Before you apply

The easiest way to apply will be online through CRA My Account. You can get ready by answering these questions.

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.

Apply online or by phone

Make sure you're properly set up. Refer to: Before you apply.

1. 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:

   Sign in to your CRA My Account Register

   Hours of service for CRA My Account

   By phone:

   Call the automated toll-free line

   Before you call

   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

   Follow the instructions below before you call 1-800-959-2019 (opens up phone application)1-800-959-2019 or 1-800-959-2041 (opens up phone application)1-800-959-2041

   Instructions

   1. Select your language preference: English or French
   2. Press ‘1’to apply for one of the new Canada recovery benefits
   3. Press '1' to apply for the Canada Recovery Caregiving Benefit (CRCB)
   4. Follow the prompts to enter your information, including:
      • your SIN
      • confirmation of your postal code
      • date of birth
      • the period you are applying for
   5. Certify that you qualify for the benefit

   Hours

   Details

   Day	Hours
   Monday to Sunday	6 am to 3 am (Eastern time)

2. 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

   How to submit your validation documents

   Online

   Submit your documents through CRA My Account

   1. Log in to your CRA My Account
   2. Select “Submit documents” (in top right corner)
   3. Enter your case or reference number, or select “without a case or reference number”
   4. Select “Submit supporting documents for COVID-19 support payments”
   5. Enter a short description about your submission and attach your files

   By fax

   Send your documents by fax

   1. Include a cover sheet with your full name, a daytime phone number, and the number of pages you’re faxing
   2. Fax your documents to 1-833-325-0555

   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.