Archived - Support for Individuals
Support for individuals and families
Increasing the Canada Child Benefit
We are providing an extra $300 per child through the Canada Child Benefit (CCB) for 2019-20. This will mean approximately $550 more for the average family.
This benefit will be delivered as part of the scheduled CCB payment in May.
Those who already receive the Canada Child Benefit do not need to re-apply.
Apply for the Canada Child Benefit
Special Goods and Services Tax credit payment
We are providing a one-time special payment starting April 9 through the Goods and Services Tax credit for low- and modest-income families.
The average additional benefit will be close to $400 for single individuals and close to $600 for couples.
There is no need to apply for this payment. If you are eligible, you will get it automatically.
Extra time to file income tax returns
We are deferring the filing due date for the 2019 tax returns of individuals.
For individuals (other than trusts), the return filing due date will be deferred until June 1, 2020.
We will also allow any new income tax balances due, or instalments, to be deferred until August 31, 2020 without incurring interest or penalties.
Note: If you expect to receive benefits under the Goods and Services Tax credit or the Canada Child Benefit, we encourage you to not delay your 2019 return filing to ensure that your entitlements are properly determined.
Mortgage support
Canadian banks have committed to work with their customers on a case-by-case basis to find solutions to help them manage hardships caused by COVID-19. Canadians who are impacted by COVID-19 and experiencing financial hardship as a result should contact their financial institution regarding flexibility for a mortgage deferral. This allows flexibility to be available − when needed − to those who need it the most.
Contact your financial institution for further mortgage assistance.
The Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation and other mortgage insurers offer tools to lenders that can assist homeowners who may be experiencing financial difficulty. These include payment deferral, loan re-amortization, capitalization of outstanding interest arrears and other eligible expenses, and special payment arrangements.
Canada’s mortgage insurers are committed to providing homeowners with solutions to mitigate temporary financial hardship related to COVID-19. This includes permitting lenders to defer up to six monthly mortgage payments (interest and principal) for impacted borrowers. Deferred payments are added to the outstanding principal balance and subsequently repaid throughout the life of the mortgage.
Learn more: Financial Consumer Agency of Canada (FCAC)
Support for people facing unemployment
The new Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB)
We will provide a taxable benefit of $2,000 a month for up to 4 months to eligible workers who have lost their income due to COVID-19.
The Canada Emergency Response Benefit will be accessible online in early April.
Apply for Employment Insurance
If you have lost your job through no fault of your own and qualify for Employment Insurance benefits, you can submit your request today.
Apply for Employment Insurance benefits
Support for people who are sick, quarantined, or in directed self-isolation
The new Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB)
We will provide a taxable benefit of $2,000 a month for up to 4 months to eligible workers who have lost their income due to COVID-19.
The Canada Emergency Response Benefit will be accessible online in early April.
Improved access to Employment Insurance sickness benefits
If you are sick, quarantined or have been directed to self-isolate, we will waive the requirement to provide a medical certificate to access EI sickness benefits.
Apply for Employment Insurance sickness benefits
Support for people who are unable to work
The new Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB)
We will provide a taxable benefit of $2,000 a month for up to 4 months to eligible workers who have lost their income due to COVID-19.
The Canada Emergency Response Benefit will be accessible online in early April.
Support for people who need it most
A new Indigenous Community Support Fund
We will provide $305 million for a new distinctions-based Indigenous Community Support Fund to address immediate needs in First Nations, Inuit, and Métis Nation communities.
Enhancing the Reaching Home initiative
We continue to support people experiencing homelessness during the COVID-19 outbreak by providing $157.5 million to the Reaching Home initiative.
The funding could be used for a range of needs such as purchasing beds and physical barriers for social distancing and securing accommodation to reduce overcrowding in shelters.
Learn more about the Reaching Home initiative
Support for women’s shelters and sexual assault centres
We are supporting women and children fleeing violence, by providing up to $50 million to women’s shelters and sexual assault centres to help with their capacity to manage or prevent an outbreak in their facilities.
Support for seniors
Reduced minimum withdrawals for Registered Retirement Income Funds
We are reducing the required minimum withdrawals from Registered Retirement Income Funds (RRIFs) by 25% for 2020.
Learn more about Registered Retirement Income Funds
Practical services: delivery of items and personal outreach
We are contributing $9 million through United Way Canada for local organizations to support practical services to Canadian seniors. These services could include the delivery of groceries, medications, or other needed items, or personal outreach to assess individuals’ needs and connect them to community supports.
Contact your local organization
Support for students and recent graduates
A moratorium on the repayment of Canada Student Loans
Effective March 30, we are placing a six-month interest-free moratorium on the repayment of Canada Student Loans for all student loan borrowers. No payment will be required and interest will not accrue during this time.
Students do not need to apply for the repayment pause.
Learn more about the moratorium on the repayment
Support for youth
Mental health support
We are giving $7.5 million in funding to Kids Help Phone to provide young people with the mental health support they need during this difficult time.