OUR FIRST VIDEO IS UP! What you need to know about the CERB (Canada Emergency Response Benefit).

In this video, we’ll tell you:

• What it is

• Who's eligible

• How to apply

• When you might receive your first payment

This benefit will help a lot of people in Canada. Please share this video with anyone you know who needs this emergency assistance.

UPDATE AS OF APRIL 1, 2020:

The Prime Minister announced YOU WILL need a CRA MyAccount profile to apply for CERB. You can also apply through a phone number, but online will allow faster payment of the benefit.

TO REGISTER FOR A CRA MY ACCOUNT PROFILE, VISIT:

https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/services/e-services/e-services-individuals/account-individuals.html

You can register through a CRA partner, like your bank, link a provincial account (Ex: BC), OR online through the CRA. If you do online through CRA, you will need:

• SIN

• Postal Code

• Date of Birth

• 2018 Tax Return (you will be asked for information you input on a line on your 2018 return)

ALTERNATIVELY, you can call: 1-800-959-8281

YOU WILL HAVE TO BE PATIENT. PEOPLE ARE REPORTING THEY ARE GETTING 'TIMED OUT' OF THE REGISTRATION PROCESS. That means 'kicked off'. You may have to try again. And probably again.

APPLY FOR CANADA EMPLOYMENT INSURANCE REGULAR BENEFITS BY CLICKING HERE.

You will be taken directly to the canada.gc website link to apply for EI Regular Benefits. This is the ONLY online application available for EI Regular Benefits.

PROTECT YOUR INFORMATION: DO NOT apply for EI Regular Benefits through any other online portal except the one provided by the Government of Canada.

You can also start at the Homepage for Service Canada and find links to apply here:
https://www1.canada.ca/en/esdc/service-canada.html

APPLY FOR CANADA EMPLOYMENT INSURANCE SICKNESS BENEFITS BY CLICKING HERE.

You will be taken directly to the canada.gc website link to apply for EI Sick Benefits. This is the ONLY online application available for EI Sickness Benefits.

PROTECT YOUR INFORMATION: DO NOT apply for EI Sickness Benefits through any other online portal except the one provided by the Government of Canada.

You can also start at the Homepage for Service Canada and find links to apply here:
https://www1.canada.ca/en/esdc/service-canada.html

ONTARIO GUARANTEED ANNUAL INCOME SYSTEM (GAINS) PAYMENT AMOUNTS DOUBLED.

If you're a low-income senior, you may qualify for monthly Guaranteed Annual Income System payments.

AND IF YOU ARE ALREADY RECEIVING GAINS PAYMENTS: Beginning April 2020, monthly GAINS payment amounts will be DOUBLED for a period of SIX MONTHS. This is automatic. You do not need to contact GAINS to receive the double payment.

For more information OR to apply to GAINS:
https://www.ontario.ca/page/guaranteed-annual-income-system-payments-seniors

COVID-19 IN ONTARIO: UPDATES ON THE LAW AND LEGAL SERVICES.

Community Legal Education Ontario (CLEO) is working to give practical answers to the important questions that people are asking about the law relating to the COVID-19 situation.

Information on:

• Debt and Consumer Law

• Employment and Work

• Family Law

• Housing Law

• Immigration and Refugee

• Income Assistance

• Ontario Provincial Offences

• Tribunals and Courts

FOR MORE INFORMATION:
https://stepstojustice.ca/covid-19

ALBERTA EMERGENCY ISOLATION SUPPORT PAYMENT. APPLY NOW!!!!

Financial support for working Albertans who are experiencing a loss of income resulting from self-isolation due to COVID-19.

THIS IS A TEMPORARY PROGRAM UNTIL THE CANADA EMERGENCY RESPONSE BENEFIT (CERB) IS AVAILABLE.

Am I eligible?

You are eligible for the emergency isolation support program if you:

• have experienced total or significant loss of income and are not receiving compensation from any other source because you:

  • • • have been diagnosed with COVID-19

      • have been directed by health authorities to self-isolate

      • are the sole caregiver of a dependent who is in self-isolation

NOTE: YOU WILL NEED A MyAlberta Digital ID (MADI) account to complete the application.

REMEMBER: THIS IS A TEMPORARY PROGRAM THAT WILL END IN A WEEK OR SO.

FOR MORE INFORMATION:
https://www.alberta.ca/emergency-isolation-support.aspx

B.C. EMERGENCY BENEFIT FOR WORKERS

The B.C. Emergency Benefit for Workers will provide a ONE-TIME $1000 payment to people who lost income because of COVID-19.

Am I eligible?

• You are a resident of B.C., AND

• You are receiving federal Employment Insurance OR the new Canada Emergency Response Benefit.

APPLICATIONS WILL OPEN SOON. We will post here as soon as they do.

For more information:
https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2020PREM0013-000545

NEED LEGAL HELP? IN ONTARIO?

Legal Aid Ontario remains open to provide assistance.

TOLL-FREE NUMBER: 1-800-668-8258

FOR MORE INFORMATION:
https://www.legalaid.on.ca/services/legal-clinics/

PROVINCIAL GOVERNMENTS THAT HAVE SUSPENDED EVICTIONS OF TENANTS.

Links to news releases and government websites from provincial governments that have suspended evictions. You province may have also frozen rent increases. See below:

ONTARIO http://www.sjto.gov.on.ca/ltb/

BRITISH COLUMBIA https://www.bchousing.org/COVID-19

ALBERTA (Temporary until May 1st) https://www.alberta.ca/rental-evictions.aspx

MANITOBA (Temporarily postponing non-urgent eviction hearings until May 31st) https://www.gov.mb.ca/cca/rtb/covid19/t_qa.pdf

APPLY FOR ONTARIO LOW-INCOME ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (LEAP) BY CLICKING HERE.

You will be taken directly to the Ontario Energy Board website page on LEAP. You will have to contact the social agency that provides the program in your area. The Social Agency list is provided on the LEAP website.

EXAMPLE of SOCIAL AGENCIES offering LEAP:

If you receive your services from TORONTO HYDRO, you contact the Neighbourhood Post Information organization. Currently, LEAP program applications have been suspended for THREE WEEKS (Until April 6th). YOU CAN LEAVE A VOICEMAIL AT 647.518.1543.

If you receive your services from LONDON HYDRO, you contact the Salvation Army London - Housing Stability Bank. YOU CAN LEAVE A VOICEMAIL AT 519.964.3663.

PROTECT YOUR INFORMATION: DO NOT apply for LEAP by any other way than through a LISTED SOCIAL AGENCY designated by the Ontario Energy Board.

In order to apply for LEAP, you must provide the following:

• Identification

• Current electricity and gas bills

• A disconnection notice, if you have received one

• A copy of a rental contract, lease or mortgage documents

• Proof of household income – cheque stub, employment letter, income tax return for adult members of household

• A copy of your most recent bank statement

This could change because of the COVID-19 Pandemic and some documents may not be required to be shown until later.

You can also start at the Homepage for Service Canada and find links to apply here:
https://www.oeb.ca/rates-and-your-bill/help-low-income-consumers/low-income-energy-assistance-program

Government of Canada introduces a new benefit to help people impacted by COVID-19: The CANADA EMERGENCY RESPONSE BENEFIT (CERB).

On March 25, 2020, the Government of Canada announced a new benefit to support Canadians experiencing financial hardship at this time. The Canada Emergency Response Benefit is meant to support those who have lost income and cannot work because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Who is eligible:

Workers 15 years of age and older who reside in Canada, and who:

• have earned at least $5,000 in 2019 or the year prior to applying from employment, self-employment, EI maternity and parental benefits.

• are without employment or self-employment income for at least 14 consecutive days in a 4-week period, for a reason related to COVID-19.

Reasons related to COVID-19 include:

• Loss of job

• Sick, quarantined, or caring for someone who is sick with COVID-19

• Caring for child(ren) due to school or daycare closure

What CERB provides:

• $2000 monthly, no matter your previous earnings. This is a TAXABLE BENEFIT.

• up to 16 weeks of income support

• bi-weekly payments will arrive 3 - 10 days after applying

When you will receive CERB:

• APPLICATIONS WILL BE LIVE THE WEEK OF APRIL 6th via an online secure portal and dedicated toll-free phone number.

• The first benefit payments will be mailed/deposited by April 9th; the government aims to have all first payments out 10 days after you apply. You may have to wait up to two weeks for your benefit payments to arrive, even if you are one of the first to apply. Examples: You live in a remote area of Canada and request your benefits by mail; OR You entered incorrect banking information on your application.

OK. SO WHAT IF:

I am currently on EI and my EI benefits end BEFORE October 3, 2020? You can apply for CERB AFTER your EI benefits end.

I am currently receiving EI and my EI benefits end ON or AFTER October 3, 2020? You will not be eligible for CERB.

I recently applied for EI and I am waiting to hear if I have been approved or denied? You do not need to apply for CERB to receive it. Your EI application is also your application for CERB.

I recently applied for EI and my EI claim and I received notice my claim was DENIED? You can apply for CERB.

For more information about CERB from the Department of Finance:
https://www.canada.ca/en/department-finance/news/2020/03/introduces-canada-emergency-response-benefit-to-help-workers-and-businesses.html?fbclid=IwAR0WSgbWu5T9RG7OxJWtk7jrMF3OaV8_EsYxul-J_e2r6ZlQ4c7mWEt1GK4

Paying a Canada Student Loan, Canada Apprentice Loan, or Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP) loan repayment? YOUR PAYMENTS HAVE STOPPED FOR SIX MONTHS (Until Sept 30, 2020). YOU DO NOT HAVE TO PAY YOUR REPAY YOUR LOAN AT THIS TIME.

The Government of Canada announced new measures to support student loan borrowers during COVID-19. FROM MARCH 30 to SEPTEMBER 30, 2020, YOU WILL NOT BE REQUIRED TO MAKE ANY LOAN PAYMENTS, and INTEREST WILL NOT ACCRUE ON YOUR FEDERAL STUDENT LOANS.

The Government of Ontario announced they are temporarily deferring loan payments and interest accrual for OSAP borrowers. FROM MARCH 30 to SEPTEMBER 30, 2020, YOU WILL NOT BE REQUIRED TO MAKE ANY LOAN PAYMENTS, and INTEREST WILL NOT ACCRUE ON YOUR ONTARIO STUDENT LOANS.

Who is eligible?

• Anyone currently on a loan repayment schedule with through the Canada Student Loan, Canada Apprentice Loan, or OSAP borrowing programs.

What do I have to do for my payments to stop?

• This is AUTOMATIC. You do not need to do anything. Your payments have stopped.

• Payments will not be withdrawn from your account if you are on pre-authorized debit.

• if you make payments through online banking or cheque, you are not required to send in payments during this period, EVEN IF YOU RECEIVE A NOTICE TO PAY.

Can I still make payments during this time?

• YES! If you are able to continue making payments, do it. Payments from March 30 - Sept 30 will go ENTIRELY TOWARDS YOUR LOAN PRINCIPAL.

What if I have a student loan but it is not through any of these programs?

• Your payments will continue unless instructed by your borrower. If you cannot make your payment, contact your borrower now to discuss options.

Link to OSAP announcement: https://www.ontario.ca/page/osap-ontario-student-assistance-program#section-10

Link to the National Student Loans Service Cenre (NSLSC) announcement: https://www.csnpe-nslsc.canada.ca/en/what-is-new

COVID-19 CHILDCARE FOR CITY OF TORONTO ESSENTIAL WORKERS: Available NOW

The City of Toronto is providing emergency childcare for children of essential and critical care workers. Workers include those who work in:

• Toronto Public Health

• Long-Term Care

• Shelter, Support and Housing Administration

• Toronto Water

• Solid Waste

• Toronto Transit Commission (TTC)

• Key City staff as determined by the City's Emergency Operations Centre.

What is being offered:

• no cost to families with children from birth to age 12

• services available 24 HOURS A DAY, SEVEN DAYS A WEEK

• centres will be City-run licensed facilities staff by City of Toronto child care workers

If you are an essential or critical services worker and need childcare, click here:
https://www.canada.ca/en/department-finance/economic-response-plan.html

ONTARIO WORKS EMERGENCY ASSISTANCE PROGRAM: Financial Assistance to Cover Rent, Medicine, Transportation, and Other Services.

Emergency assistance is available to those who need immediate help in covering basic necessities.

More Information on the OW EAP:
https://www.ontario.ca/page/ministry-children-community-and-social-services?_ga=2.158499258.1647448791.1585158358-863302015.1573970684&fbclid=IwAR1QFl5juG0w0guqCrlg8QDkP5-uEpm-XOaeWc0Vc9At2nNub3olJeDPeGg

Behind on your hydro or natural gas bill? Live in Ontario? Need assistance now? THE ONTARIO LOW-INCOME ENERGY ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (LEAP) MAY HELP!

LEAP is an emergency assistance program available to people residing in Ontario who are behind on their hydro or natural gas bills. This includes people who are at risk of having services shut off. The Ontario Government recently announced more people will qualify for this program in the next few weeks.

Who is eligible:

• Low-income earners can apply. Example: 1 - 2 people with a net household less than $28.000 annually would qualify

• You are only eligible if you are behind on your bill - including arrears - and you may face having your service disconnected.

What LEAP provides:

• one-time emergency payment

• up to $500 ($600 for homes heated electronically) to cover the cost of hydro and up to $500 for natural gas bills.

• funding is equal to what is owed on your bill.

To apply for LEAP, click below:
https://www.oeb.ca/rates-and-your-bill/help-low-income-consumers/low-income-energy-assistance-program?fbclid=IwAR39z9yGyThzAIHWPOsiAIjNb9DPpJ076sQoCav1Zfvh9sbFtOp_PavasMw

The Ontario Government Announces a $17 Billion plan to respond to COVID-19. Here are the highlights of funding going to support people and employment:

March 25, 2020

Today, the Ontario Government announced a $17 Billion plan to respond to COVID-19. Included in the plan is income replacement and financial supports for people in Ontario.

• One-time payment to families of $200 per child up to 12 years of age, and $250 for those with special needs. Claim applications will be live April 6 through an online portal.

• Doubling the Guaranteed Annual Income (GAINS) payment for low-income seniors for six months. Currently, payments are set at $2.50 to $83.00 per month depending on income.

• Setting hydro rates at off-peak rates 24/7 for 45 days. The current off-peak rate is 10.1 cents/kWh.

• Expanding eligibility for the Low-Income Energy Assistance Program (LEAP). More people will now be eligible to have financial assistance with their energy bill. Support is based on household net income and number of people in your home. EX: 1 - 2 people in a household with net annual income less than $28,000 would qualify. Emergency assistance for energy bills is up to $500 - even if you are behind on your bill. Give me a day to get the information on how to apply or search for 'LEAP OEB' online.

• OSAP repayments and interest accrual will be suspended for six months.

• Emergency child care options for frontline healthcare workers and first responders, including police officers, firefighters and correctional officers.

• Expanding the Ontario Works Emergency Assistance Program to provide financial support for those facing economic hardship. This includes support for food, rent, and informal childcare. You can apply for supports from Ontario's Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services under "COVID-19 Emergency Assistance".

• Additional supports for Indigenous peoples and communities, including support for Indigenous people in urban areas.

CTV News reported the announcement today:
https://toronto.ctvnews.ca/ontario-will-spend-17b-over-the-next-year-to-help-battle-covid-19-pandemic-1.4868133?fbclid=IwAR07GclgUFMhdVf5Klxkj4arpEWj-oI_CXZ40fdWTMhH7227uM2Wz71Vlg8

Need ongoing help with paying your hydro? THE ONTARIO ELECTRICITY SUPPORT PROGRAM may provide you with a discount on your monthly hydro bills.

FIND OUT IF YOU QUALIFY FOR ASSISTANCE WITH HYDRO COSTS. The Ontario Govt is expanding financial supports for paying hydro under the Ontario Electricity Support Program.

To apply, click the link below. If you are a new applicant, select "New Application". You can find out how much you may be eligible for by inputting the number of people in your household and your net household income.

NOTE: To qualify, one person in your household must have filed their taxes at least once in the past two years (2018 and 2019).

Apply Here:
https://ontarioelectricitysupport.ca/?fbclid=IwAR2_e48nYbe50lxAkQohF02BA17SqCdUGy6ZYZcd1Piq5Q3-BUJfFIWL-OI

ARE YOU A SENIOR IN TORONTO AND NEED HELP? NOT SURE WHERE TO TURN?

CALL THE TORONTO SENIORS HELPLINE. Toronto Seniors Helpline is single point of access for seniors and caregivers to receive information and access to community, home, and crisis services. If you're a senior, and you need access to information and/or referrals to community and homecare services, the Toronto Seniors Helpline is here to help.

PHONE NUMBER: 416-217-2077. Interpretation services are available in over 100 languages through a phone interpretation service.

AVAILABLE 365 days, from 9:00 AM - 8:00 PM Monday - Friday, and 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM Saturday and Sunday.

The Helpline is funded through the Toronto Central Local Health Integration (LHIN), in partnership with Woodgreen Community Services. This is a free services.

Link to the Helpline's website:
https://torontoseniorshelpline.ca/

YOUR JOB MAY BE PROTECTED IF YOU NEED TO TAKE LEAVE FROM WORK BECAUSE OF COVID-19. UPDATE ON BILL 186: EMPLOYMENT STANDARDS ACT AMENDMENT (INFECTIOUS DISEASE EMERGENCIES), 2020

The Employment Standards Act (ESA), 2000 was recently amended to include a job-protected, unpaid leave during an infectious disease outbreak. It amends the Employment Standards Act to include JOB-PROTECTED, UNPAID LEAVE for workers who cannot work because they are in isolation or quarantine, or people caring for children while schools and daycare centres are closed or caring for another relative.

Reasons related to COVID-19 (as defined by the Government of Ontario in their news release), include:

• personal illness, quarantine or isolation in specified circumstances

• concern by the employer that the employee may expose other individuals in the workplace to COVID-19

• to provide care or support to certain family members for a reason related to COVID-19, including school or day care closures

The leave is retroactive to January 25, 2020. The Act makes it clear that you DO NOT need to provide a Medical Certificate to take leave from work under these circumstances.

If you fear losing your job because you need to isolate or quarantine, or you need to care for children or a relative, or you have recently been fired for staying home from work, talk to us. We can help.

NOTE: Workers in sectors under federal jurisdiction, including banks, airports, inter-provincial and national rail, and federal crown corporations, are NOT covered under the ESA and this Amendment.

The Government of Ontario's News Release is here:

https://news.ontario.ca/opo/en/2020/03/employment-standards-amendment-act-infectious-disease-emergencies-2020.html

More information and additional supports can be found on the Government of Canada page:
https://www.canada.ca/en/department-finance/economic-response-plan.html