Good morning valued clients,
We hope you are well and that you are yours are staying safe during these challenging times. Please see below for some important updates regarding the Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB).
What is the Canada Emergency Response Benefit?
If you stopped working because of COVID-19, the Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB) may provide you with temporary income support.
- The CERB provides $500 per week for up to 16 weeks.
- The benefit is available from March 15, 2020, to October 3, 2020. You can apply no later than December 2, 2020.
- The benefit is taxable although tax will not be deducted at source. You will be expected to report the benefit as income when you file your income tax for the 2020 tax year. An information slip will be made available for the 2020 tax year.
ELIGIBILITY – Canada Emergency Response Benefit
The benefit will be available to workers:
- Residing in Canada, who are at least 15 years old;
- Who have stopped working because of COVID-19 and have not voluntarily quit their job;
- Who had income of at least $5,000 in 2019 or in the 12 months prior to the date of their application (the income of at least $5,000 may be from any or a combination of the following sources: employment; self-employment; maternity and parental benefits under the EI program. The income does not have to be earned in Canada, but you currently need to reside in Canada.); and
- Who are or expect to be without employment or self-employment income for at least 14 consecutive days in the initial four-week period. For subsequent benefit periods, they expect to have no employment income.
The Benefit is only available to individuals who stopped work as a result of reasons related to COVID-19. If you are looking for a job but haven’t stopped working because of COVID-19, you are not eligible for the Benefit.
No backing documentation will be needed to apply at this time, but you may be asked to provide documentation to verify your eligibility at a future date.
HOW TO APPLY:
They will start accepting applications on April 6 online through CRA’s My Account Service or by toll-free telephone number.
Prior to April 6, individuals who are without work and are eligible for EI can continue to apply for Employment Insurance.