• CERB will be ending on September 26th
• Then, starting September 27th for a period of one year, EI will be enhanced and changed as follows:
  • Those who are eligible for EI will need to have worked 120 hours in the 52 weeks prior to applying
  • Those eligible will receive a minimum of $400 per week for up to 26 weeks. 
• There will be three new benefits, in addition to EI, as follows:
  • Canada Recovery Benefit 
    • This is for self-employed individuals and others who are not eligible for EI but are unable to return to work.
    • This will provide $400 per week for up to 26 weeks. 
  • Canada Recovery Sickness Benefit
    • To be eligible, one must have earned $5,000 of income in 2019 or 12 months prior to the claim. 
    • This will provide $500 per week for up to two weeks and is not available in combination with any other paid sick leave or benefits.
    • This is for workers who are ill or must self-isolate due to COVID-19. 
  • Canada Recovery Caregiving Benefit
    • This is for workers who are unable to work because they must care for a child under the age of 12 because schools and daycares are closed.
    • It will provide $500 per week for up to 26 weeks per household. 

This is all estimated to cost the federal government $37 billion which we will be borrowing from our children and grandchildren. Did they have to make this so complicated? Why three new benefits? Why not just keep things simple in one sort of CERB-like benefit? Is simplicity too much to ask for from our politicians? Don’t forget to purchase your copy of The Grumpy Accountant on Amazon.ca.