Applications for the Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB) open today. The CERB is part of the Federal response to unprecedented circumstances including business closures and the significant economic impact of COVID-19.
The CERB will provide payments of $2,000 for each 4-week period for up to 16 weeks. According to the Government of Canada payments should be deposited by direct deposit 3 business days after application or 10 business days after application if not using direct deposit.
In order to qualify an individual must:
- be at least 15 years old.
- be residing in Canada.
- have stopped working due to COVID-19.
- not have voluntarily quit their job or is eligible for regular EI or sickness benefits.
- have had at least $5,000 of income in 2019 or in the 12 months preceding the application from one or more of the following sources:
- employment income
- self-employment income
- provincial or federal benefits related to maternity or paternity leave.
- expect to be without employment, self-employment income or provincial/federal maternity/paternity benefits for at least 14 consecutive days in the initial 4-week period.
- expect to have no employment, self-employment income or provincial/federal maternity/paternity benefits for subsequent periods.
Eligibility periods are fixed in 4-week cycles, if the situation continues and you continue to be without income beyond the first 4-week period, you can re-apply for additional periods to a total maximum of 16 weeks.
You may apply for the benefit either thorough the Canada Revenue Agency or through Service Canada depending on your circumstances. To find out whether to apply through the CRA or EI start the application process by visiting the following page: https://www.canada.ca/en/services/benefits/ei/cerb-application.html
For additional information please visit:
Canada Revenue Agency: https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/services/benefits/apply-for-cerb-with-cra.html
Employment Insurance: https://www.canada.ca/en/services/benefits/ei/cerb-application/confirmation.html
