Who can apply?
If you're an adult caregiver of a child with a severe disability, you can apply. For the 1-week period you're applying for, you must:
- be employed, self-employed or finishing a maternity or parental leave from EI and are now unable to work because of the need to care for your child;
- be unable to work at least 50% of your scheduled work week because of the need to care for your child;
- be the only person in your household applying for the benefit;
- have reviewed the Canada Recovery Caregiving Benefit and applied if the program is still active;
- have a valid Social Insurance Number;
- have lived in the Yukon for at least three months and are eligible for the Yukon Health Care Insurance Plan;
- be eligible for Disability Services;
- not be receiving or eligible to receive other financial support to compensate for missed work, including employer-paid leave, any other Canada recovery benefits, paid parental leave, short-term disability benefits or employment insurance;
- be in the Yukon or on approved medical travel; and
- not be self-isolating or in quarantine due to international travel.
If your child was in child care services before you applied for support
There must be a medically-confirmed increase in the risk of COVID-19 to your child. For example, due to a new variant, change in health status, etc.
Proof of your child's risk
A medical professional must confirm that:
- your child cannot receive a vaccination due to their age or condition; or
- that being vaccinated does not help their significant risks of exposure.
You must submit documentation from a medical professional that proves your child is at risk of serious health complications if they contract COVID-19.
If you're receiving social assistance
The Yukon COVID-19 Caregiver Program is considered income when determining your eligibility for social assistance.
What do eligible program participants receive?
The program provides a top-up of $250 per week to families eligible for the Canada Recovery Caregiving Benefit or $750 per week to families who are not eligible or once the Canada Recovery Benefit has ended.
How long does the program run?
The program runs until December 31, 2022.
How to apply
- If you have not already, apply for the Canada Recovery Caregiving Benefit.
- Contact your Disability Services social worker. Provide them with proof of your application to the Canada Recovery Caregiving Benefit and a copy of the confirmation or denial notice.
If you are not sure how to contact your social worker, phone 867-393-7464.
- If the Canada Recovery Caregiving Benefit has ended, you can still apply. Make sure you meet the remaining eligibility criteria and contact your Disability Services social worker.
- Your social worker will help you access the Yukon COVID Caregiver Program funding.
