CANADA EMERGENCY RESPONSE BENEFIT (CERB)                                                                                                                                                            

The Canadian government is providing urgently needed financial support of $500 per week for up to 16 weeks to employed as well as self-employed Canadians who have been directly affected by COVID-19. It provides a payment of $2,000 for a 4 week period for up to 4 such periods

• Who is eligible
  • Over 15 years old; residing in Canada
  • Stopped working due to COVID-19 or eligible for EI Regular or Sickness Benefits
  • Had minimum income of $5,000 in 2019 or 12 prior months 
  • Without employment or self-employment income for over 14 days in the initial 4 weeks
• How to apply
  • Online through CRA My Account
  • Call 1-800-959-2019; dedicated phone line with automated service
  • Both services open daily from Monday, Apr 06 between 6 AM to 3 AM (21 hours)
• When to apply; Born in the month
  • January – March: Mondays starting Apr 06
  • April – June: Tuesdays starting Apr 07
  • July – September: Wednesdays starting Apr 08
  • October – December: Thursdays starting Apr 09
  • Any month: Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays
• Payment Period
  • 4 week period beginning Mar 15, 2020
  • Reapply each month if the work situation continues
  • Maximum of 16 weeks (4 periods)
• How is CERB paid
  • Direct deposit
  • By check in the mail
• When to expect payment
  • Within 3 business days through direct deposit
  • Within 10 business days by check
• My Business Account
  • Sign in Partners; most banks
  • CRA User ID/ Register
    • Tax information from last tax return filed
    • Set up a User ID and Password
    • Pick 5 Security questions
    • Update Email address update
• More information; https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/services/benefits/apply-for-cerb-with-cra.html

 

Contact us for more information through the contact form or email at info@brontebay.com
Subhash Sharma CPA, CMA, MBA