The B.C. and federal government have announced new benefits for
workers impacted by COVID-19.
B.C. Emergency Benefit for Workers
The B.C. Emergency Benefit for Workers will provide a one-time
$1,000 payment to people who lost income because of COVID-19. B.C.
residents who receive Employment Insurance (“EI”) or
the new Canada Emergency Response Benefit (“CERB”,
described below) will be eligible. While few details have been
released, applications open soon and the payment will be made in
May.
Canada Emergency Response Benefit
As part of its COVID-19 Economic Response Plan, the federal
government has announced a variety of supports to help workers
facing hardship as a result of the COVID-19 outbreak, including the
CERB. The CERB replaces the previously announced Emergency Care
Benefit and the Emergency Support Benefit. The government has said
CERB will provide $2,000 a month for up to 16 weeks for workers who
lose their income as a result of the COVID-19
