Canada Emergency Response Benefit
What is the Canada Emergency Response Benefit – CERB
If you have lost income because of COVID-19, the Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB) will provide you with temporary income support.
The CERB will provide you with $500 a week for up to 16 weeks.
How to Apply:
Applications will be accepted on April 6, 2020. Check the website.
Prior to April 6, individuals who are without work and are eligible for EI can continue to apply for Employment Insurance.
Important!
If you are not eligible for Employment Insurance, find out how you can apply for the CERB through the Canada Revenue Agency.
Whether you apply online or by phone, the CRA wants to provide the best service possible to everyone. To help mange this, the CRA has set up specific days for you to apply. Check the website for guidelines:
https://www.canada.ca/en/services/benefits/ei/cerb-application.html
The CERB is available to those who stop working for reasons related to COVID-19 or are eligible for Employment Insurance regular or sickness benefits. Examples of stopping to work could include but are not limited to:
- You were let go from your job or your hours have been reduced to zero.
- You are in quarantine or sick due to COVID-19.
- You are away from work to take care of others because they are in quarantine, sick due to COVID-19; and/or
- You are away from work to take care of children or other dependents whose care facility is closed due to COVID-19.
Eligibility:
The benefit will be available to workers:
- Residing in Canada, who are at least 15 years old.
- Who have stopped working because of COVID-19 or are eligible for Employment Insurance regular or sickness benefits:
- Who had income of at least $5,000 in 2019 or in the 12 months prior to the date of their application; and,
- Who are or expect to be without employment or self-employment income for at least 14 consecutive days in the initial four-week period. For subsequent benefit periods, they expect to have no employment income.
The income of at least $5,000 may be from any or a combination of the following sources: employment; self-employment; maternity and parental benefits under the Employment Insurance program and/or similar benefits paid in Quebec under the Quebec Parental Insurance Plan.
The Benefit is only available to individuals who stopped work as a result of reasons related to COVID-19. If you are looking for a job but haven’t stopped working because of COVID-19, you are not eligible for the Benefit. The following is a link to the application:
https://www.canada.ca/en/services/benefits/ei/cerb-application.html
Practice Social Distancing and Keep your Family and Friends Safe
On Behalf of the Officers
ILWU Canada
