COVID-19 Support Programs

As part of MNO’s extension of the COVID-19 Relief Fund Program, the Métis Nation of Ontario is relaunching the K-12 Education Support Fund. Families may be eligible to receive a benefit of $500 per child for the 2021-2022 school year, to support the purchase of educational supports and materials directly related to the child’s education (e.g., school supplies, books, learning software, counselling services, additional technology supports for online learning, etc.). This benefit is limited to one payment per child.

To qualify for these MNO K-12 Education Support Fund:

• Parent or child must be a citizen of the Metis Nation of Ontario and reside in Ontario
• Child(ren) must be attending K-12 education during the 2021-22 school year
• Provide proof of child(ren)’s age (i.e. copy of birth certificate, passport, heath card, etc.)
• Must not be receiving emergency support from any other Métis Government

To Apply click here: https://bit.ly/3veIH2E

This benefit is being offered to MNO Citizens who are Veterans who may be struggling financially due to the effects of COVID-19. MNO Citizens who are Veterans can receive a one-time benefit of $500 to purchase food or other necessities. If a citizen has not already had their veteran status confirmed by the MNO Veterans Council, COVID-19 staff will assist in the completion of a simple form.

APPLY: https://covid.metisnation.org

CONTACT: For more information please contact us at: 1-800-263-4889 (Toll Free) or email covidhelp@metisnation.org

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. Please note,children are not eligible if you have received this funding in the past.

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.

• • Parent, Child or senior must be a citizen of the Métis Nation of Ontario and provide a copy of MNO citizenship
  • Proof of Age
  • 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)

In addition to the requirements listed above, applicants must also submit proof of age (i.e. copy of a birth certificate, passport, heath card, etc.) for each child they are applying for.

Apply now at https://covid.metisnation.org

Note, these funds will be dispersed through electronic funds transfer for all who qualify. For those who may not qualify for financial assistance, the MNO is offering other ways to help. Please contact our toll-free number at 1-800-263-4889 or email covidhelp@metisnation.org

MNO Citizen households that have lost income due to COVID-19 may be eligible to receive income support to assist in paying expenses (mortgage payments, utilities, etc.). To be eligible to receive the Phase 3 MNO Emergency Income Relief Benefit applicants must have lost income since Sept.1, 2021 due to COVID-19. This could be as a result of: 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. Please note if you have received Phase 1 and 2 funding previously, proof that you are still unemployed or under employed at this time is required to be provided in order to access phase 3 funds.

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

The following can be used as proof of loss of income:

A copy of the applicant’s Record of Employment (ROE), which must indicate loss of income for reasons related to Covid-19; if ROE does not indicate loss of income for reasons related to Covid-19, additional documentation may be required – or –
Proof of lay-off/job loss indicating the time period and/or number of hours reduced (reasoning must be related to Covid-19) – or – For self-employed applicants: Declaration of Self-Employed Income Form – Schedule A (provided by MNO). Business registration number is required. 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.

Apply now at  https://covid.metisnation.org

CONTACT: Call us at 1-800-263-4889 (Toll Free) or email us at covidhelp@metisnation.org

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 child’s special needs diagnosis must be provided. Approved documentation includes:
  • Letter from your child’s doctor or psychologist confirming your child’s diagnosis
  • Psychological Assessment 
  • Official IPRC letter from your child’s school board. Please note an IEP is NOT accepted documentation.
  • Proof that your child qualifies for the Disability Tax Credit. Note that a screen shot from Revenue Canada indicating your child is entitled to the Disability Tax Credit is sufficient. This information can be found in the Benefits and Credits tab of your Revenue Canada account.
• 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 a the link below by indicating the number of children with disabilities on the online application form.

Apply now at https://covid.metisnation.org 

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 Criteria:

• 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

Apply: 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 Adrienne 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 & APPLY: 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

As part of the COVID-19 Housing Stabilization Program the MNO is proud to offer Homelessness Support Services for those in need. This service is available to any Indigenous person in need of support as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Supports available include:

• Assistance with Rental Arrears
• Assistance with Utility Arrears
• Access to food and/or personal hygiene items
• First and/or Last Month’s Rent for those existing homelessness which includes those living on the streets, in shelters, couch surfing, or without security of tenure

Eligibility Criteria:

• Self-Identify as Indigenous
• Be a resident of Ontario
• Be a low-income household
• Utility or Rental Arrears must have been incurred after March 2020

APPLY: To access this Program or learn more please email housingstabilization@metisnation.org or call us at 1-800-263-4889 Ext. 350

The MNO has put in place COVID-19 Support Programs for MNO citizens who are in need. The COVID-19 Support Programs are being made available in addition to all of the existing programs and services that the MNO currently offers and continues to deliver remotely throughout the Province. The COVID-19 Support Programs include emergency financial supports to help affected Citizens while they wait for the Canada Emergency Response Benefit to become available. If you are an MNO Citizen in immediate need (i.e. you have lost your income, lost your job or business, are sick, quarantined, are taking care of someone who is sick because of COVID-19, have young children or other dependents at home, etc.) please complete the secure form below in its entirety. Further documentation may be required (e.g. Record of Employment) depending upon the supports you are requesting. The information you provide will assist the MNO in prioritizing needs and mobilizing services in the best way possible with regards to COVID-19 relief resources for MNO Citizens.

APPLY: 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 the COVID-19 Support Program Team at 1-800-263-4889 (Toll Free) or email covidhelp@metisnation.org

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.

APPLY: Click here for more information on the MNO COVID Care Kits and how to apply

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. Métis families can receive a one-time payment of $1,000 to assist with funeral costs. This benefit is limited to once per deceased.  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.

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. 

Elgibility 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.)

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

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.