The online applications for B.C.’s COVID-19 recovery benefit of up to $1,000 opened on Friday morning.

Applications are available online here.

The provincial government responded to reports of the site crashing Friday morning, saying the problem appears to stem from a government-wide server issue, and is not related to the applications page. The province urged patience as the site has received more traffic than anticipated.

The amount you’re eligible to receive will be automatically calculated based on the net income from your 2019 tax return.

3:01Details on B.C. recovery benefit’s sliding scale, eligibility

The tax-free benefit provides up to $1,000 for eligible families earning $125,000 dollars or less per year.

The benefit works on a sliding scale with families earning between $125,000 and $175,000 qualifying for a reduced amount.

A $500 payout will also be available for single people making up to $62,500 annually.

The province will open a call centre on Monday.

British Columbians will have until June 30, 2021 to apply.

A major plank of the BC NDP’s election campaign earlier this fall, the province has said the benefit will help 3.7 million people.

— With files from Richard Zussman