Dear Readers,
The Government of Canada has announced an expansion of the Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB) to include Canadians who were previously excluded from receiving the benefit. With this expansion, three new categories now qualify for CERB, which include seasonal workers; Canadians who have run out of Employment Insurance (EI) coverage for 2020; and Workers who make less than $1,000 a month due to reduced work hours.
CERB is paid in blocks of four weeks in the amount of $2,000, which is equivalent to $500 per week, for the period between March 15 and October 3. If your work condition continues beyond the first four weeks, you can reapply for multiple four week periods, to a maximum of 16 weeks, or four periods.
If you have already applied for CERB during the first four-week block, you must re-apply this week. To help manage the volume of requests, there are specific dates on which you are allowed to apply for CERB.
If you were born in January, February or March it is advised to apply for CERB on Monday’s and the best day to apply is Monday, April 20. If you were born in April, May or June it is advised to apply on Tuesday’s and the best day to apply is Tuesday, April 21.
If you were born in July, August, or September it is advised to apply on Wednesday’s and if you were born in October, November or December it is advised to apply on Thursday’s and the best day to apply is today. On Friday’s, Saturday’s or Sunday’s any month of birth is able to apply.
For more information and to apply for CERB, visit https://www.canada.ca/en/services/benefits/ei/cerb-application.html.
Sincerely,
Cheryl Gallant, M.P. Renfrew-Nipissing-Pembroke
