9242 Community Events Applications open for the CERB starting the week of April 6 The Government of Canada is launching the Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB) on Apr. 6 to provide temporary income support to employed and self-employed Canadians whose employment has been directly affected by COVID-19. What is the Canada Emergency Response Benefit? The CERB will provide eligible applicants who have stopped working because of COVID-19 with temporary income support of $500 a week for up to 16 weeks. “Now more than ever our residents need support from all levels of government as we work together to safely navigate the COVID-19 situation,” said Ray Ralph, Mayor for the Town of Devon. “I’d like to thank the federal government for stepping up with the CERB program to help ensure there is food on the table for our residents and reduce some of the financial stress they are experiencing.” Who is eligible? The CERB 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 EI regular or sickness benefits who had income of at least $5,000 in 2019 or in the 12 months prior to their application date who are, or expect to be without employment or self-employment income for at least 14 consecutive days in the initial four-week period Canadians who have already applied for Employment Insurance (regular or sick benefits) do not need to reapply for the CERB. Those who became eligible for EI on or after March 15 will have their claim processed under the Canada Emergency Response Benefit. Those who became eligible for EI before March 15 will have their claim processed under the pre-existing EI rules, regardless of when they applied. How to apply? Applications for the CERB will begin the week of Monday, Apr. 6, 2020, however the CRA has assigned specific days of the week for accepting applications based on the month applicants were born. There are two ways to apply: Online with your Canada Revenue Agency My Account Google CRA Account or go to www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/services/e-services/cra-login-services.html Applications can also be submitted at canada.ca/coronavirus-cerb Over the phone with an automated phone service Have your SIN number/postal code ready and call 1-800-959-2019 When can I apply? (online or by phone) If you were born in the month of Apply for the CERB on Your best day to apply January, February or March Mondays April 6 April, May or June Tuesdays April 7 July, August or September Wednesdays April 8 October, November or December Thursdays April 9 Any month Fridays, Saturdays & Sundays After you apply If you are eligible for the CERB, you can expect $2,000 for a 4-week period through a single payment. Those with employment situations continuing beyond 4-weeks can re-apply every 4 weeks to a maximum of 16 weeks. Once applied, payment can be expected in 3 business days for those with direct deposit with the CRA and approximately 10 business days for those without direct deposit. All CERB benefits are taxable and will need to be reported on next year’s tax filing. Important Links Canada Emergency Response Benefit Page - https://www.canada.ca/coronavirus-cerb Government of Canada COVID-19 support page - https://www.canada.ca/coronavirus Create/Login to CRA Account - https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency Government of Alberta COVID-19 support page - alberta.ca/covid19 For more information about what Devon is doing to manage COVID-19, go to devon.ca/covid19. -30- For more information contact: Justin Janke Communications Coordinator Town of Devon P: 780-987-8302 E: JJanke@devon.ca Share Print