Income Assistance Resource – Regular income benefits – CLEO

These benefits were in place before COVID-19. CERB benefits were introduced as a temporary benefit. The last CERB payment will be for October 3, 2020, but you can apply as late as December 2, 2020. CERB will be replaced with additional EI benefits starting September 27, 2020. For more information about these programs, visit https://stepstojustice.ca/covid-19.

Regular income benefits (PDF)

Learn about benefits that are available if you need money.

Reviewed: September 9, 2020

	Who’s eligible	Amount and where to apply	Notes
Employment Insurance (EI) regular benefits	worked at least 120 insurable hours 1 during the qualifying period 2 lost your job but not your fault without work or income for at least 7 days in a row ready, willing, and able to work actively looking for work	55% of your normal salary, up to $573 a week 3 lasts up to 45 weeks depending on the hours you worked and the rate of unemployment in your region apply online at: https://canada.ca/en/services/benefits/ ei/ei-regular-benefit/apply.html	This has been changed to 120 hours across the country. This change is expected to last for about one year, starting on September 27, 2020. This is usually the 52 weeks before your claim. On September 27, 2020 there will be a new minimum payment of $400 per week.
EI sickness benefits	worked at least 120 insurable hours during the qualifying period your weekly earnings went down by more than 40% unable to work because you’re sick, injured, or in quarantine (1) but you could work if you were not sick	55% of your normal salary, up to $573 a week with more money for families living on a low income (2) can last for up to 15 weeks apply online: https://canada.ca/en/services/benefits/ ei/ei-sickness/apply.html	You’ll need medical proof of your sickness or injury. If you’re applying for EI sickness benefits due to quarantine, you will not need a medical certificate. On September 27, 2020 there will be a new minimum payment of $400 per week.
Ontario Works (OW)	need money to pay for your basic expenses (1) live in Ontario can’t work or can’t find work, but willing to look for a job or do an employment program suggested by your OW worker (2)	get up to $733 a month for a single person, with more available for families apply in person, by telephone, or online: https://www.ontario.ca/page/social-assistance	You’ll have to give information about your household’s finances to the government. Other adult members of your family who live with you may also have to take part in and employment program.
Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP)	need money to pay for your basic expenses (1) must have a disability or fit within a specific class of people (2) live in Ontario are 18 years of age or older	get up to $1,169 a month as a single person more money for people with families apply in person, by telephone, or online: https://www.ontario.ca/page/social-assistance	You’ll have to give information about your household’s finances to the government. Your disability must affect your ability to work or care for yourself. Most people must have medical proof of their disability. But some may not, for example, people 65 and older who can’t get Old Age Security or who already qualify for Canada Pension Plan disability benefits.