Update April 3, 2020: The Government of Canada released full details and how to apply for the Emergency Response Benefit online here.
Feds Announce Emergency Response Benefit
Last week, the federal government announced that it has proposed legislation to establish the Canadian Emergency Response Benefit (or CERB). CERB is supposed to provide $2,000 a month to workers who have lost income due to coronavirus. Employees will be able to apply online in early April 2020.
So far, here is what we know about CERB:
Who is Eligible?
CERB is aimed for people who essentially have stopped working because of COVID-19, whether they are eligible for employment insurance benefits or not. These include people who:
been terminated from employment.
still employed but are not receiving income.
are sick.
are quarantined.
are taking care of someone who is sick with COVID-19.
are working parents who must stay home without pay for childcare obligations.
are contract workers.
are self-employed.
People who are already receiving EI regular or sickness benefits should not apply to CERB. If their EI runs out before CERB does (October 3, 2020), then they can apply for CERB.
How to Apply?
The government announced that an online portal will be set up in early April 2020. More details will come but it is likely that the required documentation will not be onerous.
When to Apply?
Early April 2020, but some reports have suggested April 6, 2020.
How Much?
$2000.00 as a taxable benefit.
When to Expect Payments?
Within 10 days of applying for CERB online.
How Long do Payments Last?
The Emergency Response Benefit of $2,000 will be paid every four weeks. The program will run from March 16, 2020 to October 3, 2020.