As the pandemic makes its impact severe, Canada is trying its best to help its citizens. Some of the benefits are offered to the immigrants as well. One of the most recent benefits that they have extended is the Canada Emergency Response benefit.
The government has extended the same until the end of September. Now the benefits of CERB extend to a total duration of 28 weeks. People who were getting the payments till August will get the same till September end now.
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What is CERB?
CERB in layman language is a simple fund for people affected by the pandemic. The people shortlisted under this benefit receive a total of 2000$ per month. Basically, the government aims to help such individuals get back to their average level of earning.
If you want to qualify for the same, specific criteria must be met as a student or immigrant. The temporary residents should have a Social Insurance Number or SIN. Even though the government plans to end the CERB by this month’s end, there is hope. They are launching three new benefits, especially for those who have lost jobs during these times.
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People who will be eligible for Employment Insurance or EI can apply for the same.
Three other Benefits
1. The new Canada Recovery Benefit or CRB – The CRB is going to provide $400 per week for 26 weeks. CRB is mainly for self-employed people who do not come under CERB but still need help.
2. The Canada Recovery sickness benefit– CRSB will give $500 per week to two sick workers and thus cannot earn. Workers isolated under Corona can also qualify under this category. But, if you are taking this benefit, you are not eligible for any other.
3. The Canada Recovery Caregiving benefit– Again, the help will provide $500 per week; however, this benefit is for families. If there is a person in the family who is unable to earn due to caregiving responsibility, he/she will qualify. The benefits expected will last up to 26 weeks. Under this benefit, people with the following caregiving responsibilities qualify:
Children under the age of 12 who’s day-care or school are closed.
A family member who is disabled or a dependent who is unable to attend day-care
A child, disabled family member, or any other dependent who is bound to remain at home due to chances of Corona infection.
Any Canadian resident can apply for these benefits. The person should be above 15 years of age and have a valid SIN. All the three benefits will start on 27th September and last for a year.
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Access to CERB for Temporary Residents
May saw the Government of Canada issuing guidelines where temporary residents too could get CERB benefits. They lifted the condition that newcomers to Canada had to submit proof of valid work or study permits. Now even a verbal confirmation is sufficient to get you the benefits coming your way.
This change that the government has introduced is sufficient to give the international students leverage. It is only one of the few measures taken to accommodate immigrants and provide them with a chance to sustain. The government aims to help each and every one to stay afloat during the pandemic.
Conclusion
Though governments are buckling through pressure in such challenging times, the Canadian government is not ready to give up. They have introduced a slew of benefits to assist their citizens in leading a respectable life.
What is more surprising is that the Canadian government is not willing to let go of immigrants. It is as if they understand the plight faced by the students and temporary workers. To make life easy, there are a variety of benefits and policies.
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Any person who has a valid SIN can apply for these policies. They will do a quick analysis of the situation will post which the money starts reflecting in the account. Though it seems a herculean task to guide so many individuals, the Government of Canada does not want to give up.
With their assured assistance, the Canadian government is facilitating a right to smooth life for all. These steps may seem small go a long way, especially during the COVID times.
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