Applications Open For New Canada Worker Lockdown Benefit
OTTAWA — A new federal benefit is available for workers impacted by the massive jump in Covid-19 cases across Canada, spurred by the recent spread of the Omicron variant.
The Canada Revenue Agency confirmed this week that the Canada Worker Lockdown Benefit (CWLB) is now available for applicants considered to be in a designated lockdown region who are unable to work as a result of capacity restrictions.
Minister of National Revenue, Diane Lebouthillier, announced the expanded access, adding the benefit pays qualified recipients $300 a week and that payments are retroactive to December 19.
“We are monitoring the evolving situation closely and will continue to work with our partners to implement Covid-19 support measures as quickly as possible in order to address the financial hardship still being felt by Canadians,” Lebouthillier said in a news release.
Jurisdictions Designated As A ‘Lockdown Region’
New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, and Newfoundland and Labrador are among the provinces currently designated lockdown regions.
British Columbia, Alberta, Manitoba, Ontario, Quebec, and Nunavut are, as of Friday, also included on the federal government’s list of designated lockdown regions. The government says the list will continue to be updated regularly as changes to public health restrictions are introduced.
Who Is Eligible?
To be eligible for the new CWLB, applicants need to meet the eligibility criteria, which includes:
• You earned at least $5,000 in 2020, 2021, or in the 12 months leading up to the day you apply for the benefit;
• You filed a 2020 tax return;
• The region where you work or provide a service is designated as a COVID-19 lockdown region during the application period;
• A designated COVID-19 lockdown in your region resulted in one of the following during the application period:
• You lost your job and are unemployed
• You are self-employed but unable to continue your work
• You are employed or self-employed but had a reduction of at least 50% in your average weekly income as compared to the previous year.
CRA notes the updated regulations will apply from December 19, 2021, to February 12, 2022.
The CWLB program was announced in October and will last until May 7, 2022.
Tyler Mclean is a Huddle reporter based in Fredericton. Send him your feedback and story ideas: [email protected].