The Canada Recovery Sickness Benefit (CRSB) is the government's answer to paid sick leave — so here's what you need to know about the new benefit program.

What is the benefit?

The CRSB would provide $500 per week for up to two weeks, for workers who cannot work because they are sick or must self-isolate for reasons related to COVID-19.

So essentially, the CRSB will provide a total of $1,000 per person.

Am I eligible?

You may be eligible for the CRSB if you:

• reside in Canada
• are at least 15 years old and have a valid Social Insurance Number (SIN)
• have earned at least $5,000 in 2019 or in 2020
• have been unable to work for at least 60 per cent of your normally scheduled work week because of the COVID-19 pandemic (e.g. you're sick, you're required to self-isolate)
• are not in receipt of paid leave from an employer in respect of the same week
• are not in receipt of the CERB, the EI Emergency Response Benefit (ERB), the Canada Recovery Benefit, or a number of other benefit programs

When would the benefit be available?

The CRSB is scheduled to come into effect on September 27, 2020. It will run for a year from that date.

When can I apply?

The CRSB is pending the passage of legislation in the House of Commons and Senate, which could take some time, considering that Parliament is prorogued until Sept. 23.

If the legislation passes, applications for the recovery benefits are expected to open in October, with money flowing within three to five days, per CBC News.