File your 2020 taxes by April 30, 2021 or risk Covid benefits It’s always important to file ones taxes on time, it’s of particular importance to do it before the deadline this year for anyone who thinks they will claim either the Canada Recovery Benefit (CRB), the Canada Recovery Caregiving Benefit (CRCB) or the Canada Recovery Sickness Benefit (CRSB) beginning in May. COVID-relief benefits CRM, CRCB and CRSB all require the applicant to have earned at least $5,000 in 2019, 2020 or in the 12 months preceding the request. That’s because the federal government generally pays out benefits to people based on their previous year’s tax filings, which allows the CRA to determine if the individual is eligible for them (such as the Canada Child Benefit.)