How to apply
On this page
Before you apply
Answer these questions to ensure your application will be quick and easy:
File your income taxes
Great. This information will help us process your application.
If you filed your return after the due date, your application may be delayed.
Next, go to: Confirm you are currently registered with the CRA.
The CRA needs your tax information to verify your eligibility. Your payment may be delayed up to 4 weeks if your income information is not on file.
We recommend you file your 2019 and 2020 income tax return even if you do not have to pay tax, or cannot pay on time. For information on how to file, go to: Get ready to do your taxes.
Next, go to: Confirm you are currently registered with the CRA.
Confirm you are currently registered with the CRA
Great. You can apply online using CRA My Account.
Next, go to: Set up direct deposit.
Call the general enquiries line 1-800-959-8281 for help accessing your CRA My Account
You have 2 options:
- You can recover them by going to CRA My Account (opens in new window)
- Select 'CRA Login'
- Choose 'Forgot your user ID' or 'Forgot your password'
- If you 'Forgot your user ID' you will need your:
- Social Insurance Number (SIN)
- date of birth
- copy of this year's or last year's assessed personal tax return
- answers to the security questions you set up during registration
- If you 'Forgot your user ID' you will need your:
- If you can’t recover your account, call the general enquiries line 1-800-959-8281
You do not need to register for a CRA My Account. When the benefit is open for application, you can sign in to My Service Canada Account (opens in new window):
- Select 'Switch to Canada Revenue Agency'
- At the bottom of the 'Registration and Authentication' page , confirm 'I agree'
- You will be transferred to your CRA My Account
To apply online, you will need to register a CRA My Account (opens in new window).
We strongly encourage you to file a tax return for 2019. Filing your taxes first will make the process much faster. For more information on how to file, go to: Get ready to do your taxes. After your return is assessed, you can register a CRA My Account (opens in new window), and then easily apply online.
To apply by phone, you will also need to file a 2019 tax return to avoid delays with your application.
We strongly encourage you to file a tax return for 2019. Filing your taxes first will make the application process much faster and easier. For more information on how to file, go to: Get ready to do your taxes or call 1-800-959-8281.
Set up direct deposit
Direct deposit payments take about 3 to 5 business days. A cheque takes about 10 to 12 business days.
Check impact on your social assistance benefits
When you can apply
You may start applying on the first Monday after the 1-week period you’re applying for has ended. Applications do not renew automatically.
You must apply for each period separately. You may apply for any period you are eligible for that is open for application, including up to 60 days after the period has ended.
Determine when to apply
Apply online or by phone
Make sure you're properly set up. Refer to: Before you apply.
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Apply
Read the Privacy Statement
When you apply for the Canada Recovery Caregiving Benefit (CRCB), your personal information is collected under the authority of the Canada Recovery Benefits Act, which is being jointly administered by Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) and the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA). Your personal information will be used for the purpose of (i) administering your application, and could be used for (ii) issuing a payment to you, (iii) verifying that you meet the program's eligibility requirements, and to (iv) collect any overpayments or erroneous payments that may have been issued to you. Failure to provide information will affect your consideration for benefits.
Please note that to process your application we will need to access information in your tax file. Your information may also be disclosed to other federal, provincial, territorial or aboriginal government institutions to the extent authorized by law. Failure to provide this information will make it impossible for us to process your application. Under the Privacy Act, you have a right of protection, access to and correction of your personal information and to file a complaint with the Privacy Commissioner of Canada regarding our handling of your information. Personal information banks for this program are under development and will be available in Info Source.
- Online:
- By phone:
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Contact the CRA to apply by phone or TTY
The automated phone line is no longer available. You can still apply by phone.
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Provide any additional information requested by the CRA
The CRA will verify your application. If we do not have complete information, your payment may be delayed up to 4 weeks.
To help avoid delays, file your 2019 and 2020 income tax return.
If your application needs further validation, we may ask you to provide additional information.
For more details, go to If your application needs validation.
- Date modified: