Canada Emergency Response Benefit
How to apply for CERB
Published 04/04/2020
Applications for the CERB will begin the week of Monday, April 6, 2020.
This is how to apply for CERB online in Canada, for those that are looking for assistance with the application.
The Canada Emergency Response Benefit is a taxable benefit for Canadians that have lost their income as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. It provides Canadians with $2,000 a month for up to four months.
If that sounds like what you’re looking for, proceed to the first step.
Check to see if you qualify for CERB
To qualify for CERB, you must be at least 15 years of age and residing in Canada. You must also not be working because of COVID-19 and/or be eligible for EI.
Your income in the past 12 months must amount to at least $5,000 from employment, self-employment, maternal and parental benefits, or a combination of the above.
You must not be earning any employment or self-employment income for at least 14 consecutive days in the initial four-week period.
Create a CRA account
If you’re eligible for CERB, you can register for a CRA account.
You can choose to create a new account, or sign-in through a partner including Scotiabank, TD and ATB. You’ll need to enter your social insurance number, date of birth, current postal code and an amount on your last tax return.
Make sure your direct deposit and mailing information is up to date, as your payment will be delivered by direct deposit or cheque.
Figure out when to apply
The CERB application is available on April 6, but to avoid overloading the system, the Canadian government is asking citizens to apply during staggered time slots.
Canada Revenue Agency recommends you apply for CERB on the date corresponding to your birth month.
Apply for CERB
During your time slot, login to your CRA Account.
Go to COVID-19: Canada Emergency Response Benefit in the alert banner at the top of the page.
Select the period you want to apply for, declare that you qualify for the benefit, and confirm that the CRA has the correct information.
After you apply
If you are eligible for CERB, you can expect $2,000 over a four-week period.
You will need to re-apply to CERB every 4 weeks (to a maximum of 16 weeks) if your situation continues.
You can expect the money within three business days if you’re receiving your payment by direct deposit, and within 10 business days if you’re receiving your payment by cheque.
Please note that these benefits are taxable and you will need to report any payments received on next year’s tax filing.
Canada Revenue Agency recommends you apply for CERB on the date corresponding to your birth month.
If you were born in the month of :
January, February or March – Mondays – April 6 (best day)
April, May, or June – Tuesdays – April 7 (best day)
July, August, or September – April 8 (best day)
October, November, or December – Thursdays – April 9 (best day)
Any month – Friday, Saturday and Sundays
OTHER INFORMATIONS:
During your time slot, login to your CRA Account.
Go to COVID-19: Canada Emergency Response Benefit in the alert banner at the top of the page.
Select the period you want to apply for, declare that you qualify for the benefit, and confirm that the CRA has the correct information.
After you apply
If you are eligible for CERB, you can expect $2,000 over a four-week period.
You will need to re-apply to CERB every 4 weeks (to a maximum of 16 weeks) if your situation continues.
You can expect the money within three business days if you’re receiving your payment by direct deposit, and within 10 business days if you’re receiving your payment by cheque.
Please note that these benefits are taxable and you will need to report any payments received on next year’s tax filing.
