Learn about government programs and services designed to support individuals and families. Many of these resources are new initiatives created to support people during the COVID-19 crisis. Visit these government sites to learn more.
Canada’s COVID-19 Economic Response Plan
Canada has announced an economic response plan outlining support for individuals and businesses impacted by COVID-19. You can find a complete list of all the recently announced benefits by going to Canada’s economic response official site.
Employment Insurance
If you were recently laid off and qualify to receive Employment Insurance, visit the Government of Canada’s website. You can submit a request immediately. Employment Insurance (EI) provides temporary income support to unemployed workers. Qualifying workers will receive 55% of their average insurable weekly earnings, up to a maximum amount.
If you have to be quarantined during this time you may be eligible to apply.
Employment Insurance – Sickness Benefits
Employment Insurance (EI) provides sickness benefits for those unable to work for medical reasons. You can receive up to 15 weeks of financial assistance if you cannot work for medical reasons. To apply, visit the Employment Insurance page.
New Recovery Benefits – After CERB
If you were receiving CERB, you may be eligible for one of the new recovery benefits retroactive to September 27, 2020 and available until September 25, 2021. For information on the new benefits available and how to apply, please visit the After CERB: Transitioning to new benefits webpage.
Canada Child Benefit
To apply go to the CCB site. If you have previously applied for this benefit, you do not need to re-apply.
Ontario Emergency Supports
An emergency support fund for people in Ontario facing a crisis or emergency. This is a short-term assistance of $733 and up a month to cover items like food and housing. To apply, visit the Ontario government website.
Find other information about the Ministry of Children and Community and Social Services emergency supports during COVID-19.
Tax credit payment for low income earners
There is a one-time special payment through the Goods and Services Tax credit for low- and modest-income families. If you are eligible, you will receive it automatically.
Support for Students and Recent Graduates
The Canadian government announced support for students and recent graduates in light of COVID-19. These supports include assistance to the student loan repayments, a proposed Emergency Student Benefit and changes to the Summer Job program. More information here.
Ontario Works Social Assistance
Financial assistance in Ontario through the Ontario Works program.
Job Bank
A job search engine run by the Canadian federal Government.
Toronto Jobs
A job board for you to reach local jobs in the GTA.
Transferable Skills
This Government of Canada site allows you to search for careers bases on essential skills, covering 350+ careers.
Employability Skills
The skills you need to enter, stay in, and progress in the world of work.
City of Toronto: Economic Support & Recovery for Individuals & Families
This City of Toronto website offers a list of resources which can be used to help minimize the impacts of COVID-19 and help get Toronto residents back on their feet. The site contains information on property tax and utility bills grace periods; banking solutions; federal and provincial assistance programs; and how to tackle monthly expenses and bills.
Region of Peel: Support for Residents
Visit the Region of Peel website to learn about the different social support resources available such as food programs and other services to assist Peel residents during COVID-19.
Ontario Ministry of Education
- Information on Child Care and the Early Years in Ontario
- How to find and pay for childcare in Ontario
Childcare for Essential Workers (Toronto)
The City of Toronto is authorized by the Province of Ontario to provide emergency childcare for children of essential and critical service workers.
Childcare for Essential Workers (Peel Region)
Emergency childcare services are reserved for children of eligible health care and other essential workers who have no other childcare alternatives and are required to report to a work site.
Ontario Ministry of Education
Learn on the Ontario Ministry of Education website. Resources for parents, guardians and caregivers. There are free tips and resources to support you while you’re learning at home with your child.
One-time financial support
The Ontario Ministry of Education is offering a one-time payment of $200 per child and $250 for children with special needs to offset the cost of buying materials to support their children’s learning. There is no income cap on this program. To apply, go to the Ontario government site.
Are you concerned about COVID-19?
Find out where to get tested for COVID-19 in Peel region and the city of Toronto.
Need more government information? Contact your elected officials.
Your Member of Parliament may be able to help answer some key questions about federal programs available for workers impacted by COVID-19. Contact their constituency offices for more information. You can look up your local MP using your postal code.