Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB) updated April 23

The CERB supports Canadians by providing urgently needed financial support to employed and self-employed Canadians who have been directly affected by COVID-19. It provides a payment of $2,000 for a 4 week period (equivalent to $500 a week) for up to 16 weeks.

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Unsure about whether you should apply for CERB with Service Canada or CRA?

Who can apply

To be eligible, you must meet the following requirements:

  • You did not apply for, nor receive, CERB or EI benefits from Service Canada for the same eligibility period

  • You did not quit your job voluntarily

  • You reside in Canada

  • You are 15 years old or more when you apply

  • You earned a minimum of $5,000 (before taxes) income in the last 12 months or in 2019 from one or more of the following sources:

    • employment income

    • self-employment income

    • provincial or federal benefits related to maternity or paternity leave

AND

  • You stopped or will stop working due to COVID-19, and:

    • You are applying for the first time
      For at least 14 days in a row during the 4-week payment period, you do not expect to receive more than $1,000 (before taxes) from employment and self-employment income

    • You are re-applying for another period
      You do not expect your situation to change during this 4-week period and you do not expect to receive more than $1,000 (before taxes) from employment and self-employment income

      OR

    • You received regular EI benefits for at least 1 week since December 29, 2019
      You are no longer eligible for EI benefits

How to apply

Applications for the CERB will begin the week of Monday, April 6, 2020.

There are two ways to apply:

  • Online with CRA My Account

  • Over the phone with an automated phone service

Gov link: https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/services/benefits/apply-for-cerb-with-cra.html

New updated FAQ that is more organized: https://www.canada.ca/en/services/benefits/ei/cerb-application/questions.html

Jane Zhao