How to Apply for the Canadian Worker Lockdown Benefit

COVID-19 has affected not only the healthcare system of every country in the world but also the lives of employed and self-employed workers who cannot work due to COVID-19 lockdowns. In Canada, the support for the workers amidst the lockdowns is provided through the Canada Worker Lockdown Benefit (CWLB) administered by the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA).

Do you need to avail a Canada Worker Lockdown Benefit to help you get by in these trying times during the lockdown? If so, this article gives you the basic information about this benefit to know if you qualify and how you can apply.

All About the Canadian Worker Lockdown Benefit (CWLB)

CWLB applications are offered depending on the region in Canada. You cannot apply for this benefit if you live in a region not designated as a lockdown region. Suppose lockdown in your area has recently been declared. In that case, the application may not be available yet, so it is best to wait until an announcement says the application is available in your region.

The question is, say CWLB applications in your region are available, are you eligible to apply?

Here are the qualifications to be eligible in Canadian Work Lockdown Benefit:

• You must presently live and have a home in Canada. Remember, you don't need to be a citizen or a permanent resident of the country.
• You are at least 15 years of age.
• You own a valid Social Insurance Number (SIN)
• You filed your taxes for 2020
• You earned at least $5,000 in 2020, 2021, or within 12 months before you apply for the CWLB

You did not receive the following for the same period:

• Employment Insurance (EI) benefits
• Canada Recovery Sickness Benefit (CRSB)
• Canada Recovery Caregiving Benefit (CRCB)
• Quebec Parental Insurance Plan (QPIP)
• Short-term disability benefits

You didn’t do the following unless you have reasonable reasons to do so:

• Quit your job
• Voluntarily stopped working
• Turn down reasonable work
• Refused to return to work when asked by your employer
• Failed to resume self-employment when it was possible

• You are now working from home (telework)

  If you are eligible to apply for CWLB, you will receive $300 (or $270 after taxes withheld) for each 1-week period.

Also, check - Ontario Lockdown Update and New Restrictions - January 2022

Preparing for Application

It is best to apply for CWLB online using your CRA My Account for convenience. Before applying, you should set up a direct deposit or opt to receive your payment by cheque. If you choose the former, it will take 3 to 5 business days to be deposited into your account, and the latter will take about 10 to 12 business days.

Note: If your application for CWLB requires validation, the processing may take up to 4 weeks from when they receive your documentation before the money can be sent to your account.

Each CWLB eligibility period lasts for 1-week. In the country, CWLB is available between October 24, 2021, to May 7, 2022. If you are eligible to apply, you should apply on the Monday after the first week your region declares a COVID-19 lockdown. The government will designate the number of weeks you can apply for a. CWLB. If you are eligible, you may apply for all open periods throughout the lockdown in your region. Depending on your circumstance and eligibility, you may apply from 1 week for up to 60 days after the period has ended.

Note: If you need to extend your CWLB application, you should apply for each 1-week period separately because this benefit does not renew automatically.

How to Apply for the Canadian Worker Lockdown Benefit

The process for applying CWLB is easy. You can apply for CWLB online or by phone.

If you plan on applying online, it is best to use your CRA My Account and choose between the three options:

• Using one of their Sign-In partners
• Using your CRA user ID and password
• Using a BC Services Card

Then answer the questions asked in the online application forms to apply.

If you are applying by phone, prepare the following information before dialling the contact numbers provided.

Here is the information you need to prepare:

• Full name and birthdate
• Complete address
• Assessed tax return, a notice of assessment or reassessment, other tax documents, or sign in to your CRA My Account.
• Social Insurance Number (SIN)

Telephone Number: 1-800-959-8281

Hours: Monday to Friday: 8 AM to 8 PM
Saturday 9 AM to 5 PM
TTY Number: 1-800-665-0354

Hours:
Monday to Friday: 8 AM to 8 PM
Saturday 9 AM to 5 PM

Note: Both numbers are closed on Sundays and public holidays.

After you apply online or by phone, you may need to provide more details if your application requires further validation. Additional documents and information required should be given to the CRA within 30 days to complete y our application for CWLB.

May this article help you apply for the Canadian Worker Lockdown Benefit.

Once you have regained work and can support your family abroad, send your money through RemitBee. We know that every dollar you send counts. That is why we offer you fantastic exchange rates and the lowest transfer fees, so you get the most out of your money. Our services are fast and safe too!

Sign up now and experience our sting-free services.