The first fews days of applications for the Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB) are now in the books.
At this time, applications for the $500 a week (for up to 16 weeks) are open to all Canadians that meet the criteria.
As a reminder, eligible CERB recipients must be living in Canada, be at least 15 years old, had an income of at least $5,000 in the past 12 months, and stopped working because of COVID-19.
If you’re currently receiving Employment Insurance (EI) benefits and wondering if you should reapply for the CERB, the answer is no. You can not be paid EI benefits and the Canada Emergency Response Benefit at the same time.
If you receive the benefit and are later determined to be ineligible, you will have to repay that money.
You’re also expected to report the Benefit as income when you file your income tax for the 2020 tax year.
If you receive two separate payments of $2,000, chances are you accidentally applied for the CERB twice. In that case, you can expect to be contacted by the government shortly.
Benefits will start within 10 days of submitting your application. If you are late to apply, payments will be retroactive to your eligibility date.
You can apply for the CERB here.
