COVID-19: financial supports/services
Index:
(1) Government of Canada
1. COVID-19 Benefits and Services: Economic Response Plan
- Support for Individuals & Families
- Canada Child Benefit / Tax credit payment / Extended deadline for tax return / Mortgage support / Student Support / RRIFs / Support for OAS & GIS recipients
- Support for Workers & Job Loss
- Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB) / Employment Insurance (EI)
- Support for Students
- Canada Student Loan Program (CSLP) / Canada Emergency Student Benefit (CESB) / Canada Student Service Grant (CSSG) / Change in Summer Job 2020
- Support for Employers
- Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy (CEWS) / Temporary 10% wage subsidy / Canada Emergency Business Account (CEBA) / Canada Emergency Commercial Rent Assistance (CECRA) / Extended Work-sharing Program / Business Credit Availability Program (BCAP)
2. Government of Canada: Other Services
- Canadian Passport Services / Social Insurance Number
- Financial Support (families, emergency, social assistance recipients, OSAP borrowers, GAINS recipients)
- Utility Support
- Temporary Change in Residential Rental
- Ontario News Release (finance & business related)
(1) Government of Canada
1. COVID-19 Benefits and Services: Economic Response Plan
*Temporary closure of Service Canada office: You can access their programs and services online. For additional support, fill out the service request form.
◇ Comparison Chart (CLEO): CERB/CESB/OEA/OWEB
Support for Individuals & Families
[toggle title_open=”1-a. Canada Child Benefit (CCB) / Tel: 1-800-387-1193″ title_closed=”1-a. Canada Child Benefit (CCB) / Tel: 1-800-387-1193″ hide=”yes” border=”yes” style=”default” excerpt_length=”0″ read_more_text=”Read More” read_less_text=”Read Less” include_excerpt_html=”no”]Canada Child BenefitEligible recipients will receive extra $300 per child with their regular May CCB payment for 2019-20.
If you have previously applied for the CCB, you do not need to re-apply.[/toggle] [toggle title_open=”1-b. Special goods and services tax credit payment” title_closed=”1-b. Special goods and services tax credit payment” hide=”yes” border=”yes” style=”default” excerpt_length=”0″ read_more_text=”Read More” read_less_text=”Read Less” include_excerpt_html=”no”]One-time special payment starting Apr 9 through the Goods and Services Tax credit for low- and modest-income families. The average additional benefit will be close to $400 for single individuals and close to $600 for couples. There is no need to apply for this payment. If you are eligible, you will get it automatically.[/toggle] [toggle title_open=”1-c. Extra time to file income tax returns” title_closed=”1-c. Extra time to file income tax returns” hide=”yes” border=”yes” style=”default” excerpt_length=”0″ read_more_text=”Read More” read_less_text=”Read Less” include_excerpt_html=”no”] For individuals: The deadline to file your income tax and benefit return will be deferred until June 1, 2020.
The deadline to pay any balance due for your individual income tax and benefit return for 2019 has been extended to September 1, 2020 without any interest or penalties.
For self-employed and their spouse/partner, business, trusts, and charities, please see the list here.[/toggle] [toggle title_open=”1-d. Mortgage support” title_closed=”1-d. Mortgage support” hide=”yes” border=”yes” style=”default” excerpt_length=”0″ read_more_text=”Read More” read_less_text=”Read Less” include_excerpt_html=”no”]Mortgage support
Canadians who are impacted by COVID-19 and experiencing financial hardship as a result should contact their financial institution regarding flexibility for a mortgage deferral.
A mortgage deferral allows you to skip payments for a defined period of time. Interest will continue to be charged on the amount you owe and will be added to your balance.
See “COVID-19: Understanding mortgage payment deferral” (Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation)[/toggle] [toggle title_open=”1-e. RRIFs” title_closed=”1-e. RRIFs” hide=”yes” border=”yes” style=”default” excerpt_length=”0″ read_more_text=”Read More” read_less_text=”Read Less” include_excerpt_html=”no”]Reducing required minimum withdrawals from Registered Retirement Income Funds (RRIFs) by 25% for 2020, in recognition of volatile market conditions and their impact on many seniors’ retirement savings.
This will provide flexibility to seniors that are concerned that they may be required to liquidate their RRIF assets to meet minimum withdrawal requirements. Similar rules would apply to individuals receiving variable benefit payments under a defined contribution Registered Pension Plan.
CMHC: 1-800-668-2642 / contactcentre@cmhc.ca[/toggle] [toggle title_open=”1-f. Support for OAS / GIS recipients” title_closed=”1-f. Support for OAS / GIS recipients” hide=”yes” border=”yes” style=”default” excerpt_length=”0″ read_more_text=”Read More” read_less_text=”Read Less” include_excerpt_html=”no”] One-time tax-free payment of $300 for OAS (Old Age Security), with an additional $200 for GIS (Guaranteed Income Supplement) recipients to cover increased costs caused by COVID-19. It will be automatically added during the week of July 6, no need to apply.[/toggle] [toggle title_open=”1-g. Temporarily extending GIS and Allowance payments” title_closed=”1-g. Temporarily extending GIS and Allowance payments” hide=”yes” border=”yes” style=”default” excerpt_length=”0″ read_more_text=”Read More” read_less_text=”Read Less” include_excerpt_html=”no”]For seniors whose 2019 income information has not been assessed, GIS and Allowance payments are temporarily extended, to ensure that the most vulnerable seniors continue to receive their benefits when they need them the most.
To avoid interruption in benefits, seniors are encouraged to submit their 2019 income information as soon as possible, and no later than by Oct 1, 2020.[/toggle]
Supporting people facing unemployment
[toggle title_open=”1-h. Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB)” title_closed=”1-h. Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB)” hide=”yes” border=”yes” style=”default” excerpt_length=”0″ read_more_text=”Read More” read_less_text=”Read Less” include_excerpt_html=”no”]Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB)It provides a taxable temporary income to workers who have stopped working and are without employment or self-employment income for reasons related to COVID-19. $2,000 for 4 weeks, max 16 weeks. See above the link for more details and eligibility criteria.
- Apply through online or phone (1-800-959-2019 / 1-800-959-2041), and no later than Dec 2, 2020.
- Workers who remain attached to their company can apply. This means you don’t have to be completely laid off. Your income must have been stopped or reduced to $1,000 or less per month.
- Want to see more Q&A? Click here
On April 15, the eligibility rules were expanded to:
- Allow people to earn up to $1,000/month while collecting the CERB.
- Seasonal workers who have exhausted their EI regular benefits and are unable to undertake their regular seasonal work due to COVID-19.
- Workers who have recently exhausted their EI regular benefits and are unable to find a job due to COVID-19.
*If you are on OW/ODSP, read here on how CERB is treated.[/toggle]
[toggle title_open=”1-i. Employment Insurance (EI)” title_closed=”1-i. Employment Insurance (EI)” hide=”yes” border=”yes” style=”default” excerpt_length=”0″ read_more_text=”Read More” read_less_text=”Read Less” include_excerpt_html=”no”]If you were recently laid off or have reduced hours and qualify for Employment Insurance benefits, you can submit your request today.
**Record of Employment (ROE): Your company must issue a ROE if you are directly affected by COVID-19 and no longer working. For the company, see the link to learn which code to use in ROE for COVID-19 related matter.
**Have questions? Use this form (for specific contents) to inquire – Service Canada personnel will call you within few business days.[/toggle]
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Support for Students
[toggle title_open=”1-j. Canada Student Loan Program (CSLP)” title_closed=”1-j. Canada Student oan Program (CSLP)” hide=”yes” border=”yes” style=”default” excerpt_length=”0″ read_more_text=”Read More” read_less_text=”Read Less” include_excerpt_html=”no”] On Mar 30, 2020, the government placed a 6-month interest-free moratorium the repayment for all borrowers currently in the process of repaying. Students do not need to apply for the repayment pause (Click here for more details).Students who are currently studying can continue to apply for Canada Student Loans. There will be no change to the application process. If a borrower wishes to apply for student financial assistance during the pause, they should apply through their Province or Territory of residence.
The changes include (Click here for more details):
- doubling the Canada Student Grants for all eligible students in 2020-21:
- full-time student: max $6,000
- part-time student: max $3,500
- students with permanent disabilities and students with dependents: also doubled
- broadening eligibility for student financial assistance by removing the expected student;s and spouse’s contributions in 2020-21.
- raising the maximum weekly amount that can be provided to a student in 2020-21 from $210 to $350
To be eligible for CERB, you have to be one of the followings;
- all current post-secondary students & ones graduated in Dec 2019; OR,
- those entering and continuing post-secondary educations in this fall term
AND, you have to be in both following situations;
- Unable to work / find work due to COVID-19, or is earning less than $1000/month, AND
- Not eligible for CERB and EI
For more details and applying, go to this link.[/toggle]
[toggle title_open=”1-L. Canada Student Service Grant (CSSG)” title_closed=”1-L. Canada Student Service Grant (CSSG)” hide=”yes” border=”yes” style=”default” excerpt_length=”0″ read_more_text=”Read More” read_less_text=”Read Less” include_excerpt_html=”no”]
The government will launch this support to help student gain valuable work experience and skills while they help their communities during the COVID-19 pandemic.
For students who choose to do national service and serve their communities, the new CSSG will provide up to $5,000 towards their education in the fall.
More details will be made available on the “I Want to Help” platform soon.[/toggle]
[toggle title_open=”1-m. Change in Canada Summer Job 2020″ title_closed=”1-m. Change in Canada Summer Job 2020″ hide=”yes” border=”yes” style=”default” excerpt_length=”0″ read_more_text=”Read More” read_less_text=”Read Less” include_excerpt_html=”no”]
Canada Summer Job: Overview
All funded employers:
- will be eligible to receive a wage subsidy of up to 100% of minimum wage (raised from 50%).
- may offer part-time placements, fewer than 30 hrs/week (previously full-time only).
- may offer job placements between May 11, 2020 and Feb 28, 2021 (previously it ends no later than Aug 28, 2020).
Read here for the information on the temporary changes.[/toggle]
Support for Employers
[toggle title_open=”1-n. Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy (CEWS) (Opened on Apr 27)” title_closed=”1-n. Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy (CEWS) (Opened on Apr 27)” hide=”yes” border=”yes” style=”default” excerpt_length=”0″ read_more_text=”Read More” read_less_text=”Read Less” include_excerpt_html=”no”]Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy (CEWS)If your business has been affected by COVID-19, you may be eligible for a subsidy of 75% of employee wages for up to 12 weeks, from Mar 15 to Jun 6, 2020. You must have experienced an eligible revenue drop (15% in Mar or 30% in Apr and May) and have had a CRA payroll account on Mar 15, 2020. See the link for more details and how to apply. **The term has been extended to the end of Aug 2020 (as of May 15).[/toggle] [toggle title_open=”1-o. Temporary 10% Wage Subsidy” title_closed=”1-o. Temporary 10% Wage Subsidy” hide=”yes” border=”yes” style=”default” excerpt_length=”0″ read_more_text=”Read More” read_less_text=”Read Less” include_excerpt_html=”no”]Temporary 10% Wage Subsidy
Eligible employers that pay remuneration to an employee, such as salary, wages, or taxable benefits, on or after March 18th and before June 19th, are permitted to reduce remittances of federal, provincial, or territorial income tax by the amount of the subsidy. This measure is only applicable to remittances made to the CRA. See the link for eligibility and how to apply.[/toggle] [toggle title_open=”1-p. Canada Emergency Business Account (CEBA)” title_closed=”1-p. Canada Emergency Business Account (CEBA)” hide=”yes” border=”yes” style=”default” excerpt_length=”0″ read_more_text=”Read More” read_less_text=”Read Less” include_excerpt_html=”no”]Canada Emergency Business Account (CEBA)
CEBA will provide interest-free loans of up to $40,000 to small businesses and not-for-profits during a period where their revenues have been temporarily reduced. See the link for eligibility and how to apply.[/toggle] [toggle title_open=”1-q. Canada Emergency Commercial Rent Assistance (CECRA)” title_closed=”1-q. Canada Emergency Commercial Rent Assistance (CECRA)” hide=”yes” border=”yes” style=”default” excerpt_length=”0″ read_more_text=”Read More” read_less_text=”Read Less” include_excerpt_html=”no”]Canada Emergency Commercial Rent Assistance (CECRA)
Forgivable loans to qualifying commercial property owners for them to reduce the rent owed by their impacted small business tenant by at least 75% for the months of April, May and June, 2020. Sign up with the form on the link above to receive more information and when the application process opens. Opens on May 25.[/toggle] [toggle title_open=”1-r. Extended Work-sharing Program” title_closed=”1-r. Extended Work-sharing Program” hide=”yes” border=”yes” style=”default” excerpt_length=”0″ read_more_text=”Read More” read_less_text=”Read Less” include_excerpt_html=”no”]Work-sharing Program
The maximum duration of the program is extended from 38 weeks to 76 weeks. The Work-Sharing program is offered to workers who agree to reduce their normal working hours because of developments beyond the control of their employers. See the details here for special measures[/toggle] [toggle title_open=”1-s. Business Credit Availability Program (BCAP)” title_closed=”1-s. Business Credit Availability Program (BCAP)” hide=”yes” border=”yes” style=”default” excerpt_length=”0″ read_more_text=”Read More” read_less_text=”Read Less” include_excerpt_html=”no”] BCAP was established to provide more than $10 billion of additional support, largely targeted to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), through the Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC) and Export Development Canada (EDC).
As the first step, businesses in need of credit support should contact their financial institution. You can now apply through various banks and credit unions.
- Loan Guarantee for SMEs (EDC):
- Export Development Canada (EDC) is working with financial institutions to guarantee 80% of new operating credit and cash flow term loans up to $6.25 million to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
- This support is to be used for operational expenses and is available to both exporting and non-exporting companies.
- Co-Lending Program for SMEs (BDC):
- Business Development Canada (BDC) is woriing with financial institutions to co-lend term loans of up to $6.25 million to SMEs for their operational cash flow requirements.
- The program offers differing maximum finance amounts based on business revenues.
- Available until/before Sep 30, 2020.[/toggle]
2. Government of Canada: Other Services
[toggle title_open=”2-a. Canadian Passport Services” title_closed=”2-a. Canadian Passport Services” hide=”yes” border=”yes” style=”default” excerpt_length=”0″ read_more_text=”Read More” read_less_text=”Read Less” include_excerpt_html=”no”]Canadian Passport ServicesPassport services at all Service Canada offices are suspended until further notice. For the eligible individuals who need to travel urgently, see the link above to find how to apply.[/toggle] [toggle title_open=”2-b. Social Insurance Number (SIN)” title_closed=”2-b. Social Insurance Number (SIN)” hide=”yes” border=”yes” style=”default” excerpt_length=”0″ read_more_text=”Read More” read_less_text=”Read Less” include_excerpt_html=”no”]If you don’t remember your SIN, there may be ways you can find it yourself. You can find your SIN in the following places:
- on your income tax return
- on your tax slips (T4s, T5)
- on your record of employment
- RRSP contribution, or
- you can request your SIN from your employer
You can still apply only by online or mail/courier. Find out how to apply, by carefully view the instructions on the link here.
If you have applied for renewal of your work or study permit and your current permit has expired before a decision is made, the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations provides you the right to continue working or studying under the same conditions as long as you remain in Canada. This is referred to as “implied status”. You retain implied status until a decision is rendered by Immigration Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). For more information regarding “implied status”, visit the IRCC website or call the IRCC Call Centre at 1-888-242-2100.[/toggle]
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(2) Government of Ontario
1. Ontario: Financial Support
[toggle title_open=”1-a. Support for Families (one-time payment per child)” title_closed=”1-a. Support for Families (one-time payment per child)” hide=”yes” border=”yes” style=”default” excerpt_length=”0″ read_more_text=”Read More” read_less_text=”Read Less” include_excerpt_html=”no”]Eligible parents (parents refer to parents, guardians and caregivers) will receive a one-time per child payment of:- $200 for children age 0 to 12
- $250 for children or youth aged 0 to 21 with special needs
Other rules:
- If you have more than one child, must submit one application per child
- Only one parent can apply for each child
- The parent who applies should have custody of the child
- If you are already receiving “Support for Parents” (school-strike-based support) payments through direct deposit, you will be automatically eligible for this and do not need to submit a new application.
Apply through online or contact for support at 1-888-444-3770 / TTY 1-800-268-7095 / supportforfamilies@ontario.ca[/toggle] [toggle title_open=”1-b. Ontario Emergency Assistance Program” title_closed=”1-b. Ontario Emergency Assistance Program” hide=”yes” border=”yes” style=”default” excerpt_length=”0″ read_more_text=”Read More” read_less_text=”Read Less” include_excerpt_html=”no”]You may qualify if you live in Ontario (not visitor/tourist) and are in crisis or emergency situation, and do not have enough money for things like food/housing. A crisis/emergency includes situations where you:
- have been affected by COVID-19
- are being evicted from your home
- are in or are leaving an abusive relationship
- are worried about your safety
You can apply online or your local OW office. See more details here.
**This is not for the OW/ODSP recipients.[/toggle]
[toggle title_open=”1-c. Support for current social assistance recipients” title_closed=”1-c. Support for current social assistance recipients” hide=”yes” border=”yes” style=”default” excerpt_length=”0″ read_more_text=”Read More” read_less_text=”Read Less” include_excerpt_html=”no”]If you are on Ontario Works (OW) or Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP), contact your caseworker to receive extra “discretionary benefits” for May-July. If you already received emergency benefit in Mar/Apr and meet eligibility criteria, you’ll automatically receive it. A person on OW may be able to get additional support up to:
- $100/month for single individuals
- $200 /month for families[/toggle]
Province supports post-secondary students during COVID-19: Ontario enabling students to complete the academic year, offering loan payment deferrals and financial support for institutions. (March 31, 2020)[/toggle] [toggle title_open=”1-e. Support for GAINS recipients” title_closed=”1-e. Support for GAINS recipients” hide=”yes” border=”yes” style=”default” excerpt_length=”0″ read_more_text=”Read More” read_less_text=”Read Less” include_excerpt_html=”no”]GAINS (Guaranteed Annual Income System) is a monthly non-taxable benefit to low-income Ontario seniors to top-up federal pension (OAS/GIS). Payment are being automatically doubled for current GAINS recipients – no additional applications are required.[/toggle] [toggle title_open=”1-f. Trillium Drug Program: Deductible Recalculation” title_closed=”1-f. Trillium Drug Program: Deductible Recalculation” hide=”yes” border=”yes” style=”default” excerpt_length=”0″ read_more_text=”Read More” read_less_text=”Read Less” include_excerpt_html=”no”]If a TDP household has experienced an income change in 2019/2020 of 10% or more compared to their 2018 income, they can apply to have their deductible recalculated by completing and submitting the Annual Deductible Re-assessment Form.[/toggle] [toggle title_open=”1-g. Ontario Drug Benefit Program: Waving co-payment” title_closed=”1-g. Ontario Drug Benefit Program: Waving co-payment” hide=”yes” border=”yes” style=”default” excerpt_length=”0″ read_more_text=”Read More” read_less_text=”Read Less” include_excerpt_html=”no”]From May 14, ODBP users will not be required to pay any co-payment until July 1, 2020 for any prescription of 30 or more days that is now being dispensed in installments.[/toggle]
2. Ontario: Utility Support
[toggle title_open=”2-a. Ontario Electricity Support Program (OESP)” title_closed=”2-a. Ontario Electricity Support Program (OESP)” hide=”yes” border=”yes” style=”default” excerpt_length=”0″ read_more_text=”Read More” read_less_text=”Read Less” include_excerpt_html=”no”]Ontario Electricity Support Program (OESP)Offered by Ontario Energy Board (OEB), it lowers electricity bills through monthly credit (directly applied to the bills) to eligible lower-income households. No application deadline: the sooner you apply and are accepted, the sooner you will begin to receive.[/toggle] [toggle title_open=”2-b. Save on Energy” title_closed=”2-b. Save on Energy” hide=”yes” border=”yes” style=”default” excerpt_length=”0″ read_more_text=”Read More” read_less_text=”Read Less” include_excerpt_html=”no”] Save on Energy
Provided by Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO) – saving utility costs by receiving free energy-efficient appliance upgrades for income-eligible homeowners and tenants.
If you are a small business owner (50 employees or less), you may be eligible to receive full/partial fund to cover your project with Save on energy, for energy-efficient electricity installment (Small Business lighting Program).
*Previous participants of the Small Business Lighting Program from 2016-2019 are not eligible to participate again.[/toggle]
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3. Temporary Change in Residential Rental
See full article by Ontario Government here.
[toggle title_open=”3-a. No evictions until further notice” title_closed=”3-a. No evictions until further notice” hide=”yes” border=”yes” style=”default” excerpt_length=”0″ read_more_text=”Read More” read_less_text=”Read Less” include_excerpt_html=”no”]During this time, no new eviction orders will be issued. Sheriff’s offices will postpone any scheduled enforcement of current orders. Tenants is still obligated to pay rent during this period.
It is illegal for a landlord to change the locks to a rental unit or the building without giving the tenant a key to the new locks. If you are locked out, or threatened to lock you out, contact Rental Housing Enforcement Unit (416-585-7214 / 1-888-772-9277 / MHO.RHEU.Info@Ontario.ca
Click here for more information for landlords.[/toggle]
[toggle title_open=”3-b. Rent” title_closed=”3-b. Rent” hide=”yes” border=”yes” style=”default” excerpt_length=”0″ read_more_text=”Read More” read_less_text=”Read Less” include_excerpt_html=”no”]Under the law (Residential Tenancies Act), landlords can’t charge fees or penalties for late rent payments.
Landlords and tenants are encouraged to work together during this difficult time to establish fair arrangements (e.g. deferral, other payment arrangements) to keep tenants in their homes.[/toggle]
[toggle title_open=”3-c. Entering a rental unit: Physical Distancing” title_closed=”3-c. Entering a rental unit: Physical Distancing” hide=”yes” border=”yes” style=”default” excerpt_length=”0″ read_more_text=”Read More” read_less_text=”Read Less” include_excerpt_html=”no”]Landlord can only enter the unit in specific circumstances and must provide proper notice – 24-hr written notice with reason, date and time they will enter (between 8am-8pm), unless it is emergency. Landlords are encouraged to request entry only in urgent situations and to follow physical distancing guidelines.[/toggle]
4. Ontario: News Release
The ones here are related to COVID-19 financial support and other support for business/worker. Due to limited space, we recommend you to read whole release of each summary by clicking each link.
- Click here (basic info page) for COVID-19 related restrictions and new regulations.
- Click here for the whole list of News Release by Ontario Government.
- May 13: Effective on May 13, Ontario Drug Benefit Program users are not required for co-payment until July 1, 2020 for any prescription of 30+ days that is now being dispensed in installments. The Trillium Drug Program household can also apply for income reassessment to reduce the payment during the outbreak. (source)
- May 6:
- Ontario extends electricity rate relief during COVID-19. This relief, initially provided for a 45-day period from Mar 24, has been extended additional 24 days until May 31, 2020. (source)
- Apr 21: Additional relief to the most vulnerable; Ontario invests to help deliver meals, medicines and other essentials to those in need and doubling the Guaranteed Annual Income System (GAINS). (source)[/toggle]
- Apr 25: Pandemic Pay provides support for front-line workers fighting COVID-19. For eligible workplaces and workers, please see the link. It does not apply to management. (source)
- Apr 17: Emergency child care to more front-line staff – more health and safety workers and certain federal employees, including people who assist vulnerable communities, emergency response and low enforcement sector staff. (source)
- Mar 19: Two critical pieces of legislation passed: (1) protection to the jobs of employees who self-isolate/quarantine, (2) help keep store shelves stocked as quickly as possible. (source)[/toggle]
- Mar 25: Stop the Spread Business Information Line now open at 1-888-444-3659 – Ontario has launched service to answer to the questions from the businesses in Ontario and to provide guidance according to the government recommendations. 7 days/week, 8:30am-5:00pm. (source)
- Mar 21: Ontario urges business to join the fight against COVID-19 – New government website “Ontario Together” removes barriers for companies to provide essential goods and services. (source)[/toggle]
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(3) City of Toronto
Economic Support & Recovery for Individuals & Families
1. For Renters
- City of Toronto strongly urges all property owners to find ways to help tenants to stay in their homes and to proactively communicate with tenants about options, if available.
No eviction order will be issued, the court-ordered eviction is not enforced as well, unless the matter is urgent due to serious and ongoing health and safety issue or serious illegal act. The landlord’s written/verbal notice can’t evict the tenant. The landlord must follow the procedure and first get an order to end the tenancy from the LTB. About the LTB hearings, please see the link above.
Applications filed by tenants alleging that they have been illegally locked out are automatically scheduled for an urgent hearing.
In-person service counters are closed. Where possible, use email to contact the LTB.[/toggle] [toggle title_open=”1-b. Rent Bank (416-924-2543)” title_closed=”1-b. Rent Bank (416-924-2543)” hide=”yes” border=”yes” style=”default” excerpt_length=”0″ read_more_text=”Read More” read_less_text=”Read Less” include_excerpt_html=”no”]Rent Bank
Limited, interest-free repayable loans (max 2-month’s rent = first/last month) to eligible low-income households. Not eligible for OW/ODSP recipients and RGI unit residents.[/toggle] [toggle title_open=”1-c. Housing Stabilization Fund (HSF)” title_closed=”1-c. Housing Stabilization Fund (HSF)” hide=”yes” border=”yes” style=”default” excerpt_length=”0″ read_more_text=”Read More” read_less_text=”Read Less” include_excerpt_html=”no”]Housing Stabilization Fund (HSF)
For people receiving Ontario Works (OW) / Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP)[/toggle] [toggle title_open=”1-d. Toronto Community Housing (TCH) residents” title_closed=”1-d. Toronto Community Housing (TCH) residents” hide=”yes” border=”yes” style=”default” excerpt_length=”0″ read_more_text=”Read More” read_less_text=”Read Less” include_excerpt_html=”no”]TCH will be flexible and work with market rent and RGI tenants.[/toggle]
2. Utilities
[toggle title_open=”2-a. Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LEAP)” title_closed=”2-a. Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LEAP)” hide=”yes” border=”yes” style=”default” excerpt_length=”0″ read_more_text=”Read More” read_less_text=”Read Less” include_excerpt_html=”no”]Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LEAP)Customers behind on electricity or natural gas bill and face having service disconnected may qualify for emergency financial help through the LEAP.[/toggle] [toggle title_open=”2-b. Toronto Hydro” title_closed=”2-b. Toronto Hydro” hide=”yes” border=”yes” style=”default” excerpt_length=”0″ read_more_text=”Read More” read_less_text=”Read Less” include_excerpt_html=”no”]Toronto Hydro
It has extended its current suspension of residential electricity disconnections until July 31, 2020. They are encouraging customers to contact their Customer Care team directly at 416-542-8000 for help with billing concerns and payment options. They also have financial assistance programs, available to help people manage their electricity costs.[/toggle] [toggle title_open=”2-c. Emergency Energy Fund (416-338-8888) *Scroll down the linked page” title_closed=”2-c. Emergency Energy Fund (416-338-8888) *Scroll down the linked page” hide=”yes” border=”yes” style=”default” excerpt_length=”0″ read_more_text=”Read More” read_less_text=”Read Less” include_excerpt_html=”no”]Emergency Energy Fund
Assistance in payment of energy arrears for hydro, gas or oil services for eligible low-income Toronto residents, regardless of their immigration status in Canada. You must have received disconnection notice or have already been disconnected, or have energy arrears but not enough money to pay. Not eligible for OW/ODSP recipients.[/toggle] [toggle title_open=”2-d. Money for Home Energy Conservation Supplies (for OW recipients)” title_closed=”2-d. Money for Home Energy Conservation Supplies (for OW recipients)” hide=”yes” border=”yes” style=”default” excerpt_length=”0″ read_more_text=”Read More” read_less_text=”Read Less” include_excerpt_html=”no”]One-time payment of up to $50 to reimburse the cost of items such as:
- caulking
- sealing or weather-stripping or doors and windows
- insulation for hot water pipes/tanks, and
- flow restrictors for shower heads
Speak to your OW caseworker to apply – requires proof of payment for the energy conservation item.[/toggle]
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3. Tax and other financing
[toggle title_open=”3-a. Pre-authorized property tax and utility payments” title_closed=”3-a. Pre-authorized property tax and utility payments” hide=”yes” border=”yes” style=”default” excerpt_length=”0″ read_more_text=”Read More” read_less_text=”Read Less” include_excerpt_html=”no”] The City will be suspending all pending automated withdrawals that is scheduled for all City residents and businesses within the next 60-day period but not yet withdrawn. Payers who wish to remit property tax or utility bill payments as originally scheduled, can still do so through their financial institutions with online/telephone banking or via ATM payments. Click here for more details.→This 60-day grace period has ended on May 15. Click here for the billing dates for the rest of 2020.[/toggle] [toggle title_open=”3-b. Banking Solutions” title_closed=”3-b. Banking Solutions” hide=”yes” border=”yes” style=”default” excerpt_length=”0″ read_more_text=”Read More” read_less_text=”Read Less” include_excerpt_html=”no”]BMO, CIBC, National Bank of Canada, RBC, Scotiabank, TD have made a commitment to work with personal and small business banking customers on a case-by-case basis to provide flexible solutions to help them manage through challenges such as:
- pay disruption due to COVID-19;
- childcare disruption due to school closures; or
- those facing illness from COVID-19.
This support will include up to a 6-month payment deferral for mortgages, and the opportunity for relief on other credit products.[/toggle]
[toggle title_open=”3-c. For OW recipient: List of benefits” title_closed=”3-c. For OW recipient: List of benefits” hide=”yes” border=”yes” style=”default” excerpt_length=”0″ read_more_text=”Read More” read_less_text=”Read Less” include_excerpt_html=”no”]List of benefits
Beyond the monthly OW amount, OW provides other supports for child and family, housing, employment and health.[/toggle]
4. COVID-19: Business Resources
- COVID-19: Business Support website
- BusinessTO Support Centre：One-to-one virtual support to help businesses complete applications for Government of Canada COVID-19 funding programs and get general business advise (requires online inquiry to start)
**Go back to the COVID-19:
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