Quebec Has Announced Several Emergency Financial Aid Programs & Here's How To Apply
- The government has established several emergency financial aid programs for Quebec residents.
- Here's what they entail and how and when you can apply.
- Visit MTLBlog for more headlines.
If you've been affected by the current situation, relief could be available to you. The government has established several emergency financial aid programs for Quebec individuals and businesses. These benefits are meant for Quebecers who might not qualify for federal government benefits such as Employment Insurance or the Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB).ย
Two weeks ago, the government established one of its first benefits packages for people who are directly affected by COVID-19. Legault guaranteed $573 per week for affected Quebecers.ย
In the days that followed, the Premier announced a number of similar measures for both businesses and individuals, including a stimulus package for small and medium-sized enterprises and numerous salary boosts for essential services workers.
To further help entrepreneurs during this difficult time, the Quebec government launched "Le Panier Bleu," a directory that it hopes will assist all the businesses and operations in Quebec that can engage in e-commerce.ย
The government has also set up official health and safety recommendations which are detailed here.ย
If you're wondering how exactlyย toย apply for these benefits, don't worry, you're not alone. MTL Blog has got you covered.ย
Emergency Assistance Program For Small & Medium-Sized Businesses
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For a limited period, all small and medium-sized businesses in Quebec experiencing financial difficulties can sign up for an up to $50,000 benefit.
Eligible companies include:
companies from all sectors;
cooperatives and non-profit organizations carrying out commercial activities.
Companies must have been in business for at least one year, be temporarily closed or on the verge of closing, be in the process of consolidating its activities, and must demonstrate a causal relationship to the ongoing crisis.
If you own a business that's struggling financially, find more details and apply for this benefit here.
READ ALSO: Quebec Universities Are Making Emergency Funds Available For Students
Temporary Aid For Workers Program (TAWP)ย
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Up to a maximum of 28 days, Quebec workers who are in isolation due to contracting the virus, being in contact with an infected person, or recently returning from abroad can get $573/week.
Quebecers can apply if they aren't already registered on another government program, aren't being compensated by their employers, and don't have private health insurance.
To find out if you qualify, visit the Government of Quebec website and register with the Canadian Red Cross.
Concerted Temporary Action Program For Businesses
Like the Assistance Program, this emergency financial aid is available to all Quebec businesses, including cooperatives and social businesses with commercial activities.
Specifically, the Action Program focuses on a company's cash flow and liquidity issues that stem from:
a problem involving the supply of raw materials or products;
a substantially decreased ability to deliver goods, products, or services.
Some industries such as gambling establishments or bars aren't eligible to apply.
To find out more and to apply, visit Invest Quebec's website.
Incentive Program To Retain Essential Workers (IPREW)
The most recent emergency relief benefit program introduced by the Quebec Government is the IPREW. The program will allow essential services workers to "make up the difference between the CERB and an eligible individual's wages."
Workers can receive a taxable benefit of up to $400 per month to supplement their income during the ongoing crisis.
To be eligible, you must:
"work part-time or full-time in one of the essential service sectors;"
"receive gross wages of $550 or less per week;"
"have an annual employment income of at least $5,000;"
"have a total annual income of no more than $28,600;"
"be at least 15 years old;
"have been resident in Quรฉbec on December 31, 2019, and plan to reside in Quebec throughout 2020."
The IPREW opens applications on May 19, 2020.
For more information, visit Revenu Quebec's website.
Eligible individuals can apply to the Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB) and receive $2,000/month here.
Stay tuned for more news.
This article's cover image is used for illustrative purposes only.