COVID-19 Support Programs

Due to new funding from the Social Service Relief Fund (SSRF), the MNO through the COVID-19 Rent Supplement Program is able to provide short-term rent supplement support to help cover 3 months of rent up to $1500 as a one-time payment. This service is available to any Indigenous person in need of support as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Eligibility:

• Applicants must be low-income
• Self-identify as Indigenous
• Applicants cannot be related to the owner or landlord of the property
• Applicants must not have received a Rent Supplement within the last 6 months
• Must be resident of Ontario

Applicants can apply online and select the support they need. To learn more about the Program and apply click here

CONTACT: To access these services or learn more about the Program please contact Program Coordinator Adreinne Belanger-Barnes by email at adrienneb@metisnation.org or by phone at 807-355-9062. Please note: Financial literacy support and resources are available to all Métis Nation of Ontario citizens. Please contact our Financial Literacy Coordinator Jessica for more information at JessicaD@metisnation.org

The MNO has launched a COVID-19 Housing Stabilization Program to provide aid to those:

• facing eviction and have received an eviction notice from their landlord
• who are precariously housed
• who are homeless

Due to new funding from the Social Service Relief Fund (SSRF), the Program is able to provide the following services to any Indigenous person in need of support as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic:

• Emergency financial support for rental and utility arrears incurred after March 2020
• First and Last Month’s rent for persons exiting homelessness
• Access to basic needs provisions such as food, PPE, and personal hygiene items
• Education and information on tenant rights and responsibilities
• Access to emergency shelters
• Internal and external referrals to housing supports and resources, include referrals to legal supports

Eligibility Criteria: To be eligible for services, individuals must be low-income, identify as Indigenous and be a resident of Ontario.

MNO citizens accessing SSRF support are also eligible to receive additional services through Reaching Home: Canada’s Homelessness Strategy. Please note: support will be assessed case by case for individuals or families based on their needs. Financial literacy support and resources are available to all MNO citizens. Please contact the MNO’s Financial Literacy Coordinator Jessica for more information at JessicaD@metisnation.org

CONTACT: To access these services or learn more about the Program please contact the MNO’s Housing Stabilization Program by email at housingstabilization@metisnation.org or by phone at 1-800-263-4889 Ext. 350

The MNO recognizes that seniors are our most vulnerable population during this time and that the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated this issue exponentially as seniors have been forced to limit their social activities as well as contact with their families and support systems in efforts to remain healthy and safe. To support our Senior Citizens during these unprecedented times of isolation the MNO is pleased to announce electronic device support services for seniors who are experiencing isolation from family and friends. There are no income restrictions for this service. Through this Program the MNO will provide eligible seniors with a tablet, case, accessories, and instructions to allow them to connect with friends and family while in isolation. In order to be eligible applicants must have access to internet Wi-Fi. Confirmation of internet service may be requested.

Eligibility Criteria:

• • Self-Identify as Indigenous
  • Be 55 years of age or older
  • Have not previously received a tablet through the Program
  • Be a resident of Ontario

Applicants can apply online and select the support they need. To learn more about the Program and apply click here

CONTACT: For more information about the Program please contact the MNO’s Programs Administrator at (705) 722-5022 Ext. 302 or by email at housingprograms@metisnation.org

There are a number of financial benefits available for MNO citizen families to help during the pandemic, regardless of whether or not income has been lost due to COVID.

MNO Emergency Family Fund (Ages 0 – 12)
MNO Citizens with children aged 0-12 can receive a one-time benefit of $500 per child up to a maximum of $2,000 per Métis family to provide assistance during this time of physical distancing. This benefit is limited to one per household.

MNO Technology Fund for Children (Ages 0 – 12)
MNO Citizens with children aged 0-12 can receive a one-time benefit of $500 per child to assist in the purchasing of technology for their children to support learning at home, up to a maximum of $2,000 per Métis family. Technology can include, but is not limited to, laptops, Chromebooks, tablets, headphones, software, and applications. This benefit is limited to one per household.

MNO Food Security Fund for Children (Ages 0-12)
MNO Citizens with children aged 0-12 can receive $600 per child to purchase food to support child nutrition up to a maximum of $1,200 per Métis family. This benefit is limited to once per family.

To qualify for the programs detailed above:

• Parent or Child must be a citizen of the Metis Nation of Ontario and provide a copy of MNO citizenship
• Age requirements must be met and proof of age must be provided (i.e. copy of birth certificate, passport, heath card, etc.)
• Citizens must not be receiving emergency support from any other Métis Government
• Citizens must provide A void cheque or direct deposit slip for Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT)

Note, these funds will be dispersed through electronic funds transfer for all who qualify. If you have not previously applied for COVID support, you can apply now at: https://covid.metisnation.org. For those who may not qualify for financial assistance detailed above, the MNO is offering other ways to help. Please contact our toll-free number at 1-800-263-4889 or via email covidhelp@metisnation.org

*NEW* Increased amount per Métis family

MNO Citizens who have lost income due to COVID can receive $2,000 or $2,750 per Métis family to assist in paying for expenses (mortgage payments, utilities, etc.). NOTE: Families who accessed the MNO Emergency Income Relief Benefit of $750 in 2020 are eligible to receive an additional $2,000 without needing to provide any additional documentation. Those who have already received this $750 will be contacted by a member of MNO’s COVID team. Applications from families who have not yet received this COVID benefit can receive one-time funding of $2,750. This benefit is available to MNO Citizens who have lost income since March 15, 2020 as a result of the pandemic. Those who qualify for this benefit include those experiencing:

• Layoff or job loss
• Loss of self-employment
• Reduction in work hours
• Requirement to quarantine or self-isolate
• Caring for children due to school/daycare closures
• Caring for someone who is sick due to COVID-19

While the MNO understands that everyone is experiencing hardships during this unprecedented situation, only those who fall within the parameters above are eligible to receive these funds.

In order to qualify for these benefits, citizens must provide: 

• A copy of MNO Citizenship CardProof of loss of income in the form of: a copy of the applicant’s Record of Employment (ROE) – or – proof of lay-off/job loss – or – proof of reduced work hours.
• For self-employed applicants: a Declaration of Self-Employed Income Form – Schedule A (provided by MNO).
• A void cheque or direct deposit slip for Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT)

IMPORTANT FACTORS TO NOTE BEFORE APPLYING:

Social Assistance and Ontario Disability Support Program Recipients

Social Assistance and Ontario Disability Support Program recipients should be aware that these benefits may affect their social assistance benefits and are suggested to inquire with their case worker before applying.

To apply for this Program please visit https://covid.metisnation.org

CONTACT: To learn more about the Program please contact the MNO’s COVID-19 Support Program team by phone (Toll Free) at 1-800-263-4889 or by email at covidhelp@metisnation.org

The MNO is pleased to offer the COVID-19 Child Care Support Program to help Métis families access safe high quality child care during the COVID-19 pandemic. All Métis families who meet the qualifications are encouraged to apply. To learn more about the Program and apply click here

The MNO has put in place several COVID-19 Emergency Financial Support Programs to assist MNO Citizens and families affected by the pandemic. To this roster the MNO has added a Special Needs Support Program. Through the Special Needs Support Program MNO Citizens with children aged 0-12 years with special needs can receive a one-time benefit of $500 per child up to a maximum of $2,000 per family to provide assistance during this time of physical distancing. This benefit is limited to one per household.

Qualifications:

• Parent or Child must be a citizen of the Metis Nation of Ontario and reside in Ontario. A copy of MNO citizenship must be included.
• Child(ren) must:
  • Have a special need diagnosis
  • Be between 0-12 years of age
  • Please note: Families with children aged 0-12 also qualify for the MNO Family Emergency Fund, Technology Fund, and Food Security Fund.
• Provide proof of child(ren)’s age (i.e. copy of a birth certificate, passport, heath card, etc.)
• Supporting documentation that confirm your child’s diagnosis. Approved documentation includes:
  • Letter from your child’s doctor or psychologist confirming your child’s diagnosis
  • Psychological Assessment 
  • Proof that your child qualifies for the Disability Tax Credit (you can provide a screen shot from Revenue Canada indicating your child is entitled to the Disability Tax Credit)
  • Official Identification, Placement, and Review Committee (IPRC) letter from your child’s District School Board
• Must not be receiving emergency support from any other provincial Métis Government

Funds will be paid to MNO Citizens via Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT). Please attach a void cheque or direct deposit slip to your application. Citizens can apply at https://covid.metisnation.org by indicating the number of children with disabilities on the online application form.

In an effort to manage and mitigate the spread of the coronavirus in our communities, the Métis Nation of Ontario (MNO) is offering COVID Care Kits to Citizens and their families who are currently caring for a sick family member, or are considered a high risk household. Click here for more information on the MNO COVID Care Kits and how to apply

The Métis Nation of Ontario (MNO) and the Métis Voyageur Development Fund (MVDF) are committed to supporting Métis-owned small, home-based and family businesses negatively impacted by COVID-19. The new Métis Micro-Business Fund is intended to relieve financial pressure, support the viability of Métis-owned small and micro-businesses, and strengthen operations so they are well positioned for recovery. This fund will provide non-repayable financial support to Métis home and family based businesses, generating less than $40,000 in a year that do not qualify for the Canada Emergency Business Account (CEBA) or a Covid-19 loan from the MVDF. Eligible micro-businesses may receive contributions of up to $8,000, based on revenue. 

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA:

• MNO Citizen (must provide citizenship # on application)
• 18 years of age or older
• Lost income due to the COVID-19 pandemic
• Business revenue of less than $40K/yr 
• Total family income of less than $160K/yr
• Have not accessed CEBA through a mainstream financial institution or Métis Emergency Business Funding (MEBF) through MVDF

What is considered a microbusiness? 

Métis micro-entrepreneurs might include:

Crafters (beadwork, painters, carvers, artisans, etc.); individuals that cook/bake/make Medicines; individuals who conduct cultural events (fiddlers, dancers, etc.); Guides for the tourist industry; Trappers; individuals that run a small business from their home (hairdressing, sewing, house cleaning, etc.)

For more information including documentation requirements and how to apply, visit: microgrant.metisnation.org

The Métis Nation of Ontario is pleased to announce the establishment of a Benevolent Fund. This fund is intended to provide financial support to Métis families who have experienced a loss in their family as of March 15, 2020 or later. For more information, families can reach out to speak confidentially to a member of the MNO staff by email at benevolentfund@metisnation.org or 1-800-263-4889 Ext. 277.

Social Assistance and Ontario Disability Support Program Recipients
Social Assistance and Ontario Disability Support Program recipients should be aware that these benefits may affect their social assistance benefits and are suggested to inquire with their case worker before applying.

Payment of Funds
Funds will be paid to MNO Citizens via Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT). Citizens will be asked for a void cheque or direct deposit slip to be able to process their application.