Last updated: June 10, 2020. For the most up-to-date information, see the Government of Canada’s COVID-19 Economic Response Plan and our Government Resources page
Learn about the provincial and federal financial support you can access during the COVID-19 health emergency.
Canada wide
Employment Insurance (EI)
If you have lost your job, your last day of work was before March 15, 2020, and you have applied for Employment Insurance (EI), your application will be processed under EI. If you are applying for financial aid from the federal government because of issues that have arisen from COVID-19, please consider applying for Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB) first.
If you are ill, caring for someone who is ill, have lost your job, or are unable to work because of COVID-19, you may apply for temporary income support through the CERB.
Learn more about the differences between EI and CERB through this step-by-step guide made by our coalition member, the Bảo Vệ Collective.
Canadian Emergency Response Benefit (CERB)
If you cannot work because of COVID-19, you may qualify for temporary income support through the Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB). The CERB program is expanding as the COVID-19 health emergency continues.
Learn more about CERB eligibility, payment, taxes, immigration, and the application process through this step-by-step guide made by our coalition member, the Bảo Vệ Collective.
British Columbia only (application required)
B.C. Emergency Benefit for Workers ($1,000)
If your ability to work has been affected by COVID-19, you may qualify for a tax-free, one-time $1,000 payment. Learn more about whether you are eligible and how to apply for the B.C. Emergency Benefit for Workers.
British Columbia only (no application required)
Income & Disability Assistance ($300)
Due to the COVID-19 health emergency, the Government of BC is providing a supplement of $300 to eligible assistance cheques issued in April, May, and June. This is an automatic supplement and you do not need to apply.
You are eligible if you…
Are currently receiving any of the following:
- Income Assistance
- Disability Assistance
- Comforts Allowance
- BC Senior's Supplement
Are not receiving:
- Federal Employment Insurance (EI) or;
- Canadian Emergency Response Benefit (CERB).
When will I get my supplement?
| Assistance | Date |
|---|---|
| Income Assistance | March 25, 2020, April 22, 2020, May 27, 2020 |
| Disability Assistance | March 25, 2020, April 22, 2020, May 27, 2020 |
| Comforts Allowance | March 25, 2020, April 22, 2020, May 27, 2020 |
| BC Senior’s Supplement | March 25, 2020, April 22, 2020, May 27, 2020 |
All information comes from the Government of BC. To learn more, call Service BC’s toll free number at 1-866-866-0800 or contact your local office.
More information
Be careful of disinformation
An increasing number of scams during the COVID-19 pandemic aim to profit from community members’ uncertainties and fears about the global health crisis. Learn about scams to watch out for and where to find credible, accurate information on our Financial Scam and Fraud Resources page.