How to apply
On this page
Before you apply
The easiest way to apply will be online through CRA My Account. You can get ready by answering these questions.
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: Doing 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: Doing 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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Call the automated toll-free line
- Before you call
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To verify your identity, you'll need your:
- Social Insurance Number (SIN)
- postal code
- date of birth
Have a pen and paper ready to note down information during the call.
- Telephone number
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Follow the instructions below before you call 1-800-959-2019 or 1-800-959-2041
Instructions
- Select your language preference: English or French
- Press ‘1’to apply for one of the new Canada recovery benefits
- Press '1' to apply for the Canada Recovery Caregiving Benefit (CRCB)
- Follow the prompts to enter your information, including:
- your SIN
- confirmation of your postal code
- date of birth
- the period you are applying for
- Certify that you qualify for the benefit
- Hours
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Details Day Hours Monday to Sunday 6 am to 3 am (Eastern time)
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We may validate your application before issuing your payment
The CRA is validating applications to ensure that payments are available for people who need them most.
When you apply, we may ask you to provide additional information. Only some people will need to do this, but you may want to prepare before you first apply.
If your application needs validation
We may ask you to provide the following items.
If you are or were an employee
- Documents (letter, notification, email) showing the person under your care is unable to go to school, daycare, day program or care facility due to COVID-19
- Recent pay slips
- Employment verification letter, including salary, if accessible online
- Record of Employment
- Bank statements showing name, address, and payroll deposit
If you are or were self-employed
- Documents (letter, notification, email) showing the person under your care is unable to go to school, daycare, day program or care facility due to COVID-19
- Invoice for services rendered that includes:
- the service date
- who the service was for
- the name of the individual or company
- Receipt of payment for services provided (a statement of account or bill of sale showing a payment and the remaining balance owed)
- Documents showing income earned from a "trade or business" as a sole proprietor, independent contractor, or a partnership
- Any other document that will confirm you earned $5,000 in employment or self employment income
If you receive provincial or federal benefits related to maternity or parental leave
- Documents (letter, notification, email) showing the person under your care is unable to go to school, daycare, day program or care facility due to COVID-19
- Statement of benefits
- Bank statements showing, name, address, and benefit deposit
Your application may take up to 4 weeks to process from the date we receive your complete response. We will contact you once the validation is complete.
- Date modified: