What: The Canada Emergency Response Benefit will provide a taxable benefit of $2,000 a month for up to 4 months. This benefit replaces the previously announced Emergency Care Benefit and the Emergency Support Benefit. 

Who:

 Provides income support to: 

• Workers who must stop working due to COVID-19 and do not have access to paid leave or other income support. 
• Workers who are sick, quarantined, or taking care of someone who is sick with COVID-19. 
• Working parents who must stay home without pay to care for children that are sick or need additional care because of school and daycare closures. 
• Workers who still have their employment but are not being paid because there is currently not sufficient work and their employer has asked them not to come to work.
• Wage earners and self-employed individuals, including contract workers, who would not otherwise be eligible for Employment Insurance.

When: Applications will begin on April 6th. To help manage the delivery of support, please apply for the Benefit on the appropriate day per these guidelines:

• Birthmonths: January – March
  Apply On: Mondays
  Starting On: April 6, 2020
• Birthmonths: April – June
  Apply On: Tuesdays
  Starting On: April 7, 2020
• Birthmonths: July – September
  Apply On: Wednesdays
  Starting On: April 8, 2020
• Birthmonths: October – December
  Apply On: Thursdays
  Starting On: April 9, 2020
• Anyone can apply on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays

How: Canadians can apply for the Benefit by accessing a secure web portal, by clicking HERE or visiting www.canada.ca/coronavirus-cerb. Applicants can alternatively apply by calling 1-800-959-2019 (toll-free). Before calling, applicants should ensure they have their social insurance number and postal code available to help verify their identity. 

Successful applicants who have opted to receive the benefit via direct deposit should expect their payment within 3-5 business days. If they have opted to receive the benefit via mail, a cheque should be expected in approximately 10 business days.

Please visit the CERB Q&A Page for frequently asked questions.