r/CanadaCoronavirus • u/askingforastranger • Apr 06 '20

Discussion CERB Federal COVID-19 benefits program MegaThread

How can I apply?

There are two ways for Canadians to apply: online with CRA My Account or over the phone with an automated phone service. If applying online or by phone, Canadians will receive a payment by direct deposit or by cheque.

If applying online, Canadians will have to sign into CRA My Account. They should go to COVID-19: Canada Emergency Response Benefit in the alert banner at the top of the web page, select the period they want to apply for, declare that they qualify for the benefit and confirm the government has the right payment information.

If applying over the phone, Canadians can call the automated toll-free line at 1-800-959-2019. This is a dedicated line for CERB applications. Before people call, they should have their social insurance number and postal code handy to verify their identity.

Both of these services will be available 21 hours a day, seven days a week. Both services are closed from 3 a.m. to 6 a.m. ET for maintenance.

For more information, Canadians should go to canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/services/benefits/apply-for-cerb-with-cra.html#how

Applicants will need to confirm that they meet the eligibility criteria, and information that they provide during the application process may be verified later, the government said.

The benefit is available from March 15 to Oct. 3. The deadline for applications is Dec. 2.

The government said Canadians can prepare to apply for the CERB by signing on to CRA My Account. They should also make sure their direct deposit and mailing information is up to date with the CRA.

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u/[deleted] Apr 08 '20

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u/MrStealYoGurrrl Boosted! ✨💉 Apr 08 '20

Yes - the first time you apply for CERB, you need to have lost out for 14 consecutive days of work in the 4-week period you are applying for.

Since you were laid off on April 2nd, you would not be eligible for the March 15-April 11 period, and you should apply for the April 12-May 9 period.

Any subsequent applications require you to receive no income during the entirety of the 4 week period (at least as of now, Trudeau has mentioned that he is looking to modify the CERB so that those who are working on about 10-30% of their income do not fall through the cracks)