Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB) is designed to economically support people who were impacted by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. This new benefit will allow Canadian residents to claim $2000/month or $500/week for upto 4 months but only if you qualify and meet the requirements set out by the government.

Temporary Foreign Workers or International students along with Permanent Residents and Canadian Citizens are eligible to apply if they meet the following requirements:

·   You are 15 years old or more

·   You reside in Canada

·   You have not quit your job voluntarily

·   You didn’t apply for, nor received EI benefits from Service Canada for the same eligibility period

·   You earned a minimum of $5000 income in the last 12 months or in 2019

When applying for your very first CERB application:

·   You must not be working or will stop working due to reasons related to COVID-19

·   For at least 14 days in a row, during the period you are applying for, you will not receive

o   Employment income

o   Self-employment income

o   Other provincial or federal benefits related to maternity or paternity leave

When applying for your subsequent CERB applications:

·   You continue to not work due to reasons related to COVID-19

·   For the 4 week period you are applying for, you will not receive:

o   Employment income

o   Self-employment income

o   Other provincial or federal benefits related to maternity or paternity leave

HOW TO APPLY

You can apply for CERB in two ways:

·   If you have computer access you can apply Online with CRA My Account

·   Or you can apply over the phone with an automated phone service

You can access these services 21 hours/day, 7days/week as both of these services are closed for maintenance from 3 Am to 6 AM.

To serve everyone in the best possible way and avoid website crashes due to heavy traffic, it is recommended to apply by the following guidelines:

AFTER YOU APPLY

Once you done applying and are approved, you will receive your payments either by direct deposit or by cheque.

If you have signed up for direct deposit, you can expect to receive your payment in 3 business days. However, if you haven’t done so, you will receive your benefits in approximately 10 business days.

It’s important to keep in mind that these benefits are taxable and you will have to report any payments received on next year’s tax filing. In case you applied for CERB but later realise that you are not eligible, you also have the option to return or repay you CERB payment.

QUESTIONS

If you are still unsure whether you should apply for CERB or have any questions, you can visit https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/services/benefits/apply-for-cerb-with-cra.html

Or call 1-833-966-2099 to get answers to common questions with this automated help line

Or call 1-800-959-8281 to speak with an agent about CERB, or CRA My Account:

Before I sign off, I would like you all stay strong during these trying times and look out for the most vulnerable in our society. Together we can fight this off and come out stronger and better.

Stay Home and Stay Safe.