CERB (Canada Emergency Response Benefit)
You will need a “My Account for individuals” with Canada Revenue Agency. If you do not have one, this is your first step.
Set up direct deposit once you have your account active.
- You will be able to apply online through the CRA April 6.
- It is retroactive to March 15
- Owners of incorporated businesses WILL also be able to apply for funds under the Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB).
- Once the portal is live employees will need to apply online. Until then, EI eligible Canadians who have lost their job can continue to apply for EI here, and will automatically be enrolled into CERB. This automatic enrollment also includes all Canadians who have already applied for EI or EI Sickness benefits since March 15, 2020.
- Best practices are that employers should carry on with issuing ROEs (these will be needed once CERB ends and employees need to file for EI if they are not coming back to your company). If you know for sure you will be rehiring the employee before or when the CERB ends then technically you do not have to formally lay them off, they can be furloughed and an ROE would not be needed. Being part of CERB will not affect the employees’ future filing for EI.
The benefit will be available to workers residing in Canada, who are at least 15 years old, and who:
- have earned at least $5,000 in 2019 or in the year prior to their application from any or a combination of the following sources: employment, self-employment, Employment Insurance maternity and parental benefits; and
- are without employment or self-employment income for at least 14 consecutive days in a four-week period, for reasons related to COVID-19, including if they have temporarily stopped working, lost their job, are sick or in quarantine, or need to care for a child or a family member. (Those who voluntarily choose to stay home are ineligible for the benefit).