If you are looking after your loved ones who are critically ill or severely injured, there is are chance of putting your life on pause. In such conditions, the last thing you should think of is a paycheck. To provide assurance and support in such situations, the Canadian government offers financial assistance through the Canada Recovery Caregiving Benefit (CRCB) which works under the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA). Under this benefit, the eligible person will receive up to $695 per week. You must be wondering about what Caregiving benefits are, let’s check.
$695/Week Caregiving Benefits by CRA
The federal Government of Canada introduced the program of Canada Recovery Caregiving Benefit (CRCB) to provide financial support to self-employed and employed individuals who resume their jobs as they have to look after their child, or family members who need additional care and support. This program was started during COVID-19 when the basic facilities were closed and unavailable as individuals were either sick, isolated, or had had a serious health issue due to COVID-19.
The Caregiving concept has continued to evolve in various fields, such as some caregivers qualifying for similar weekly assistance through Employment Insurance (EI) or added CRA benefits, mainly if they are supporting an ill or injured person. From July 2025, the government will start providing benefits that will rise to $695 per week. So, if you are struggling with work and caregiving at the same time, here is everything you need to know about the new initiative by the government.
Caregiving Benefits by CRA: Overview
| Article On | $695 Per Week Caregiving Benefits by CRA |
| Department | Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) |
| Country | Canada |
| Beneficiary | Caregivers and sick individuals |
| Amount | $695 per week |
| Objective | To reduce financial burden while caregiving |
| Category | Government Aid |
| Official Website | canada.ca |
What are the Benefits of EI Caregiving?
Individuals who are looking after their critically injured or ill family members and are taking time off from their jobs qualify for the EI Caregiving benefits. The Employment Insurance Caregiving Benefits cover both children as well as adults, depending on the age and medical condition of the recipient.
Here are some specific benefits that an individual gets under EI caregiving:
- Financial support of up to $695 per week to look after the family members.
- It is available to all critically ill children who have turned 18 or above.
- EI benefits can alleviate burdens by allowing caregivers to focus more on care.
Who is Eligible for the $695/Week Caregiving Benefits?
The eligibility criteria for $695 caregiving benefit depend on the programs that you are applying for. To qualify for the benefits, the following individuals must fulfill the criteria:
1. Insured Employees:
- Completed a minimum of 600 insured hours of work in the past 52 weeks before you submit the claim.
- The weekly earnings must have dropped by 40 percent (at least) while caregiving.
2. Self-employed:
- Must have entered into an agreement with the CEIC (Canada Employment Insurance Commission) for a minimum of 12 months, as it plays an important role in looking after the employment agreement.
- You must have earned a minimum amount of $8,826 or more from the self-employed earnings in 2024.
- Your business income must have dropped by a minimum of 40 percent for at least one week.
3. Fishers: The fishers had to meet only one eligibility condition which is, they must have earned at least $3,760 or more during the qualifying period.
What are the Steps to Apply for the Caregiving Benefits?
You can apply for the benefit anytime during the year by simply following these steps:
- Go to the official website of canada.ca and search for the EI benefits section.
- Fill out the application form for the EI Caregiving benefits.
- Complete the required fields in the application form including your personal, employment, and caregiving details.
- Upload all the essential documents, such as photos, medical certificates, etc.
- Click on the Submit button and wait for the confirmation.
The information that you have entered while filling the application is typically saved for 72 hours, so if you don’t submit your application within this timeline your information will be deleted.
When Will I Receive the Payment?
After applying for the benefits, ideally, you should wait for one week. If your application is approved and you are found eligible for the Employment Insurance Caregiving benefits, you will receive your first payment within 28 days of applying for the benefits.
Your application will be rejected if you are not found eligible, although you will get a notification about not received the payment. If you feel you qualify for the benefits, you can submit a request for formal reconsideration regarding disqualification. But you should not delay in that matter and must submit the request to the ‘Service Canada’ within thirty days of receiving that notification.
| Official Website | Click Here |
| Homepage | Moyle-Council.org |
FAQs
Who is eligible for the $695 Caregiving Benefits?
Any applicant who is insured, self-employed, or a fisher who is looking after someone who is suffering from illness or is critically injured can qualify for such benefits.
How much amount can I get from this payment?
You will receive up to $695 per week for the EI Caregiving benefit, which is calculated at 55 percent of average earnings.
How Can I apply for the EI benefits?
Visit the official website of Canada.ca, go to the EI section, fill out the application form with valid details, upload the documents, and submit your application.
