On March 25, 2020 the Federal Government announced that a new
benefit would be available to employees unable to work because of
COVID-19 - the Canada Emergency
Response Benefit ("CERB"). This bulletin provides an
overview of the new CERB and how it affects employees'
entitlements to Employment Insurance ("EI") benefits.
What is CERB?
The CERB provides $2,000 a month for up to four months to
individuals who have ceased working due to COVID-19. By contrast,
EI benefits are 55% of normal weekly earnings, up to a maximum of
$573 per week.
The CERB replaces the previously announced Emergency Care
Benefit and the Emergency Support Benefit.
When will the CERB be available?
The online portal to apply for CERB will be available in early
April 2020. The Federal Government has committed to making CERB
payments within 10 days of application.
