Summary of COVID-19 government support benefits: a guide for BC photographers

April 24 update 1: CERB recipients are allowed to earn up to $1000/month in employment income and still be eligible

April 24 update 2: BC Emergency Benefit for Workers info has been updated. Applications will open on May 1, 2020. Benefit is a one-time $1000 payment for those who are eligible to receive CERB

April 14 update: Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB) and BC Temporary Rent Supplement applications are now open.

Sadly, COVID-19 has had a huge negative impact on the photography industry with few, if any photoshoots taking place. This situation is not expected to resolve itself over the short-term. The following article details the COVID-19 government support initiatives which are most relevant to BC based photographers.

Photographers are encouraged to apply for as many of these COVID-19 government benefit programs as possible. Note that to receive many of these COVID-19 government benefits photographers must have filed their 2019 tax return, even if no tax is due. The deadline for tax filing has been deferred until June 1, 2020 but it is recommended to file as soon as possible to receive these benefits quicker. Taxes may be filed using free online services such as SimpleTax. For other free options view the discussion here.

The Canadian government has announced the following COVID-19 benefits. For more details click here:

Child Tax Benefit:

• Extra $300 per child
• Benefit will be delivered in May
• No need to re-apply
  

GST Credit:

• One time special payment by early May for low and modest income families
• Average additional benefit of $400 for individuals, $600 for couples
• No need to re-apply
  

Deferred Tax Filing:

• Date changed from end of April to June 1, 2020
• Payments deferred to August 31, 2020 without penalty/interest
  

Deferred Mortgage Payments:

• Up to six months but determined on a case-by-case basis
• Interest will still accrue
• Contact financial institution for details
  

When speaking to your financial institution make sure you get any mortgage assistance arrangement sent to you in writing. At the very least write down the date, name and contact details of who you are speaking with. Failure to do this may negatively affect your credit rating as your financial institution may ‘forget’ to inform the rating agencies. Credit ratings may be checked for free at Equifax and Transunion.

Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB): 

• Taxable benefit of $2000 / month for up to 4 months
• For wage earners and self-employed individuals, including contract workers, who would not otherwise be eligible for Employment Insurance
• Apply here.
• Benefit is NOT eligible for those receiving the 75% Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy
• Earn up to $1000/month in employment income and still be eligible
  

Moratorium on Canada Student Loan Interest

• Six month interest-free moratorium
• No payment required and interest will not accrue
• No application necessary
  

The British Columbia government has announced the following COVID-19 benefits. For more details click here:

Emergency Benefit for Workers: more info

• $1000 one-time payment for CERB eligible BC residents
• Applications open on May 1, 2020
  

Climate Action Tax Credit:

• One-time enhancement paid in July 2020 for moderate to low-income families
• An adult will receive up to $218.00 (increased from $43.50)
• A child will receive $64.00 (increased from $12.75)
  

BC Student Loans:

• Six month payment freeze starting March 30, 2020
  

BC Hydro: 

• Defer payments or flexible payment without penalty; details
• Up to $600 grant to pay hydro bills for those experiencing job loss, illness or lost wages; details
  

ICBC: 

• Defer payments for up to 90 days without penalty; details
  

Housing: details

Temporary Rent Supplement: 

• Up to $500 / month for low to moderate income renters
• Apply here
• Paid directly to landlords
  

Halting Evictions

• A landlord may not issue a new notice to end tenancy except in exceptional cases involving health and safety
  

Freezing Rent Increases: 

• Annual rent increases frozen during state of emergency