You Are Self-Employed and Have Covid
Posted On: 03/12/20 - 0

What Happens If You Or An Employee Tests Positive For Covid?

Firstly, if you are self-employed, or one of your employees have tested positive for Covid, you need to self-isolate.  Were you aware that you can apply for the federal paid sick leave benefit? You as a business owner do not have to pay wages while employees are in quarantine. The claim is limited to two weeks total and only for those that were scheduled to work.

New Legislation

Secondly, the Government of Canada introduced legislation to support workers and you, the self employed individual with ten days of paid sick leave. It also helps to protect health care workers to finish the fight against COVID-19.

What Happens If Your Workplace Has No Employee Paid Sick Leave?

Thirdly, the COVID-19 pandemic has revealed a number of issues facing Canadians in the workplace. Too many Canadians have been forced to choose between staying home when they are sick or being able to afford rent and groceries. The government has come up with a way to address this issue.

How Does It Work?

Fourthly, access to paid sick leave is key to Canada’s economic recovery. In 2019, the Government put in place three days of paid personal leave that federally regulated workers could use if they were sick. During the pandemic, the Government introduced the Canada Recovery Sickness Benefit for workers without employer-paid sick leave. Now there are ten days of permanent paid sick leave. This will protect income, jobs, and health as we finish the fight against COVID-19.

Canada Recovery Sickness Benefit (CRSB)

Finally, the Canada Recovery Sickness Benefit (CRSB) gives income support to both employees and self-employed individuals. This is available to you who are unable to work because you are ill. This is available to you if you need to self-isolate due to COVID-19. It is also available to you if you have an underlying health condition that puts you at greater risk of getting COVID-19. The CRSB is administered by the CRA.

If you are eligible for the CRSB, you can receive $500 ($450 after taxes withheld) for a 1-week period.

If your situation continues, you will need to apply again. You may apply for up to a total of 6 weeks between September 27, 2020 and May 7, 2022.

For more information on government Covid -19 support, please call the office and ask for Cheryl.

12203-107 Avenue.
Edmonton, Alberta.
T5M 1Y9

Call us:
780.482.7297