You Will Have to Re-Apply to Continue Receiving CERB This Month, Even If You Applied in April
Canadians will have to re-apply as the Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB) does not renew automatically!
For Canadians who have stopped working and lost their source of living due to Covid-19, the Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB) can provide temporary income relief. And, if you are one of the recipients of this Federal government program, here is something that you must know about.
The program, which is currently up and running, does not renew automatically and one can only get the benefit for a maximum of 16 weeks. This means that those individuals who have applied for the program for the first four weeks will have to reapply every four weeks if their situation continues for them to be able to continue receiving payments
The CERB, which offers each Canadians with $2,000 temporary income support over a four-week period, up to a maximum of 16 weeks or four pay periods, is available from March 15, 2020, up to October 3, 2020. Those qualified for the CERB benefits can apply until December 2, 2020.
The Canada Revenue Agency said on April 14 that the eligibility periods are fixed in 4-week periods. “If your situation continues, you can re-apply for CERB for an additional 4-week period, to a maximum of 16 weeks (4 periods),” according to the CRA.
Canadians applying for the program for the first time or those reapplying for the benefit can do so over the internet through their Canada Revenue Agency accounts or over the phone via the CRA’s automated service.
First announced by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on March 25, there were a number of requirements to be eligible for the benefit such as not quitting your job voluntarily, earning a certain amount of money in the previous year, being 15 or older when you apply, among several others.
Moreover, in response to the citizens criticizing the initial rules because the program excluded too many people such as those working reduced hours, Trudeau announced more flexible rules for the CERB.
Seasonal employees, individuals who recently have run out of employment insurance, and those who make lower than $1,000 monthly because of reduced work hours are now qualified to get the CERB benefit.
With the CERB, qualified individuals can receive payment through direct deposit within just three working days from the date you submitted your application or within 10 working days via mail.
It is also worth noting, though, that you should not apply for the program if you don’t believe you qualify. Otherwise, you might have to pay it back come next year’s tax period!