UPDATE: Applications for the Canada Emergency Response Benefit are now open! Click here to see our walk-through of what the application process looks like!
As COVID-19 is increasing economic uncertainty and insecurity across the country, we want to make sure that everyone gets the support they need. So we are sharing the most recent information we have about how to make this happen.
First and foremost, if you are eligible for Employment Insurance you should apply as soon as possible. You can get details about eligibility requirements here, and you can start an application here. (Before you begin, make sure you have all of these documents handy.)
For those who don’t qualify for EI, the Government of Canada has announced the Canada Emergency Response Benefit. This taxable benefit would provide $2,000 a month for up to four months for workers who lose their income as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. (The CERB is a simpler and more accessible combination of the previously announced Emergency Care Benefit and Emergency Support Benefit.)
Applications will begin in early April, and Canadians would begin to receive their CERB payments within 10 days of application.
You will be able to apply for these benefits starting in April 2020, in one of two ways:
- Via CRA MyAccount
- Via My Service Canada
To access these funds, you must have an account set up in one of those places; do this now. That way, money can be deposited straight to your account without delays in April. You should also make sure you have online banking already set up as you will need this for the registration of your account.
Additionally, the Government of Canada has shared a number of resources for small businesses during this time:
- Resources for Canadian businesses
- Pandemic Preparedness for Business
- Support for entrepreneurs impacted by COVID-19
- Export Development Canada (EDC) response to COVID-19
Also applicable to small businesses:
- Tools and tactics to prepare, plan and respond to COVID-19
- Measures to support the economy and the financial sector
- Additional measures to support lending to consumers/businesses
We will update this page as new information becomes available. Best of luck, everyone.
