Who can apply
If you meet all the eligibility criteria for the Canada Worker Lockdown Benefit (CWLB), you can receive $300 ($270 after taxes withheld) for each 1-week period.
The CWLB is available only when your region is designated as a COVID-19 lockdown region.
Eligibility criteria
You must meet all the following conditions for the 1-week period you're applying for:
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Definition
You live and have a home in Canada, but do not have to be a citizen or a permanent resident.
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You cannot receive more than one benefit for the same period
If you receive multiple benefits for the same period, you will not be eligible for the CWLB. You will need to return any payments you received.
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What counts towards the $5,000
Counts as income:
- All employment or self-employment income, including:
- tips
- non-eligible dividends
- honoraria (nominal amounts paid to volunteers)
- royalties (payments to artists)
Does not count as income:
- disability benefits
- student loans, bursaries or scholarships
- social assistance or family support payments
- Canada Pension Plan (CPP), Québec Pension Plan (QPP), or other pension income
- Old Age Security (OAS) payments
- Canada Emergency Student Benefit (CESB)
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Choosing not to work from home
If you were able to work from home (telework), you will not be eligible for the CWLB
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Exceptions
This does not apply to you if you were isolating because:
- you travelled for medical treatment certified by a medical practitioner
- you accompanied a person who is not able to travel without help from an attendant to get medical treatment certified by a medical practitioner
- you travelled for work that is normally exempt from quarantine when you return to Canada, but the lockdown order required you to self-isolate this time
If one of these exceptions applies to you and you meet all other eligibility criteria, call the CRA to apply: 1-800-959-8281
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If you do not file by the required dates, you will not be eligible for this benefit. You would need to return any payments you received.
You must meet all the criteria to be eligible for the CWLB.
If you're not eligible for CWLB
Review other options at COVID-19 benefits and services if you still need financial support.
Note: Incarcerated individuals in prison or other institutions are not likely to meet all the eligibility criteria. Those on day parole or who may legally seek employment may be eligible if all criteria are met.
Verifying your eligibility
The CRA will verify that you're eligible to receive the CWLB. We may ask you to provide additional details to validate your application.
Individuals who are found to have intentionally made fraudulent claims may face additional consequences, such as penalties or possible jail time.
To report any suspected misuse, go to: CRA's Leads program.
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