archived
Canada emergency wage subsidy (CEWS)
Wage support for eligible Canadian employers
Last Update: April 9, 2026
Funding available
$ 847
Timeline
- Archived
Location
Canada
Overview
The Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy provided support of up to 75% of eligible employee remuneration, up to $847 per week. It was designed to help eligible employers affected by COVID-19 and covered wage claims for eligible employees during the program periods.
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Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Attract or retain talent
- Ensure financial sustainability
Eligible Funding
- Maximum amount : 847 $
- Up to 75% of project cost
Timeline
- Archived
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- All industries
Location
- Canada
Legal structures
- Non-profit
- Public or Parapublic institution
- For-profit business
- Sole proprietorship
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- Indigenous Peoples
- Canadians
Non-profit candidates
Sector of operation
- Business Associations
- Unions
Target groups
- Nonprofits / charities
Revenue structures
- All structures
Scope
- Local
- Municipal
- Regional
- Provincial
- National
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Activities funded
- Retention of employees through temporary wage support
- Subsidy claims for wages paid during eligible claim periods
Documents Needed
- Application form in the prescribed form and manner
- Attestation by the person responsible for financial activities
- Records supporting revenue reduction and eligible remuneration
- Records of any revenue calculation elections
- Payroll records and supporting books and records
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Corporations
- Individuals
- Registered charities
- Partnerships
- Certain prescribed organizations
Who is not eligible
- Public institutions
- Corporations exempt from tax under Part I of the Income Tax Act
- Trusts that do not meet the program’s trust rules
Eligible expenses
- Eligible remuneration paid to eligible employees
- Employer payroll contributions for employees on leave with pay
Ineligible Costs and Activities
- Retiring allowances
- Amounts received as taxable employment benefits under section 7(1)(a) to (d.1)
- Amounts expected to be repaid to the employer or related parties
- Payments intended to increase the deemed overpayment
Eligible geographic areas
- Canada
Processing and Agreement
- Applications are reviewed under the CEWS program rules.
- The CRA may verify revenue reduction and eligible remuneration claims.
- Applicants may be asked to keep records available for review.
- Repayment may be required if eligibility or amounts are later found incorrect.
Additional information
- The CRA may publish the names of CEWS applicants.
- Employers must keep records to support claims and may be reviewed by the CRA.
- Claims could be changed or repaid if requirements were not met.
Contacts
Frequently Asked Questions about the Canada emergency wage subsidy (CEWS) Program
Here are answers to the most common questions about the Canada emergency wage subsidy (CEWS). This section explains what the program is, how much funding is available, eligibility requirements, application deadlines, and other important details to help you determine if this grant is right for your business.
What is the Canada emergency wage subsidy (CEWS)?
The Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy provided support of up to 75% of eligible employee remuneration, up to $847 per week. It was designed to help eligible employers affected by COVID-19 and covered wage claims for eligible employees during the program periods.
How much funding can be received?
Canada emergency wage subsidy (CEWS) Funds up to 75% of admissible expenses, capped at $847 per project.
Who is eligible for the Canada emergency wage subsidy (CEWS) program?
To be eligible for the Canada emergency wage subsidy (CEWS) program, you must:
Eligible employer under CEWS rules
Required revenue decline
Prescribed application and attestation
What expenses are eligible under Canada emergency wage subsidy (CEWS)?
Retention of employees through temporary wage support
Subsidy claims for wages paid during eligible claim periods
Who can I contact for more information about the Canada emergency wage subsidy (CEWS)?
You can contact Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) by email at none or by phone at none.
Where is the Canada emergency wage subsidy (CEWS) available?
The Canada emergency wage subsidy (CEWS) program is available across Canada.
Is the Canada emergency wage subsidy (CEWS) a grant, loan, or tax credit?
Canada emergency wage subsidy (CEWS) is a Wage Subsidies And Interns