A CERB Application Update
Monday, April 6, 2020Stephen A. ThieleLitigationCOVID-19, Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB), Canada Revenue Agency (CRA)
On Friday, April 3rd, 2020, the Government of Canada released a comprehensive question and answer resource on the Canada Emergency Response Benefit. Specifically, eligibility requirements and the application process was clarified.
This information can be found here.
Most notably, in this resource the government explains that workers do not need to have been laid off in order to access the CERB.
Workers who remain attached to their employer can receive the Benefit provided that they have stopped working as a result of COVID-19 and expect to be without employment or self-employment income for at least 14 consecutive days within the initial four-week period.
In terms of the application process, individuals are being asked apply through their CRA My Account portal or by phone through an automated toll-free line.
Further, individuals have been directed to apply in accordance with the schedule set out in the chart below.
Please note that this Benefit is available from March 15, 2020 to October 3, 2020, and that persons will be required to apply for this by December 2, 2020.
If you were born in the month of |
Apply for CERB on |
Your 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 |
More information on the application process can be located here.
Authors: Stephen Thiele and Jessica Schissler