Expanded Emergency Benefit (CERB) & Applications for 2nd Period

Ontario Covid-19 Emergency Financial Help (CERB)

Expanded Emergency Benefit (CERB) & Applications for 2nd Period

The federal government has announced more flexibility for individuals to claim the Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB). CERB will become available to Canadians who have exhausted their employment insurance (EI) benefits since January 1, seasonal workers who can’t find work because of COVID-19, and those, including self-employed workers, who earn up to $1,000 a month due to reduced hours. These individuals will be able to apply to CERB retroactively to March 15.

This expanded eligibility has been announced because many people were excluded due to the initial criteria of having lost all income for 14 consecutive days within the first application period, followed by zero income for subsequent months, which excluded part-time and contract workers, and all those with reduced hours who face financial challenges. CERB’s expanded eligibility criteria to allow recipients who earn up to $1,000 per month likely means that the 14 consecutive day rule no longer applies. That said, we are currently awaiting clarification from CREA that this is the case, and will update this posting as soon as we have confirmation.

The federal government has also promised to ensure a wage boost for essential workers who earn less than $2,500 a month, such as those working in long-term care facilities, hospitals, and nursing homes, as well as those operating in the food supply chain and those providing essential retail services to ensure these workers are not financially disadvantaged by working instead of collecting CERB. The federal government will work with provinces and territories through a new transfer to cost-share a temporary top-up to the salaries of workers deemed essential in the fight against COVID-19. We have requested clarification from CREA if Realtors in Ontario might be included on this list, and will update Members shortly.

You can find updates to federal government programs through PMO news releases and the Government of Canada’s webpage with COVID-19 support programs.

The government announced that in the coming days there will be more news targeting post-secondary students and businesses having trouble paying commercial rent. Regarding commercial rents, as of April 16, landlords can legally evict any commercial tenant who was not able to pay their rent on April 1.

REMINDER: Applications for CERB 2^nd Period

The Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB) program is available to individuals impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The program is available for 16 weeks (starting on March 15) to those who qualify. The program is divided into four pay periods, each one consisting of four weeks. Applicants have to reapply for each pay period if they continue to qualify for the benefit.

The four CERB pay periods are covering the following days:

First CERB period: March 15–April 11
Second CERB period: April 12–May 9
Third CERB period: May 10–June 6
Fourth CERB period: June 7–July 4

This is a reminder to Members impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic that if you DID NOT YET apply for the first CERB period, and if you now have become eligible for this benefit, you are able to apply for the second CERB pay period from April 12 to May 9.

How to Apply

Online: By logging into your My CRA Account

By Phone 1-800-959-2019

Both of these services are available 21 hours a day, 7 days a week. Both services are closed from 3:00 a.m. to 6:00 a.m. (Eastern Time) for maintenance.

Questions about applying for CERB with CRA?

Find answers to common questions with this automated help line: 1-833-966-2099

To speak with an agent about CERB or CRA My Account: 1-800-959-8281

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