The CERB Has Ended, But What If You Still Need Assistance?

When did the CERB end?

• The subsidy ended after 28 weeks of receiving benefits, or on October 3, 2020, whichever came first
  • If you applied through the Canada Revenue Agency, and NOT Service Canada, the final four-week period ended on September 26, 2020

What if I still need financial assistance?

As of September 27, 2020, the Government of Canada made temporary changes to the Employment Insurance (EI) program to help you access EI benefits. These changes will be in effect for 1 year.

Do I qualify for EI under the new temporary changes?

IF YOU RECEIVED CERB THROUGH SERVICE CANADA

• After you receive your last CERB payment, continue completing reports
  • Service Canada 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

NOTE Even if you received CERB through Service Canada, you may still be required to apply for EI (see Do I have to apply for EI or is it automatic?)

IF YOU RECEIVED CERB THROUGH THE CANADA REVENUE AGENCY

• You may be eligible for EI if you 
   - were employed for at least 120 insurable hours in the past 52 weeks
   - have not quit your job voluntarily
   - are ready, willing and capable of working each day (for EI regular benefits)
   - are temporarily unable to work while you care for someone else or yourself (for EI maternity, parental, sickness, compassionate care, and family caregiver benefits)

NOTE If you received CERB through the CRA, the transition is NOT automatic, and you will be required to apply for EI.

Do I have to apply for EI or is it automatic?

You will have to apply for EI if

• you received CERB though Service Canada AND
   - 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

OR

• you received CERB through the Canada Revenue Agency

CLICK HERE TO APPLY

How much will I receive?

If you are eligible for EI benefits, you will receive a minimum taxable benefit at a rate of $500 per week, or $300 per week for extended parental benefits.

Questions?

Contact our HR Consulting expert, Kate Miller, at

kate.miller@availcpa.com OR 403-894-8585

For a complete list of our COVID-19 resources for individuals and businesses, please visit availcpa.com/resources