CRB Canada: What the Canada Recovery Benefit Was, Who Qualified, and When It Ended

The Canada Recovery Benefit (CRB) supported workers who lost income during COVID-19 but didn’t qualify for EI. Although CRB is no longer available, many Canadians still search for information about CRB Canada, CRB eligibility, CRB periods, and CRB payments — especially if they’re dealing with tax issues, past claims, or questions about employment rights during that time.

This guide breaks down what CRB was, who qualified, when CRB ended, and what workers can do today if they lose their job or face reduced hours.

What Is CRB Canada?

The Canada Recovery Benefit (CRB) was a temporary federal program that provided income support to workers affected by COVID-19. It replaced CERB for many people who didn’t qualify for EI.

Key facts:

• Amount: $1,000 per two-week period ($900 after tax withheld)
• Availability: September 2020 – October 2021
• Purpose: Support workers who lost income due to COVID-19
• Taxable: Yes — all CRB benefits had to be reported on tax returns

If you’re wondering “what is CRB Canada?”, the simplest answer is: a temporary income-replacement benefit for Canadians who weren’t eligible for regular Employment Insurance during the pandemic.

Is CRB Still Available?

No. CRB ended on October 23, 2021.
The government does not accept new CRB applications.

Canadians still search for “is CRB still available?” because:

• Some are filing late taxes
• Others are reviewing old CRA notices
• Many need clarity about repayments, eligibility, or past CRB periods

When Did CRB End?

The Canada Recovery Benefit officially ended after the final CRB period on October 23, 2021, when CRA discontinued payments and stopped accepting applications.

CRB Periods: How the Benefit Was Structured

CRB was paid in two-week periods, similar to CERB and EI.

• There were 21 CRB periods in total
• Applicants could receive support for a maximum of 27 periods (54 weeks)
• Each period required a separate application
• Payments were not automatic — you had to apply every two weeks

These CRB periods helped workers receive ongoing support while job markets reopened or employers adjusted operations during the pandemic.

CRB Eligibility: Who Qualified

Many Canadians still search for “CRB eligibility” and “Canada Recovery Benefit eligibility.”
To qualify, workers needed to meet all major criteria:

• You were not eligible for EI
• You earned at least $5,000 in the previous year (employment, self-employment, or EI maternity/parental benefits)
• You experienced a 50% reduction in average weekly income due to COVID-19
• You were actively seeking work and were not refusing reasonable job offers
• You did not voluntarily quit your job

People who resigned or were fired for misconduct were generally not eligible — something that still affects repayment reviews today.

How Much Were CRB Payments?

Each approved CRB period paid:

• $900 every two weeks (after the mandatory 10% tax withholding)
• Up to $21,600 total if all periods were used

These CRB payments were taxable and required reporting on your annual return.
Some applicants now face CRA reassessments if the agency questions income, eligibility, or employment status during CRB periods.

How Did Canadians Apply for CRB?

Although you can’t apply anymore, many still search “apply for CRB.”

The original process was:

1. Log into your CRA MyAccount
2. Select the CRB application for the correct two-week period
3. Attest to eligibility
4. Submit every two weeks as needed

While applications are closed, CRA may still audit or request clarification about past claims.

Why CRB Still Matters for Workers Today

Even though CRB has ended, its legacy affects workers in several ways:

• CRA may require repayment if you didn’t meet eligibility rules
• Some employers took improper deductions from EI or CRB-era income
• Workers who lost income today may mistake CRB for an active program
• Many assume they have no rights when hours are cut — which is incorrect

If you’re experiencing reduced hours, job changes, or termination, you may be owed full severance pay. Non-unionized employees across Canada have strong legal protections when employers change working conditions.

Lost Your Job or Facing Reduced Hours? Know Your Rights

CRB may be gone — but your rights are very much in place.

If your employer:

• Cuts your hours
• Reduces your pay
• Demotes you
• Changes your schedule
• Forces you to return to the office from remote work
• Terminates your position

You may be facing wrongful dismissal, and you could be owed significant severance pay — as much as 24 months’ pay.

Before accepting any severance offer, speak with an employment lawyer to understand your full entitlements.

Speak to an Employment Lawyer Today

If you’re dealing with:

• Loss of income
• Job changes
• Termination after CRB

Our team at Samfiru Tumarkin LLP can explain your rights and ensure you’re protected.

Contact us for a confidential consultation.

Additional Resources

Learn more about additional benefits available during the pandemic:

• Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB)
• Canada Emergency Student Benefit
• Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy (CEWS)
• Canada Worker Lockdown Benefit (CWLB)