As part of its COVID-19 Economic Response Plan, the federal government has introduced the Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB), replacing the previously announced Emergency Care Benefit and Emergency Support Benefit.
The CERB will provide temporary income support to Canadians who have been affected by COVID-19 pandemic, including those who:
- have been terminated, laid off, or had work hours reduced to zero
- are sick, quarantined, or taking care of someone who is sick with COVID-19
- are working parents who must stay home without pay to care for children who are sick or at home because of school and daycare closures
- are still employed, but are not receiving income because of disruptions to their work situation due to COVID-19
What is the CERB?
- It is a taxable government payment of $2000 per month for up to 16 weeks, paid out every 4 weeks.
- Tax will not be withheld at the source. Recipients must include this income in their 2020 tax returns.
- It will be available to Canadians from March 15, 2020 to October 3, 2020.
- Those who are already receiving EI will continue to do so, and can apply for the CERB if EI benefits cease before October 3, 2020.
- Those receiving provincial or territorial aid can also apply for the CERB.
- Applications will be accepted until December 2, 2020.
- Benefit recipients must re-apply every four weeks.
Who is Eligible?
Canadian residents aged 15 or older who:
- are wage earners, contract workers, or self employed and would otherwise be ineligible for EI
- have earned at least $5,000 of total income in 2019 (or in the 12 months leading up to the application) from employment, self-employment and/or maternity and parental benefits under the EI program and/or similar benefits paid in Quebec
- have or expect to earn less than $1,000 of income* for at least 14 consecutive days in the 4 week period of the initial application, and earn no more than $1,000 of income for subsequent benefit periods
Those who have voluntarily quit their jobs do not qualify.
*Income refers to employment income, self-employment income, unemployment benefits, or benefits under a provincial plan in respect of pregnancy or the care of a new-born of adopted children.
FAQs
WHERE DO I APPLY?
Online: canada.gc.ca/coronavirus-CERB or through CRA My Account
By Phone: 1 800 959 2019 or 1 800 959 2041
If you do not have a CRA My Account, you can get the security pin to set it up for the first time by:
- getting it mailed
- calling an agent to have it emailed
WHEN CAN I APPLY?
You can begin applying online on April 6, 2020. Individuals are asked to apply on different days based on month of birth so as not to overtax the system:
- January, February and March apply Mondays starting on April 6
- April, May and June apply Tuesdays starting on April 7
- July, August and September apply Wednesdays starting on April 8
- October, November and December apply Thursdays starting on April 9
I AM STILL EMPLOYED BUT HAVE LOST INCOME. DO I QUALIFY?
You will have to show that you have no income for a minimum period of 14 consecutive days within each four-week period you are seeking to receive benefits.
IF MY SPOUSE STILL HAS HIS OR HER SALARY, DOES THAT AFFECT MY CLAIM?
No, you are still entitled to $2,000 a month.
I HAVE ALREADY APPLIED FOR EMPLOYMENT INSURANCE. AM I ELIGIBLE?
Yes, if you applied after March 15, the CERB will replace the EI benefits. You do not need to apply again. Your current application will be converted into an application for the CERB. If you applied before March 15, you will have to wait until your EI benefits have expired to be eligible for the CERB.
WILL I STILL BE ENTITLED TO $2,000 A MONTH EVEN IF I MADE LESS THAN THAT BEFORE LOSING MY INCOME?
Yes, you will receive $2,000 as long as you earned at least $5,000 in the previous 12 months.
WHEN WILL I RECEIVE MY FIRST PAYMENT?
You should receive your first cheque approximately 10 days after you apply. Direct deposits should be made within 3 to 5 days.
CAN YOU RECEIVE THE CERB IF YOU ARE NOT A CITIZEN OR PERMANENT RESIDENT?
To be eligible for the CERB, you must reside in Canada and have a valid Social Insurance Number. Workers who are not Canadian citizens or permanent residents, including temporary foreign workers and international students, may be eligible to receive the benefit if they meet the other eligibility requirements.