COVID-19 Economic Support | The Ismaili Canada
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COVID-19 Economic Support

The COVID-19 pandemic has affected the Canadian economy and alongside the millions of individuals that are in need of financial support due to unemployment, small businesses have experienced dramatic challenges to their business, in a short period of time. The Government of Canada together with the Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC) and all chartered banks are working together to help ease this financial burden on individuals, families, business owners, and all those in need.

We are here to support all members of the Canadian Jamat through this period of uncertainty and are available to answer your questions on the economic impact that you, your families and business may be experiencing during the COVID-19 pandemic. Please refer to the resources below for information that is most relevant to your financial needs during this time.

Fraud and Scam Information

The Jamat is cautioned to be aware of attempts by malicious groups to take advantage of those impacted by the current COVID-19 outbreak. These attempts have the potential to severely damage a victim’s financial position with extremely limited chances of remedy. Please immediately disregard all unsolicited communication attempts through phone, email or text, to obtain your detailed personal financial information, SIN number, credit card numbers, bank accounts or related information from anyone, including those posing as known entities such as a government agency, the Ismaili Council for Canada, or any institutional leadership. To learn more about COVID-19, remember to refer to legitimate sources such as official government or institutional websites.

For further information and to report fraud, please visit the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre.

Resources for Individuals and Families
Individuals and Families

Employment Insurance (EI) program

The Government of Canada has made temporary changes to the Employment Insurance (EI) program to better support Canadians who need financial assistance.

Learn More

If you're not eligible for EI or if you've received the maximum number of weeks of EI regular benefits, you may be eligible for the following benefits:

Canada Worker Lockdown Benefit

The Canada Worker Lockdown Benefit provides $300 a week to eligible workers who are unable to work due to a temporary local lockdown anytime between October 24, 2021 and May 7, 2022.

The benefit is only available when a COVID-19 lockdown order is designated for your region.

Learn More

Canada Recovery Sickness Benefit

The Canada Recovery Sickness Benefit provides $500 ($450 after taxes withheld) per week for up to a maximum of six weeks, for workers who:

  • are unable to work for at least 50% of the week because they contracted COVID-19
  • are self-isolated for reasons related to COVID-19
  • have underlying conditions, are undergoing treatments or have contracted other sicknesses that, in the opinion of a medical practitioner, nurse practitioner, person in authority, government or public health authority, would make them more susceptible to COVID-19.

This benefit is available until May 7, 2022

Learn More

Canada Recovery Caregiving Benefit

The Canada Recovery Caregiving Benefit provides $500 ($450 after taxes withheld) for up to 44 weeks per household for workers:

  • unable to work for at least 50% of the week because they must care for a child under the age of 12 or family member because schools, day-cares or care facilities are closed due to COVID-19
  • because the child or family member is sick and/or required to quarantine or is at high risk of serious health implications because of COVID-19.

This benefit is available until May 7, 2022.

Learn More

Canada Workers Benefit

The Canada Workers Benefit provides a refundable tax credit to help people who are working and earning a low income. We are expanding eligibility by making the benefit available to those with incomes up to:

  • $32,244 as single Canadians, without children; 
  • $42,197 as single-earner families; and
  • $56,197 as double-earner families. 

Low-income workers are now eligible for a tax refund of up to about:

  • $1,400 for workers who are single and without children; and 
  • $2,400 for workers with families.

Learn More 

Mortgage Payment Deferral

Homeowners facing financial hardship may be eligible for a mortgage payment deferral.

The deferral is an agreement between you and your lender. Typically, the agreement indicates that you and your lender have agreed to pause or suspend your mortgage payments for a certain amount of time. After the agreement ends, your mortgage payments return to normal and the deferred payments — including principal and accumulated interest – are added to the outstanding principal balance and subsequently repaid throughout the life of the mortgage.

To know if you are eligible for a mortgage payment deferral or to learn what options are available, contact your lender — your bank or your mortgage professional.

Learn More

Provincial and Territorial Support

Self-Employed Individuals

Canada Worker Lockdown Benefit

The Canada Worker Lockdown Benefit provides $300 a week to eligible workers who are unable to work due to a temporary local lockdown anytime between October 24, 2021 and May 7, 2022.

The benefit is only available when a COVID-19 lockdown order is designated for your region.

Learn More

Canada Recovery Sickness Benefit

The Canada Recovery Sickness Benefit provides $500 ($450 after taxes withheld) per week for up to a maximum of six weeks, for workers who:

  • are unable to work for at least 50% of the week because they contracted COVID-19
  • are self-isolated for reasons related to COVID-19
  • have underlying conditions, are undergoing treatments or have contracted other sicknesses that, in the opinion of a medical practitioner, nurse practitioner, person in authority, government or public health authority, would make them more susceptible to COVID-19.

This benefit is available until May 7, 2022

Learn More

Canada Recovery Caregiving Benefit

The Canada Recovery Caregiving Benefit provides $500 ($450 after taxes withheld) for up to 44 weeks per household for workers:

  • unable to work for at least 50% of the week because they must care for a child under the age of 12 or family member because schools, day-cares or care facilities are closed due to COVID-19
  • because the child or family member is sick and/or required to quarantine or is at high risk of serious health implications because of COVID-19.

This benefit is available until May 7, 2022.

Learn More

Online Tool To Find Financial Help During COVID-19

Use this tool to be able to find a list of benefits available for individuals based on their situation. 

Learn More

For a detailed overview of the COVID-19 benefits and services offered by the Government of Canada, Click Here.

The Ismaili

Contact Us

His Highness Prince Aga Khan Shia Imami Ismaili Council for Canada

49 Wynford Drive Toronto, Ontario M3C 1K1 CANADA

Tel: +1-416-646-6965

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