Canada Worker Lockdown Benefit: What you need to know

The Canadian federal government announced on Oct. 21, 2021 that they would implement a new benefits program, called the Canada Worker Lockdown Benefit (CWLB) to assist individuals affected by ongoing lockdowns during the COVID-19 pandemic. The program launched on Oct. 24, 2021.

The CWLB replaces the Canada Recovery Benefit (CRB), which provides income support to individuals who are unemployed, self-employed, or employees who lost up to 50 percent of their income due to the pandemic. The CRB expired on Oct. 23, 2021. It replaced the Canadian Emergency Response Benefit (CERB) program, which was initiated in early 2020 at the outset of the pandemic.

Who is eligible for the Canada Worker Lockdown Benefit?

Individuals are eligible for the CWLB if their work was interrupted because of a government-imposed public health lockdown.

On Dec. 22, 2021 the federal government temporarily expanded the benefit to include employees whose workplace was affected by capacity-limiting restrictions of 50 per cent or more. This expanded eligibility runs until Feb. 12, 2022.

A worker can get the CWLB regardless of whether or not they are eligible for Employment Insurance (EI), however, they can not get the lockdown benefit if they are already receiving EI for the same period.

How much does the CWLB provide?

The CWLB provides $300 per week to workers who are subject to a lockdown or applicable capacity restrictions. Individuals who are unable to work due to a pandemic lockdown are eligible for the Canada Worker Lockdown Benefit.

Who is not eligible for the benefit?

Individuals who lost their job or income because they refused to comply with a vaccine mandate can not access the benefit.

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When does the CWLB start?

Canadians can apply for CWLB as of Oct. 24, 2021.

How do I apply for the benefit?

Canadian workers can apply for the Canada Worker Lockdown Benefit through the Government of Canada’s website.

When does the CWLB end?

The Canada Worker Lockdown Benefit ends on May 7, 2022. The temporary expansion that includes workers impacted by capacity restrictions on workplaces ends on Feb. 12, 2022.

Read more about the benefit through the Government of Canada here. If you have been fired due to the impact of the pandemic, talk to a Toronto employment lawyer, employment lawyer in Ottawa, Calgary employment lawyer or employment lawyer in Vancouver for assistance with severance.