Timing is Everything: How to Apply, and Apply Again for the Canada Emergency Response Benefit

Beth Graddon

Canadians can apply for the Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB) starting on April 6, but the government is hoping to flatten the curve of responses by having affected Canadians in a specific order, by birth month. Here’s how it will work:

There are two ways to apply:

• Online with CRA My Account
• Over the phone with an automated phone service

Those who qualify, will receive a $2000 payment ($500 a week) for each 4-week period, backdated to the period beginning March 15, 2020. But you will need to keep applying. Each application is for payment over a single 4-week period. If your income situation continues, apply again for an additional 4-week period, up to a maximum of 16 weeks (4 periods in total).

How fast will the money be in your hands? Here’s what the government advises:

• When you select direct deposit : within 3 business days from the day you submitted your application.
• Cheque payments : expect your cheque within 10 business days from the day you submitted your application.

Who qualifies? Here is the criteria. You must be:

• Residing in Canada, and at least 15 years old
• Stopped working because of COVID-19 or are eligible for Employment Insurance regular or sickness benefits
• Had income of at least $5,000 in 2019 or in the 12 months prior to the date of application; this may be from any or a combination of the following sources:
  • Employment
  • Self-employment
  • Maternity and parental benefits under the Employment Insurance program and/or similar benefits paid in Quebec under the Quebec Parental Insurance Plan
• You are or are expecting to be without employment or self-employment income for at least 14 consecutive days in the initial four-week period

Not eligible. The Benefit is only available to individuals who stopped work and are not earning employment or self-employment income as a result of reasons related to COVID-19. If you have not stopped working because of COVID-19, you are not eligible for the Benefit.

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