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