If you are not eligible for EI, CERB intended to be simpler and more accessible combination of, the previously announced Emergency Care Benefit and Emergency Support Benefit (replaced by CERB). If you are eligible for EI and for the CERB, you can only choose ONE program.
FOR WHOM?
- Wage earners, self-employed individuals, contract workers who do not qualify for Employment Insurance
- Those still employed but are not being paid due to insufficient work or employer requested them not to come to work
- Those who must stop working due to COVID-19 without access to paid leave or other income support
- Those who are sick, quarantined, or taking care of someone with COVID-19
- Working parents who must stay home without pay to care for children due to school closures
BENEFITS
$2,000 a month for up to four months. This amount is taxable.
IMPLEMENTATION
- Applications launch April 6 on a rolling basis depending on date of birth. For example, those born in the first three months of the year (Jan-Mar) may apply on April 6, those born during the next three months of the year (Apr-Jun), may apply on April 7, etc.
- Payment is given within 3 to 5 business days via direct deposit, or within 10 business days via regular mail.
- Individuals receiving this benefit must confirm at the end of each month that they’re still not employed.
- May apply for payment for any four-week period falling between March 15, 2020 and October 3, 2020
- CERB will be paid every four weeks, with the first payment promised within 10 days of application
HOW TO APPLY
CERB Portal to be available April 6 via the Canada Revenue Agency Portal
REFERENCE