Some key points to make at the end of a very overwhelming week:
1. First priority is managing the public health crisis. This week’s income support announcements are addressing gaps in our social safety net to make the decision to stay home easier
1. First priority is managing the public health crisis. This week’s income support announcements are addressing gaps in our social safety net to make the decision to stay home easier
2. If your job has been affected, check with Employment Insurance first. You might qualify for regular, sickness, or caregiving benefits. Get your record of employment. Apply ASAP.
3. Don’t qualify for EI? New benefits announced as Emergency Care and Emergency Support Benefits. The infrastructure is under construction, but get ready to apply.
4. Make sure your address and direct deposit information with CRA is up to date. Those getting CCB or GST Credit should already be up to date, but for many the info is over a year old.
5. Its going to take a few weeks to get the CCB and GST Credit boosts out to families. Look for relief where you can find it - defer mortgage payments, student loans, etc. Set aside pride and ask for help. Seek out NGOs who can help.
6. I think we should be confident that announcements this week were a small first step. There’s a long road ahead, many folks working hard to secure the safety net and figure out medium & long-term next steps. It’s going to be rough for many people no matter what.
