It goes without saying that the COVID-19 pandemic has had significant impacts on the way we live our lives. The Canadian AIDS Society wishes to thank all the essential workers (including frontline workers and organizations) that continue to provide essential services in a time of great uncertainty.
Below are some resources that may be useful to you in getting support during this pandemic. Please remember when looking for resources to only trust official institutions such as governmental links (including the Public Health Agency of Canada) and the World Health Organization.
If you suspect that you may have COVID-19, please go to the Government of Canada’s website to use their COVID-19 Symptom Self-Assessment Tool.
Individuals:
The Canada Recovery Benefit (CRB) allows eligible individuals to receive $1,000 ($900 after taxes withheld) for 2-week periods. If your situation continues past 2 weeks, you will need to apply again. You may apply up to a total of 13 eligibility periods (26 weeks) between September 27, 2020 and September 25, 2021. Apply here.
A full list of federal benefits can be found here, and include the Canada Recovery Caregiving Benefit (CRCB) which supports those unable to work due because they must care for a child under 12 due to COVID-19, and the Canada Recovery Sickness Benefit (CRSB) which provides income to those who are sick or required to self-isolate due to COVID-19.
| People living with HIV | UNAIDS Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Ontario HIV Treatment Network CATIE |
| Indigenous communities | Government of Canada |
| Resources available in other languages | BC Centre for Disease Control |
| Parents | Government of Canada |
| People living with a disability | Rick Hansen Foundation |
| Elderly people | CDC |
| People who use drugs | International Network of People who Use Drugs |
| LGBTQ2S | Egale Gay Men's Sexual Health Alliance (specific to gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men) |
| Sex workers | Maggie's and Butterfly (Asian and Migrant Sex Workers Network) |
| People experiencing domestic violence | Ending Violence Association of Canada |
| Students | Government of Canada |
Mental health resources
Mental Health Commission of Canada
Organizations:
The Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy (CEWS), provides a percentage of employees pay for employers who experience any drop in revenue. To learn more about eligibility and to apply for CEWS click here.
You can also apply for a loan of up to $40,000 from the Canada Emergency Business Account (CEBA). For more information, visit the CEBA website.
For assistance with rent for small businesses, you can apply for the Canada Emergency Rent Subsidy (CERS). Information on how to apply can be found here.
If you are a non-profit organization that delivers essential services to those in need, you may be eligible for the Emergency Community Support Fund. For more information, visit this page from the Government of Canada.
Lastly, Imagine Canada is a great resource for news and resources for charities and non-profit organizations during COVID-19.