Who it’s for:
Individuals whether employed, self-employed, or contract workers cease to work for reasons related to COVID-19 and do not have access to paid leave or other income support – and have not voluntarily quit their job.
Reasons related to COVID-19:
Workers who are sick, quarantined or taking care of someone who is sick with COVID-19.
Working parents who must stay home without pay to care for children that are sick or need additional care because of school and daycare closures.
Workers who still have their employment but are not being paid because there is currently not sufficient work and their employer has asked them not to come to work.
Wage earners and self-employed individuals, including contract workers, who would not otherwise be eligible for Employment Insurance (EI).
Implementation and how to apply:
Applications for the CERB began on Monday, April 6, 2020.
There are two ways to apply:
1. Online with CRA My Account
Instructions once you have access to CRA My Account:
- Go to COVID-19: Canada Emergency Response Benefit in the alert banner at the top of the page.
- Select the period you want to apply for.
- Declare that you qualify for the benefit.
- Confirm they have the right payment information.
2. Over the phone with an automated phone service – telephone number: 1.800.959.2019
Instructions:
- Select your language preference (English or French).
- Follow the prompts to enter your information, including your SIN, confirmation of your postal code and the period you are applying for.
- Declare that you qualify for the benefit.
If you are calling the CRA on behalf of someone else, you must be an authorized representative.
For more info on how to apply: https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/services/benefits/apply-for-cerb-with-cra.html
Benefit:
If you are eligible for the CERB, you can expect $2,000 ($500 per week) for a 4-week period. It is a single payment for a 4-week period.
If your situation continues, you can re-apply for a payment for multiple 4-week periods, to a maximum of 16 weeks (4 periods).
The benefit is available from March 15, 2020 until October 3, 2020. You can apply no later than December 2, 2020.
Benefits will start within 10 days of you submitting an application. There is no waiting period. Your payments will be retroactive to your eligibility date.
Payments will be made through direct deposit or by cheque. You will be paid more quickly if you choose direct deposit.
More info:
A person who is at least 15 years of age, who is resident in Canada and who, for 2019 or in the 12-month period preceding the day on which they make an application for CERB has a total income of at least $5,000 from the following sources:
- Employment,
- Self-employment,
- Certain EI benefits,
- Benefits under a provincial plan due to pregnancy or care of newborn children, and
- Non-eligible dividends.
You have been or expect to be without employment or self-employment income for at least 14 consecutive days in the initial four-week period. For subsequent benefit periods, you expect to have no employment income.
If you are receiving the wage subsidy through your employer, you cannot receive the CERB for the same period. You can only receive one or the other. The government is considering implementing a rule that would allow individuals rehired by their employer to cancel their CERB claim and repay the amount in order to qualify for the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy (CEWS).
The benefit is taxable, although tax will not be deducted at source. You will be expected to report the benefit as income when you file your income tax for the 2020 tax year.
For more information:
https://www.canada.ca/en/services/benefits/ei/cerb-application/questions.html