Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB) – ends when you’ve received 28 weeks of benefits or on October 3, 2020, whichever comes first. For those who applied through the Canada Revenue Agency, the last four-week period for the CERB was August 30, 2020 through Septemer 26, 2020. However, you can still apply for the CERB retroactively through CRA.

Employment Insurance – As of September 27, 2020, there are some temporary changes to the EI program to help you access EI benefits. These changes will be in effect for 1 year. Find out if you qualify:

After you receive your last CERB payment, continue completing reports. In most cases, you do not need to apply for EI benefits. They will automatically review your file and your Record of Employment (ROE, then start a claim for EI regular benefits if you qualify. If you don’t qualify, you’ll be notified by mail.

You will need to apply for EI after your CERB ends if:

– you have a SIN that starts with a 9
-you’re self-employed, or you declared that you returned to work full-time on your CERB report
-if you received CERB through Canada Revenue Agency, you need to receive all your CERB payments before applying for EI benefits. You can apply after the end of your last CERB eligibility period. Visit EI benefits and leave to determine which benefit is right for your situation and to apply online.

Canada Recovery Benefit – applications opened October 12th. This benefit gives income support to employed and self-employed individuals who are directly affected by COVID-19 and are not entitled to Employment Insurance (EI) benefits. The CRB is administered by the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA). If you are eligible for the CRB, you can receive $1,000 ($900 after taxes withheld) for a 2-week period. If your situation continues past 2 weeks, you will need to apply again. You may apply up to a total of 13 eligibility periods (26 weeks) between September 27, 2020 and September 25, 2021.

Canada Recovery Caregiver Benefit – will provide $500 per week (taxable, tax deducted at source) for up to 26 weeks per household for workers unable to work for at least 50% of the week because they must care for a child under the age of 12 or family member because schools, day-cares or care facilities are closed due to COVID-19, or because the child or family member is sick and/or required to quarantine or is at high risk of serious health implications because of COVID-19. This benefit will be paid in one-week periods.

Canada Recovery Sickness Benefit – will provide $500 per week (taxable, tax deducted at source) for up to a maximum of two weeks, for workers who are unable to work for at least 50% of the week because they contracted COVID-19, self-isolated for reasons related to COVID-19, or have underlying conditions, are undergoing treatments or have contracted other sicknesses that, in the opinion of a medical practitioner, nurse practitioner, person in authority, government or public health authority, would make them more susceptible to COVID-19. This benefit will be paid in one-week periods.

Are you struggling to make ends meet? Have questions on how you can improve your financial health? Our Financial Literacy Program can help. Please contact our Program Coordinator – Caroline to arrange an appointment. Interested individuals may reach out to her directly at advice@unitedwaybg.com or by phone at 519-378-4773. The service is free and completely confidential.