Financial Resources Available to Renters: COVID-19
Terra Crest Residents,
Thank you for your patience as we navigate this unprecedented situation. We understand that the ongoing COVID-19 health crisis has been disruptive and has left many facing uncertain financial situations. We want to assure you the health and safety of our tenants and employees remain our top priority. Due to this, we want to remind you that we are here to work with you and continue to provide safe and secure rental housing, despite the challenges ahead.
The Government of Canada is taking action to help Canadians facing hardship as a result of the COVID-19 outbreak. Canada’s COVID-19 Economic Response Plan, will provide up to $27 billion in direct support to Canadian workers and businesses.
The Canadian Emergency Response Benefit (CERB) will provide a taxable benefit of $2,000 per month for four months for those that qualify. If you have recently been laid off or have reduced hours, you can apply Employment Insurance Benefits.
The Provincial Government of British Columbia is also taking action to help
British Columbians. The BC Emergency
Benefit for Workers will provide a one-time $1000 payment to people that have
lost income due to COVID-19.
On March 25, 2020, Housing Minister Selina Robinson and Premier John Horgan announced a program designed to assist tenants who may need help in making ends meet to pay their rent. This program was designed with the vulnerable in mind –renters who have faced loss of employment due to the COVID-19 crisis. A rental supplement of up to $500, administered by BC Housing, is available to tenants who have needed to apply for Employment Insurance or the Federal Governments Emergency Care Fund as a result of the ongoing pandemic. If a tenant’s application is approved, the rental supplement will be paid directly to the Landlord.
This supplement is available in addition to increased GST rebates, increased provincial childcare benefits, standard EI benefits and the up to $900 bi-weekly for 15 weeks that can be accessed by those who are quarantined or sick with COVID-19, taking care of a sick family member with COVID-19, and/or parents who must stay home to care for children due to school and daycare closures.
You, the tenant,
must apply for the rental supplement as part of your
application for
Employment Insurance Benefits.
We encourage you to visit these
websites for more information:
https://www.canada.ca/en/department-finance/economic-response-plan.html
https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/employment-business/covid-19-financial-supports
