

  • You are a Quebec resident.
  • You do not qualify for the Federal Employment Insurance (EI) Sickness Benefit program.
  • You have contracted the virus or present symptoms OR you have been in contact with an infected person OR you have returned from abroad.

For self-employed workers:

  • If you do not qualify for the Federal Employment Insurance (EI) Sickness Benefit program but you meet the above eligibility criteria.

You must have been ordered to self-isolate by the Government of Canada, the Government of Quebec or another responsible authority.

How to apply

  • Start by completing the online registration form on: Temporary Aid for Workers Program.
  • Once your identification is validated, you will receive an email containing a link to the application form for financial assistance.
  • One registration per household is permitted and then each member of an apartment may apply with their own application.

Financial Assistance

$573 per person per week, for a period of 14 days of isolation. If justified could be extended to a maximum of 28 days.

Apply
 

Employment Insurance (EI) sickness benefits

You are eligible if you...

  • have worked 700 insured hours in the last 52 weeks based on the unemployment rate of Montreal.
  • you were laid off or your weekly regular earnings have decreased by more than 40% for one week due to covid-19.
  • People working in Canada are eligible to receive EI benefits, whether they are Canadian citizens, permanent resident or temporary resident. If your SIN begins with a 9, you will need to supply proof of your immigration status and work permit.

For self-employed workers:

  • If you registered for access to EI special benefits for self-employed people.
  • Waited 12 months from the date of your confirmed registration.
  • The amount of time you spend on your business has decreased by more than 40% for at least one week because of your illness, quarantine or self-isolation.
  • You have earned at least $7,279 in 2019.

You must have been ordered to self-isolate by the Government of Canada, the Government of Quebec or another responsible authority.

How to apply

  • Gather supporting documents: You must have your records of employment (ROEs), but a medical certificate won’t be necessary for those who have been asked to self-isolate or quarantine.
  • Complete the online application: This includes making sure you have: the names and addresses of your employers in the last 52 weeks, the dates employed with each employer and the reasons you’re no longer employed, and personal information including mailing address, Social Insurance Number (SIN), and banking information.
  • Provide supporting documents: You can visit My Service Canada Account (MSCA) to view ROEs that have been issued to you by past and current employers.
  • Receive access code by mail: Service Canada will mail you a benefit statement, which includes a 4-digit access code. You need this code and your SIN to get updates about your application and to complete biweekly reports.
  • Review your application status

*Service Canada advises people to apply right away even if you don’t have these documents as you can send them in later.

Financial Assistance

55% of your weekly paycheck based on your best 22 working weeks. From 14 up to 36 weeks of income replacement.

Apply
 

The Canada Emergency Response Benefit

You are eligible if you...

  • You are a worker who must stop working due to COVID19 and do not have access to paid leave or other income support.
  • You are sick, quarantined, or taking care of someone who is sick with COVID-19.
  • You are a working parent who must stay home without pay to care for children that are sick or need additional care because of school and daycare closures.
  • You still have your employment but are not being paid because there is currently not sufficient work and their employer has asked them not to come to work.
  • You are a wage earner and self-employed individual, including contract workers, who would not otherwise be eligible for Employment Insurance.

How to apply

The Canada Emergency Response Benefit will be accessible through a secure web portal starting in early April. Applicants will also be able to apply via an automated telephone line or via a toll-free number.

Financial Assistance

A taxable benefit of $2,000 a month for up to 4 months.

Apply
 

Do you work at the following?

You are eligible if you...

  • A bank
  • Air transportation including airlines and airports
  • Telephone, cable or tv services
  • Radio or TV
  • Marine shipping or ports
  • Rail or road transportation across provincial borders
  • Other federally-regulated work

If yes, you are likely covered by the federal labour code. You can find out more about your rights at Employment and Social Development Canada. If you have more questions, call 1-800-O-Canada (1-800-622-6232).

If you work for another kind of employer, you should be covered by provincial rules.

Check the CNESST website or call the toll-free number 1 844 838-0808.

For any housing or jobs related question you can contact us at: hojo@csu.qc.ca.

Information compiled by HOJO from Canadian employment insurance assistance benefits & Quebec’s Temporary Aid for workers program websites valid as of March 31, 2020.