Indigenous Services Canada, in response to the Covid-19 Pandemic will be offering general assistance to First Nations for pandemic planning and funding considerations. The following outlines available considerations for First Nations’ Citizens.
Support for First Nations’ Citizens
GST Credit
- $400 single adults, $600 for couples
- Accessible by early May
Child Tax Benefit Top-Up
- $300 per child added on top of what you receive already.
- Accessible by early May
Student Loan Payments Deferral
- Six-month timeframe; no payments, no interest accrual
- Accessible by early April
Ensured Mortgage Protection Program
- Payment deferrals and special payment arrangements
- Accessible by early April
Personal Income Tax
- Extended deadline for income tax payments owed (Sept. 2020)
- Filing deadline for Income Tax is extended to June 1, 2020
- Effective immediately
Emergency Care Benefit
- Up to $900 bi-weekly, for up to 15 weeks for:
- Workers, including the self-employed, who are quarantined or sick with COVID-19 but do not qualify for EI sickness benefits.
- Workers, including the self-employed, who are taking care of a family member who is sick with COVID-19, such as an elderly parent, but do not qualify for EI sickness benefits.
- Parents with children who require care or supervision due to school closures, and are unable to earn employment income, irrespective of whether they qualify for EI or not.
- Accessible by early April
Bank Supports
- Auto loans, deferral of payments possible
- Contact bank directly
For more information:
Recommended resources for more information on COVID-19 in Anishinaabemowin:
Public Health Ontario: https://www.publichealthontario.ca/
Ontario Ministry of Health: https://www.ontario.ca/page/2019-novel-coronavirus
Public Health Canada: https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/diseases/coronavirusdisease-covid-19.html
ISC COVID-19 and Indigenous Communities:https://www.sacisc.gc.ca/eng/1581964230816/1581964277298
