I just got a post from e2r that shared this info. It helps to explain the programs that are now (or soon) available for support of businesses and their employees.
EMPLOYMENT INSURANCE – TEMPORARY LAYOFF
Employees are eligible for regular EI
Most typically a minimum of 700 insurable hours required
Employer to provide a ROE
1 week waiting period
55% of weekly earnings up to a maximum of $573 per week
EMPLOYMENT INSURANCE – TEMPORARY LAYOFF – EMPLOYER TOP UP
Employer top up payments are deducted from EI payments
If Employer has registered a Supplemental Unemployment Benefit Program (SUB) with Service Canada payments from the SUB plan are not deducted from EI benefits
EMPLOYMENT INSURANCE – REDUCED HOURS OF WORK COMBINED WITH EI BENEFITS
EI Work- Sharing Program – To avoid layoffs
Employees agree to reduced work schedule
Eligible employees receive EI benefits and continue to receive reduced employment income
Program can now be extended to 76 weeks
EMPLOYMENT INSURANCE SICKNESS BENEFIT – UNABLE TO WORK DUE TO QUARANTINE & ILLNESS WITH SUFFICIENT INSURABLE HOURS
No waiting period
A minimum of 600 insurable hours required
No medical certificate required
55% of weekly earnings up to a maximum of $573 per week
EMERGENCY CARE BENEFIT – UNABLE TO WORK DUE TO QUARANTINE & ILLNESS WITHOUT SUFFICIENT INSURABLE HOURS – EFFECTIVE APRIL 2020
Eligible employees receive up to 15 weeks of benefits, up to $900 bi-weekly
Application via Canada Revenue Agency
No medical
EMERGENCY CARE BENEFIT – UNABLE TO WORK DUE TO THE REQUIREMENT TO TAKE CARE OF A AMILY MEMBER SICK WITH COVID-19 WITHOUT SUFFICIENT INSURABLE HOURS – EFFECTIVE APRIL 2020
Eligible employees receive up to 15 weeks of benefits, up to $900 bi-weekly
Application via CRA
No medical
EMERGENCY CARE BENEFIT – UNABLE TO WORK DUE TO SCHOOL CLOSURE AND REQUIREMENT TO CARE FOR CHILDREN REGARDLESS OF INSURABLE HOURS
Eligible employees receive up to 15 weeks of benefits, up to $900 bi-weekly
Application via CRA
SMALL BUSINESS TEMPORARY WAGE SUBSIDY
Period of 3 months
10% of remuneration paid during 3 month period
Maximum subsidy of $1,375 per employee up to a maximum of $25,000 per employer
Subsidy immediately obtained through the reduction of remittances of income tax withheld