The Government of Canada has proposed legislation to establish the Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB).
To our valued clients,
The Government of Canada has proposed legislation to establish the Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB).
“If you have lost income because of COVID-19, the Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB) will provide you with temporary income support.The CERB will provide you with $500 a week for up to 16 weeks..”
This taxable benefit would provide $2,000 a month for up to four months for workers who lose their income as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. All Canadians who have ceased working due to COVID-19, whether they are EI-eligible or not, including wage earners, contract workers and self-employed individuals who would not otherwise be eligible for Employment Insurance (EI) will be able to receive the CERB to ensure they have timely access to the income support they need. Canadians eligible for The CERB are those who: · Have lost their job due to COVID-19 · Are employed but are not receiving income due to disruptions to their work situation caused by COVID-19 · Are sick and in quarantine · Have to take care of someone who is sick with COVID-19 · Are parents that must stay home without pay to care for children who are sick or at home because of school and daycare closures. Canadians who are already receiving EI regular and sickness benefits as of today would continue to receive their benefits and should not apply to the CERB. Canadians who have already applied for EI due to COVID-19 and whose application has not yet been processed would not need to reapply. CERB payments will be paid out within 10 days of application. The CERB would be paid every four weeks and be available from March 15, 2020 until October 3, 2020. The portal to apply for the CERB will be available in early April. If you have questions regarding the CERB please do not hesitate to contact our office
613 663 6959