Who can apply?
To be eligible, you must meet the following requirements:
• 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 or are eligible for EI regular or sickness benefits;
• Who had income of at least $5,000 in 2019 or in the 12 months prior to the date of their application; 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 or self-employment income.
How to apply Two ways to apply: 1. Via Online if you have CRA My Account or My Service Canada Account • You must have filed your taxes for either 2018 or 2019 to apply to open a CRA account. • If you have My Service Canada Account, you can apply through this and it will bring you to the CRA link. 2. Via Phone (automated phone service): • If you don’t have either CRA or My Service Canada Account and have filed tax returns for calendar years prior 2018, call 1-800-959-2019 or 1-800-959-2041 • If you have never filed a tax return before with CRA, call 1-800-959-8281 • Follow the instructions below before you call 1-800-959-2019 or 1-800-959-2041 Instructions: 1. Select your language preference: English or French
2. Follow the prompts to enter your information, including: • Your social insurance number (SIN) • confirmation of your postal code • the period you are applying for
3. Declare that you qualify for the benefit
The CRA will issue payments by direct deposit or cheque, based on the payment method they have on file for you.
When is the best day to apply?
Days to apply for the Canada Emergency Response Benefit
If you were born in the month of: Apply for CERB on Best day to apply
January, February or March Mondays April 6
April, May, or June Tuesdays April 7
July, August, or September Wednesdays April 8
October, November, or December Thursdays April 9
Any month Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays Not applicable
After you apply
If you are eligible for the CERB, you can expect $2,000 ($500 per week) for a 4-week period. The CERB is paid by direct deposit or by cheque if your direct deposit information is not on file.
After you apply, you should get your payment in 3 business days if you signed up for direct deposit. If you haven't, you should get it in about 10 business days. If your situation continues, you can re-apply for a payment for multiple 4-week periods, to a maximum of 16 weeks (4 periods).
Note: 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 for the 2020 tax year in My Account under Tax Information Slips (T4 and more). For Questions about CERB
Unsure if you should apply for CERB with Service Canada or CRA?
Questions about applying for CERB with CRA?
Find answers to common questions with this automated help line: 1-833-966-2099
To speak with an agent about CERB, or CRA My Account: 1-800-959-8281
To Speak to Agent to check if you are eligible to apply, call 1-833-699-0299
Source: https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/services/benefits/apply-for-cerb-with-cra.html