Ottawa launches online benefits finder tool to cope with COVID-19 crisis

By John Chunn

Law360 Canada (May 22, 2020, 2:18 PM EDT) -- The federal government on May 22 announced a web-based benefits finder tool, “Find financial help during COVID-19” to help people living in Canada determine which government benefits programs best meet their needs.

According to the Treasury Board Secretariat’s press release, “Find financial help during COVID-19” was developed by the Canadian Digital Service, together with partners at Employment and Social Development Canada and the Canada Revenue Agency, and is part of a suite of online tools and resources the government has made available to help Canadians navigate this crisis with confidence.

By answering a few simple questions, individuals will be presented with a personalized list of financial benefits that could be available to them, based on their specific circumstances, the release states.

The tool provides individuals with information on federal, provincial and territorial benefits programs available to them, including the just-launched Canada Emergency Student Benefit (CESB), the Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB), and the Canada Child Benefit top-up, as well as measures such as mortgage and student loan deferrals. It will be updated as needed as the government continues to support Canadians during this challenging time.

“During this time of uncertainty, it is now more important than ever that our government be responsive to the needs of Canadians. Digital government’s innovative tool, “Find financial help during COVID-19,” ensures Canadians can get accurate and secure information about the range of federal programs they can access, to get the help they need as quickly and easily as possible,” said Joyce Murray, minister of Digital Government.

“The government is committed to ensuring that all Canadians receive the benefits and credits they are entitled to in order to make ends meet. This new benefits finder tool will help Canadians quickly obtain a complete list of all the benefits unique to their situation. This information will help people apply for benefit payments at a time when they need them the most,” said Minister of National Revenue Diane Lebouthillier.