Resources for individuals who lost work or income because of COVID-19

If you have lost work or income because of COVID-19, the following resources can help.

Resources published by MaRS:

• Navigating career disruption during COVID-19
• COVID-19: Navigating government options for you and your business

Navigating government support programs

Government of Canada Website on Programs to Support Individuals: This is an overview of COVID-related programs created by the Government of Canada. It covers employment insurance (EI), the Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB), extra time to pay taxes, an increased child benefit, and more. 

Chart on Federal Benefits for Employees Impacted by COVID-19: Remote Law Canada put together this chart that summarizes eligibility for federal government programs, benefit amounts, application processes, and more. It helps you see at a glance which programs would be most relevant and helpful. 

Starting a job hunt

First 30 Inc.: First 30 offers displaced employees daily support during the first 30 days following their exit. They have a special free program during the COVID-19 outbreak. 

MaRS Job Board: Join the Best in Tech: Find the best jobs with the most innovative companies in the MaRS community.

The HelpList: This job board was created specifically to help people who lost work as a result of COVID-19. It has regular new postings from fast-growing tech companies for a wide range of roles.

The following job boards cater to people seeking remote work:

• WeWork Remotely
• Remotive
• Upwork (primarily freelance roles) 

Taking care of your mental health

Beacon: Stronger Minds: Canadian mental health startup Beacon created the free Stronger Minds tool specifically for the COVID-19 outbreak. Stronger Minds offers day-to-day guidance in the form of videos, quick reads and resilience-building activities.

CAMH: Mental Health and the COVID-19 Pandemic: CAMH gives short, concise tips on managing worry in the middle of a pandemic. It provides links to additional resources for mental health support   

Crisis support

If you are experiencing a mental health crisis and need to talk to someone, you can find a local crisis call centre through Crisis Services Canada. If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic abuse, you can find support through your local support centre.  

Life’s practicalities

Budgeting tools:

• The Government of Canada created this guide on managing financial health in challenging times. It includes a free budget planning tool. 
• Sun Life: If you have investments, this guide created by Sun Life may help you understand what’s happening and how to think through your next steps.