The Prime Minister announced more details on the CERB. Some of the key highlights are as follows:

  • Eligibility criteria – Applicants must:
    • reside in Canada,
    • be at least 15 years old,
    • have not voluntarily quit working,
    • have stopped working because of COVID-19 or for reasons that make them eligible for Employment Insurance (EI),
    • had an income of at least $5,000 in 2019 or the last 12 months, and
    • have been, or expect to be, without income for at least 14 days in the initial 4-week period, and have no income thereafter.
    • not be receiving or waiting to receive the 75% wage subsidy (CEWS).
  • Duration and amount of CERB benefits – Applicants will receive $500 per week between March 15 and October 3, 2020.The benefits are taxable.
  • Coordination of CERB and EI – Applicants cannot receive both CERB and EI benefits at the same time. The following coordination rules will apply:
    • If the applicant is currently receiving EI, the applicant will continue to receive EI until the end of the benefit period. If the applicant’s EI benefits end before October 3, 2020, they can apply for the CERB.
    • If the applicant has already applied for EI and became eligible before March 15, 2020 (because they stopped working before March 15, 2020), the applicant will receive EI benefits.
    • If the applicant has already applied for EI and became eligible on or after March 15, 2020 (because they stopped working on or after March 15, 2020), the applicant will receive CERB benefits.
  • Payment of CERB benefits – Applicants must choose whether to receive the CERB by mail or by direct deposit. Those who choose to receive a cheque by mail will receive it within 10 days, while those who choose direct deposit will receive payment within 3 to 5 days. After applying for the CERB, Applicants must confirm they do not have a job once a month to continue receiving this benefit.
  • Preparing to Apply - Workers can apply for the CERB starting April 6, 2020 at Canada.ca/coronavirus. 
    • The government recommends that Canadians get ready to apply for the CERB by signing up to My Account or My Service Canada Account.
    • They should also make sure their direct deposit and mailing information is up to date with the CRA.
    • Whether you apply online or by phone, to manage the best service for everyone, the government has set up specific days for you to apply.
Learn more about the CERB from the Federal Government’s website.