Beginning tomorrow (Monday, April 6th), Canadians who have been laid off or have lost income because of COVID-19 can apply for the federal government’s Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB).
The benefit was created to support workers who have to stay at home, restaurant workers, freelancers, creative workers like musicians and artists, and more.
Anyone who has lost their job or paycheque as a result of COVID-19 may be eligible to receive temporary income support of up to $500 a week for a maximum of 16 weeks.
Trudeau has stated that qualifying Canadians can register for the CERB online at canada.ca, and once the application is approved, applicants should receive the benefit in 3-5 days if they’ve signed up for a direct deposit and 10 days if it’s coming by mail.
He also said that people would not be eligible for the benefit if they are set to get the new 75% wage subsidy – they would get one or the other.
Applications will open according to the individual’s month of birth, starting Monday with those born in January, February and March.
The Prime Minister called this “the largest economic program in Canadian history” and also believes Parliament should be reconvened to assess it.
If you’ve already been approved for employment insurance benefits, your application will automatically be moved over to the new benefit with no need to reapply.
With files from Seanna Wainman
