The Government of Canada has created an online tool to help the general public determine if they are eligible for financial support by answering a series of questions. More benefits being added so you may want to keep checking back for updates.

Hello All,

Service Canada is reaching out to ensure that your community receives important information on how to access benefits. In response to the Covid-19 situation, the government has introduced the new Canada Emergency Response Benefit as part of Canada’s Economic Response Plan.

The Canada Emergency Response Benefit will provide a taxable benefit of $2,000 a month for up to 4 months to:

- workers who must stop working due to COVID-19 and do not have access to paid leave or other income support.

- workers who are sick, quarantined, or taking care of someone who is sick with COVID-19.

- working parents who must stay home without pay to care for children that are sick or need additional care because of school and daycare closures.

- workers who still have their employment but are not being paid because there is currently not sufficient work and their employer has asked them not to come to work.

- wage earners and self-employed individuals, including contract workers, who would not otherwise be eligible for Employment Insurance.

Important information for workers who have lost their jobs or are unable to work:

- Workers should continue to apply for Employment Insurance benefits.

- Individuals who have already applied for Employment Insurance will be automatically enrolled for the Canada Emergency Response Benefit.

- The Canada Emergency Response Benefit will be accessible through a secure web portal starting in early April. Applicants will also be able to apply via an automated telephone line or via a toll-free number.

- Visit the Canada Revenue Agency website for additional information on how the Canada Emergency Response Benefit will help workers.

Service Canada can help!

Employment Insurance and Pension applications can be made online at: https://www.canada.ca/en/employment-social-development/corporate/portfolio/service-canada.html

If an individual that you support requires assistance with one our critical services and benefits they can complete a service request form at: Canada.ca/service-canada-e-service. Once the service request is submitted, a Service Canada representative will contact the individual within 2 business days at the phone number they indicate.

If your community members or individuals within your network do not have access to the internet, and service providers within the community are unable to assist, please contact us by responding to this email. The Service Canada outreach team is working on an alternate way to provide support and we will be in touch shortly.

In the attachments to this email there is signage that you can post to let people know about Service Canada e-services.

Should you have any further questions please contact me directly.

Thank you

Indica Jainudeen

Citizen Services Specialist, Citizen Services Branch

Service Canada / Government of Canada

indica.jainudeen@servicecanada.gc.ca/ Tel: 647-252-6121

Spécialiste de services aux citoyens, Direction générale des services aux citoyens (DGSC)

Service Canada / Gouvernement du Canada

indica.jainudeen@servicecanada.gc.ca/ Tél. : 647-252-6121

Learn about funding that families can apply for if they have children who are not in school or child care because of coronavirus (COVID-19). Find out if you are eligible and how to apply.

• Hand Up for Kids - Free $25 breakfast package: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdW7AOOEdZaeryJtn8kWYtReVHeUhuRK75H1CJWiZ6hVbERCg/viewform
• YSM food relief services @ 270 Gerrard Street East: Bagged groceries will be distributing Emergency Food Packages (that you can cook at home) will be distributed daily to community members in need without appointments, from 10:00 – 12:00 and 1:00 – 3:00, from Tuesday to Friday. Ready-to-Eat Take out meals will be available from 4:00 – 5:00 every Tuesday and Thursday.
• Good Neighbour Project: A the network of community members that are willing to assist with delivering supplies and groceries to those with disabilities compromised immune systems, accessibility barriers, and the elderly, across the GTA. Phone and in-person Contact: 647-873-2230 or Facebook
• Allen Garden Food Bank: Thursdays; 1:30 pm - 3:30 pm and Fridays- 10:30 - 12:00, 1:30- 3:30pm Address: 353 Allen Garden. Phone 416-924-9619
• Muslim Welfare Centre: doing take-outs only on Sunday 11:30 am – 1:00 pm, no seating 40 Oak Street
• CRC: doing take-out meals in front of the building: M: Breakfast and lunch T: Lunch, Th: Lunch, F: Breakfast and Lunch. Breakfast is 9 am -10 am. Lunch 12 pm-1 pm 40 Oak St, Toronto, ON. (416) 363-4234
• Salvation Army on River Street: The bank still opens Mon and Wed mornings by appointment only. Call 416-304-1982, 77 River Street
• St. Bartholomew - Twice weekly, we help supplement the nutritional needs of singles and families in the Regent Park area with basic nourishment. Open: Mondays and Thursdays, 10:00 a.m. till 11:30 a.m.- 509 Dundas St E | Toronto, ON, M5A 3V3 | 416-368-9180
• Toronto Alliance Church (St. Mary’s Site): 602 Queen St West TUESDAY-FRIDAY - Food Bank (10:00 am to 2:00 pm) T. 416.703.8211
• Daily Bread Food Bank (191 New Toronto Street): call ahead. Doing take-out boxes. Monday: 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm, Wednesday: 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm, Friday: 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday & Sunday: CLOSED
• TTT's Hearty Food Initiative⁠ (COVID -19 Support). We are arranging a box of free fruits and vegetables to be delivered straight to your door, for FREE. Please distribute amongst your circles to reach families who may need it. Families must fill out the form below to complete the delivery process. https://forms.gle/5GFdwn4DvUNuC3bR6