Recently Laid-Off? Process for New CERB Applications

Beth Graddon

Recently unemployed or are earning zero income due to COVID-19 and need to apply for the CERB for the first time? The application process has changed slightly since it first opened. So, beware: how you apply may not be the same as what you heard your friends, family, or colleagues did earlier this month.

There is now a single application portal online, which uses a series of questions to determine which program you should receive the CERB through. These questions will guide you to the application form for one of two scenarios:

Ineligible for standard EI – the application process appears to be the same as it was when it went live on April 6. You need to access the application during the period for which you have not earned/do not expect to earn more than $1,000 over a 14-consecutive day period, provide your SIN number, and indicate that you are eligible based on the criteria outlined. Your benefits will get processed through the CRA.

Two new eligibility changes went live this week, including the ability to earn no more than $1,000 of income (versus none). And now those who depleted EI previously can also apply using this method. Per the CRA:

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

Eligible for standard EI – the application now appears to be similar or the same as the standard EI application form. When applying for benefits due to COVID-19, under Benefit Type you will need to select one of two options (whichever best applies to your situation):

• Regular benefits
• Sickness benefits – if you are unable to work due to illness, injury, or quarantine.

This will help determine whether you are eligible, and if so, you will be enrolled in the CERB through the EI (Service Canada) program.

Although a simplified version of the application form was live for initial applications, the guidelines now state that you will need to provide detailed personal information, your mother’s maiden name, your SIN, and your ROE. You will also need to request an access code, or login through your bank. Once approved, you will be required to submit reports based on the dates provided in your Service Canada account in order to receive ongoing benefits if you work situation has not changed.

Under the EI-CERB issued through Service Canada, the standard EI waiting period for new applications is still waived.

Additional educational resources: get all the technical details of the COVID-19 Canada Emergency Response provisions by enrolling in the Virtual CE Summits. It’s a sought-after educational event from Knowledge Bureau in a new format: a professional online course plus interactive live virtual meeting. The online learning release will be available April 22 on the Virtual Campus, and the interactive Zoom event will take place on May 13. 

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