Almost 1 Million CERB Repayments Have Now Been Received By The CRA
Despite calls for the federal government to scrap CERB repayments, the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) has confirmed that almost 1 million returns have already been received.
In a statement shared with CTV News on Monday, December 14, the CRA revealed that a significant number of Canadians have already repaid the COVID-19 benefit via the agency’s online portal.
Editor's Choice: Here's How You Can Get Cash From Canada's Class-Action Lawsuit Against Microsoft
995,000
Repayments have been made
While the government body didn’t share details about who has returned the money, the payments are expected to be from those who may have received double benefits and those who later found out they were ineligible for it.
It’s an increase from last month, when the agency revealed that 920,000 CERB and CESB returns had come in via the government’s “My Account” service.
This comes as leading politicians like NDP leader Jagmeet Singh and Green Party leader Annamie Paul have called on the Liberal government to scrap the calls for repayment.
Both leaders have urged the CRA to admit the original CERB application form was confusing for self-employed applicants, many of whom are now being asked to repay thousands of dollars.
“The CRA is sympathetic to the fact that, for some individuals, repayment of these amount may have financial implications,” read a statement from the CRA, as shared by CTV News.
“Individuals who cannot make a payment in full are advised to contact the CRA to make a payment arrangement,” the agency added.