Eligibility
- Contract workers, wage earners, self-employed individuals who don’t qualify for Employment Insurance (EI)
- It is available for workers living in Canada who are at least 15 years old
- They should have earned at least $5,000 in 2019 year before their application from employment, self-employment, employment insurance maternity and parental benefits, and/or similar benefits paid in Quebec under the Quebec Parental Insurance Plan (QPIP), or a combination of these sources.
- They are without income for at least 14 consecutive days in a four-week period because of COVID-19, because they have temporarily stopped working, lost their jobs, are sick or in quarantine, or need to care for a child or a family member.
How To Apply
- You can go here to apply online
- Call the automated toll-free line to apply. The numbers are 1-800-959-2019 or 1-800-959-2041
- When you call, make sure you have your Social Insurance Number (SIN) and postal code to verify your identity
If You Applied for Employment Insurance (EI)
- If you cannot apply for EI or have not yet applied for EI, then you are eligible to apply to receive CERB
- If you have already applied for EI then do not apply for CERB
Payment Expectation
- You can expect payment in 3 business days if you have opted for direct deposit
- If not, then you should get the payment via cheque in 10 business days
Payment Frequency and Duration
- Payments will be issued every 4 weeks.
- One pay period covers 4 weeks
- The duration of the benefit will be from March 15, 2020 to October 3, 2020 for a total of 16 weeks or 4 periods.
Setting Up Direct Deposit
- You can do this online if you are registered for MyAccount
- The online mobile application MyCRA will also help you sign up
- You can call the CRA at 1-800-959-8281 to set it up
- Syed A. Raza Professional Corporation can also help set you up for direct deposits
Important Points
- If you are receiving the wage subsidy (for businesses) then you cannot receive CERB
- These benefits are taxable and you will need to report any payments received on next year’s tax filing. An information slip will be made available.
Feel free to get in touch with the team at Syed A. Raza Professional Corporation to discuss your specific situation.