The Government of Canada has recently announced some new changes to the Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB) and the Employment Insurance (EI) program. These changes are aiming to allow more people to receive financial assistance during COVID-19.
- The CERB will be extended by an additional 4 weeks to a maximum of 28 weeks. Canadians expecting to exhaust their CERB benefits at the end of August will now be able to access an additional month of support;
- The government will transition people who have been receiving the CERB to a more flexible and generous EI program for those who qualify;
- Changes are being made to the EI program, making it available to more Canadians, including those who would not have qualified for EI in the past;
- The government will freeze the EI insurance premium rates for two years, so Canadian workers and businesses will not face immediate increases to costs and payroll deductions due to the additional expenses resulting from the pandemic.
In addition, the federal government is proposing 3 new benefits:
- The Canada Recovery Benefit (CRB) will provide $400 per week for up to 26 weeks, to workers who are self-employed or are not eligible for EI and who still require income support and who are available and looking for work.
- The Canada Recovery Sickness Benefit (CRSB) will provide $500 per week for up to two weeks, for workers who are sick or must self-isolate for reasons related to COVID-19.
- The Canada Recovery Caregiving Benefit (CRCB) will provide $500 per week for up to 26 weeks per household, for eligible Canadians unable to work because they must care for a child or family member under certain circumstances caused by COVID-19.
Useful resources:
- A Step-by-Step Video Guide: How to apply for Canada Emergency Response Benefit
- Minimum Unemployment Rate Set for EI Program
- CERB Information in Multiple Languages
- Be Aware of CERB Text Scams
- How to return or repay CERB
Word of the Day:
Exhaust: to use up something completely
