Update: Canada Emergency Response Benefit: Further Details

UPDATE: Canada Emergency Response Benefit: Further Details

On Wednesday, the Government of Canada passed a $107-billion emergency response package, which included the new Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB). The new taxable benefit allows people to claim $2000 per month for up to four months in emergency support paid directly to Canadians impacted by COVID-19, whether you are not working because you have lost your job, been laid off, are sick, quarantined, or taking care of someone who is sick with COVID-19, as well as working parents who must stay home without pay to care for children because of school or daycare closures.

To qualify, applicants must have made $5000 in employment income, self-employment income, or maternity or parental leave benefits for 2019 (or the 12 months period preceding the day you make the application). It is available to both those who qualify for EI and those who do not.

If you are already receiving EI regular or sickness benefits, you will continue to receive those benefits and you should not apply to the CERB. If your EI benefits end before October 3, 2020, you can apply for the CERB after your EI benefits end. Those of you who are eligible for EI regular and sickness benefits would still be able to access your normal EI benefits, if still unemployed, after the 16-week period covered by the CERB ends.

To Apply: Prime Minister Trudeau said yesterday that the application process will open through the Canada Revenue Agency “as soon as possible”. You will be able to apply through the CRA MyAccount secure portal, your secure My Service Canada Account, or over the phone. If you have not yet created a CRA MyAccount or My Service Canada Account, and you intend to apply for these benefits, you should do so now by clicking on one of the links:

• Create a MyCRA Account: https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/services/e-services/e-services-individuals/account-individuals.html

• Create a My Service Canada Account: https://www.canada.ca/en/employment-social-development/services/my-account.html

The Union maintains its commitment to keep you up-to-date on any developments and will update this information when we have more details.