The CRA Is Urging Canadians To 'Try Again' If Their CRB Application Failed
It could be worth reapplying if your CRB application failed to process or said you were "ineligible". That’s the message coming from the Canada Revenue Agency this week, after a number of applications reportedly failed when submitted.
According to a report from CBC News, “dozens” of Canadians received an error message when attempting to apply for the new Canada Recovery Benefit (CRB).
In response, the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) has recommended trying again after 6 a.m. on Monday.
Since the new benefit launched, multiple technical issues with the online application service have been reported by Canadians trying to claim the cash.
That said, it didn’t stop 240,000 people applying on the first day it was available.
Editor's Choice: ‘Counterfeit’ Hand Sanitizer May Have Been Sold At Dollarama Stores Across Canada
What is the CRB?
The Canada Recovery Benefit, or the CRB, is one of three new programs introduced by the federal government to replace the CERB.
The $450-per-week (after tax) payment is to support Canadians who have been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic and who are unable to claim Employment Insurance (EI).
The cash can be claimed bi-weekly for up to 26 weeks, depending on an individual’s circumstances.
Applications opened on September 27 and the benefits are claimable until September 25, 2021.
The aid is available to those who have had their regular income slashed due to the pandemic or who are unable to find work due to these circumstances.
Why were some applications rejected?
According to a report from CBC News, multiple Canadians who believe they are eligible for the benefit received an error message while trying to submit their application.
This led to some people failing to get their application approved, even if they should have qualified for the bi-weekly cash.
This isn't the first issue related to the CRB application process that's been flagged, either.
The online form left some applicants confused about whether they qualified for the money if they've been out of work since before the pandemic, or have lost their job recently but not directly due to COVID-19.
What has changed?
Fortunately, the CRA had a solution for those whose applications may have failed the first time around.
"If you tried applying for #CRB and got this error saying you’re ineligible, please try again," they explained via Twitter.
"If your application continues to be stopped, it’s because you might be eligible for EI, or you applied for EI earlier this year," they added.
"Their application may be approved if our updated information supports their claim," the agency reiterated to CBC.
So, it's definitely worth double-checking if you're application hasn't worked until now!
*This article's cover image is for illustrative purposes only.