You Have To Apply For The CERB Every Month But It's Actually Easier Than You Think
Right now, Canadians are feeling a lot of uncertainty. Many of them can't work or are working much less than they used to. Luckily, there is help available. If anyone is wondering how to apply for CERB, it's actually quite easy.
While it was originally reserved for anyone who had not earned any money in the previous 14 days, the Canada Emergency Relief Benefit is now available to anyone who is making $1000 or less each month, before taxes.
It provides a monthly payment of $2000. However, you won't automatically be given the cash every single month — you'll have to re-apply every four weeks if you still need it.
That being said, applying is relatively easy and can either be done through a CRA online account or over the phone, using an automated service.
Opening CRA account starts with choosing a login day based on your month of birth (anyone can log in and apply on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays).
As soon as you log in, there should be a large banner at the top of the page with a link to apply for the CERB. Click on the "apply" button.
You can then choose which period you're applying for, and you will have to declare that you are eligible to receive the benefit.
After that, you should receive your first payment within three business days for direct deposit, or 10 business days by mail.
PM @JustinTrudeau announces expanded eligibility for emergency benefits. CERB now available for: - people earning… https://t.co/vU9PpLht8T— Power & Politics (@Power & Politics) 1586964944.0
If you want to apply over the phone, call 1-800-959-2019 or 1-800-959-2041.
Applicants are approved for the benefit instantly. However, your application will be reassessed later, and if you don't actually meet the qualifications, you will have to pay the money back.
It's good news that people can now earn some money and still apply for the CERB Thank you to everyone who shared t… https://t.co/XMJPY6GjER— Jagmeet Singh (@Jagmeet Singh) 1586987888.0
You'll receive payments for four different periods of four weeks for up to 16 weeks total, as long as your financial situation remains the same and you continue to meet the eligibility criteria.
One last thing to keep in mind is that if you had previously applied for EI on March 15 or later, you will have automatically been moved over to the CERB and will not to apply for it this month.
