Today, I’m going to answer YOUR QUESTIONS on the Canada Recovery Benefit that I’ve been getting from comments on my previous episode.
The answer is YES! 100% of the Canada Recovery Benefit is taxable to you – they will account for this in two ways.
I’m trying to apply from the past 4 days but online says this service is not available at this time. How to process?
The CRA reported issues in their system hours after the application for benefits opened. They’ve adviced that they regret any impact this may have had on would be applicants. These technical issueds have been restored and the application process for the recovery benefits has now been restored.
What about those who are working 25 to 30 hours per month. Can they get money for lost hours?
The answer here is “maybe” … but let me explain. The Canada Recovery Benefit eligibility requirements state that you must have lost atleast 50% of your income due to COVID related reasons compared to the previous year. Assuming you work 25-30 hours compared to a full 40 hours a week (by law), then you will have only lost about 25%-35% of your regular income.
What is the Eligibility for CERB?
CERB is the Canada Emergency Response Benefit – this program ended in September 2020, however you can still backdate your request for benefits up until December 2020.
The current benefit that is available for Canadians is the CRB – Canada Recovery Benefit. This program is similar to that of the emergency response benefit however, has more restrictions.
When are the times for the last benefits?
Between now and September 2021, you can apply a total of 13 times for the Canada Recovery Benefit – these do not need to be consecutive periods. For example, lets say in November 2020 you were laid off due to COVID – you can apply for the CRB and received $2000 to support your income. Then you find a job December 2020 – you will have income from work and no longer need the CRB. In February 2021, all hell breaks loose and we’re back to quarantining – you can apply for the CRB at that time again to sustain your income.
How about young kids to not find a job because of online school?
The minimum age for this benefit is 15 years old - so if you’re younger than that, sadly you’re out of luck. If you are over 15, then great! You could qualify assuming you had $5000 of income in 2019.
Now IF you’re going to school – then the reason you’re out of work could be seen as you choosing school over work, and if this is the case, you may not qualify for the CRB.
Please explain the $38,000 limit.
The $38,000 limit to the CRB is based on all income received from all sources. This includes…
- Investment Income (Interest, Dividends, Capital Gains)
- Canada Emergency Response Benefit Income
- Canada Recovery Caregiving Benefit Income
- Canada Recovery Sickness Benefit Income