Government Resources

The Government of Canada and the Government of Ontario have announced several resources that are available to help individuals and families facing hardship as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Financial assistance

We encourage you to consider the following resources, which may be sources of financial assistance, depending on your circumstances:

• Ontario Social Assistance for COVID-19 emergency assistance
• Canada Emergency Response Benefit for those who have stopped working due to COVID-19
• Other support for individuals and families from the federal government

Canada Emergency Student Benefit

The Government of Canada has announced the Canada Emergency Student Benefit (CESB). The CESB provides support to students and recent graduates who are not eligible for the Canada Emergency Response Benefit or Employment Insurance or who are unable to work due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Canada Summer Jobs Program

The Canada Summer Jobs Program will provide funding for employers to hire more students for both full-time and part-time positions beginning on May 11 and extending through to February 28, 2021. You'll be able to search for positions on the Government of Canada's Job Bank website.

Suspension of student loan repayments

Both the Government of Canada and the Government of Ontario have announced that student loan repayments have been suspended from March 30–September 30, 2020, and that interest will not be charged on student loans during this time.

Rent

The Government of Ontario has announced temporary changes to rental processes that could be relevant to your circumstance as a tenant.

Canada Child Benefit & Special Goods and Services Tax credit

Families that are eligible for the Canada Child Benefit and the Special Goods and Services Tax credit payment will automatically receive an additional benefit. Details can be found on the Government of Canada's COVID-19 Economic Response Plan page, under "Support for Individuals."

Support for families

You can apply for "support for families" funding if you have children who are not in school or daycare as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.