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The Métis Nation of Ontario (MNO) has put in place a variety of COVID-19 Support Programs to help MNO citizens and families affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Based on feedback from citizens and new financial contributions from Crown partners, as of October 2021, the MNO is pleased to offer new supports, and to extend the age eligibility of others:

MNO Emergency Income Relief Benefit ($1000)

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.
 
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.
 

MNO Kindergarten to Grade 12 (K-12) Education Support Fund ($500)

As part of MNO’s extension of the COVID relief fund program, the Métis Nation of Ontario is relaunching an opportunity for Citizens to access the MNO K-12 Education Support Fund – specifically for Citizens with children attending K-12 education. Families may be eligible to receive a benefit of $500 per child for the 2021-22 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
   

MNO Technology Fund for Children 13-18 years ($500)

MNO Citizens with children aged 13-18 who are still attending school 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 or in the classroom. This fund is 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. In addition to the requirements below, applicants are required to submit proof of age (i.e. copy of a birth certificate, passport, heath card, etc.) for each child they are applying for. 

Apply at: www.metisnation.org/covid-19-support-programs

Please Note: children are not eligible if you previously received funding under this program. 
  

MNO Food Security Fund for Youth 13-18 years ($600)

MNO Citizens with children aged 13-18 who are still attending school can receive a one-time benefit of $600 per child to help purchase food or other necessities.  Maximum of $1,800 per family. This benefit is limited to once per family. In addition to the requirements below, applicants are required to submit proof of age (i.e. copy of a birth certificate, passport, heath card, etc.) for each child they are applying for. 

Apply at: https://covid.metisnation.org
 
Please Note: children are not eligible if you previously received funding under this program. 
 

MNO Food Security and Household Necessity Fund for Low Income Adults 

MNO Citizens between the ages of 19-60 can receive $600 per Citizen to purchase food or other necessities, up to a maximum of $2,400 per family. This benefit is limited to once per household. 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 (must be related to Covid-19) – or – Or proof of household income under $25,000 per single person or $50,000 per family.
  
 

MNO Food Security and Household Necessity Fund for Seniors (second round $750) 

MNO Citizens over the age of 60 can receive up to $750 per Citizen to purchase food or other necessities.
 
To qualify for the programs detailed above:
    • 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)
    • 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.

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

What Will You Need to Apply? 

 
Step 1: Fill out the COVID-19 FINANCIAL SUPPORT PROGRAMS application form at: https://covid.metisnation.org
 
Step 2: Attach the following required documentation (either as a .PDF or .JPEG):
• A copy of MNO citizenship (of applicant or child as applicable)
• A void cheque or direct deposit slip for Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT)
• If applicable, proof of age (i.e. copy of a birth certificate, passport, heath card, etc.)
• For the MNO Emergency Income Relief Benefit: proof of loss of income due to COVID-19 (See summary for accepted documents)
 
Step 3: Return application and attached documents to the COVID19 staff via email
 
Contact for assistance or more information
Please contact our toll-free number at 1-800-263-4889 or via email covidhelp@metisnation.org if you require assistance.
 
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.
 
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.  It is suggested that applicants inquire with their case worker before applying.
 
Additional Programs 
Find a complete list of MNO COVID-19 support programs: www.metisnation.org/covid-19-support-programs.