The service Canada website has new information that provides more clarity about the emergency response benefit
What is the Canada Emergency Response Benefit?
If you stopped working because of COVID-19, the Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB) may provide you with temporary income support.The CERB provides $500 a week for up to 16 weeks.
How to apply
Service Canada will start accepting applications on April 6.
Prior to April 6, individuals who are without work and are eligible for EI can continue to apply for Employment Insurance.
Important! If you are not eligible for Employment Insurance, find out how you can get ready to apply for the CERB through the Canada Revenue Agency.
Whether you apply online or by phone, the CRA wants to provide the best service possible to everyone. To help manage this, the CRA has set up specific days for you to apply. Please use the following guidelines:
| If you were born in the month of | Apply for CERB on | Best day to apply |
| Jan, Feb, March | Mondays | April 6 |
| April, May, June | Tuesdays | April 7 |
| July, August, Sept | Wednesdays | April 8 |
| Oct, Nov, Dec | Thursdays | April 9 |
| Any Month | Fridays, Saturdays or Sundays |
Eligibility
The benefit will be available to workers:
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;
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 income.
The Benefit is only available to individuals who stopped work as a result of reasons related to COVID-19. If you are looking for a job but haven’t stopped working because of COVID-19, you are not eligible for the Benefit.
How do I know whether to apply for EI benefits or the Canada Emergency Response Benefit?
If you have stopped working because of COVID-19, you should apply for the Canada Emergency Response Benefit, whether or not are eligible for Employment Insurance. The Benefit is available for the period from March 15, 2020 to October 3, 2020.
Starting April 6, 2020, there will be a single portal to assist you with the application process.
Until then, Canadians who are eligible for Employment Insurance and who have lost their job can continue to apply for Employment Insurance. If you applied for EI regular or sickness benefits on March 15, 2020 or later, your claim will be automatically processed through the Canada Emergency Response Benefit. In addition, for other EI benefits, including maternity, parental, caregiving, fishing and worksharing, you should also continue to apply.
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