MP TERRY SHEEHAN
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MP Terry Sheehan is reminding everyone who is planning to apply for Emergency Response Benefits, that Monday, April 6, is the online launch date for application. However, for the system to work at peak efficiency, it will be necessary to decompress the application stream with reference to applicants’ birth dates.
• If you were born in January, February, March, apply on Mondays.
• If you were born in April, May, or June, apply on Tuesdays.
• If you were born in July, August, or September, apply on Wednesdays.
• If you were born in October, November, or December, apply on Thursdays.
• Anyone can apply on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays.
For information on the CERB and how to apply:
https://www.canada.ca/en/services/benefits/ei/cerb-application.html
Who is eligible? The Benefit will be available to workers:
• Residing in Canada, who are at least 15 years old;
• Who have stopped working because of COVID-19 and have not voluntarily quit their job or are eligible for EI regular or sickness benefits;
• Who had income of at least $5,000 in 2019 or in the 12 months prior to the date of their application; and
• Who are or expect to be without employment or self-employment income for at least 14 consecutive days in the initial four-week period. For subsequent benefit periods, they expect to have no employment or self-employment income.
If you have stopped working because of COVID-19, you should apply for the $500 per week Canada Emergency Response Benefit, whether or not you are eligible for Employment Insurance. The Benefit is available for the period from March 15, 2020 to October 3, 2020.
If you became eligible for EI regular or sickness benefits on March 15, 2020 or later, your claim will be automatically processed through the Canada Emergency Response Benefit.
In addition, for other EI benefits, including maternity, parental, caregiving, fishing, and work-sharing, you should also continue to apply.
If you are already receiving Employment Insurance regular benefits, you will continue to receive these benefits until the end of your benefit period.
If you became eligible for Employment Insurance prior to March 15, your claim will be processed under the pre-existing Employment Insurance rules.
If you became eligible for EI regular or sickness benefits on March 15 or onward, your claim will be automatically processed through the Canada Emergency Response Benefit.
You retain your eligibility to receive for Employment Insurance after you stop receiving the Canada Emergency Response Benefit, and the period that you received the CERB does not impact your EI entitlement.
The CER Benefit is only available to individuals who stopped work as a result of reasons related to COVID-19.
If your application is approved, there will be no waiting period. Payments will be made through direct deposit or by cheque. You will be paid more quickly if you choose direct deposit. Payments will be retroactive to the applicant’s eligibility date.
Quotes
“The Canada Emergency Response Benefit will provide financial support for our friends and neighbours who are currently facing unexpected financial hardship caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.”
-Terry Sheehan, Member of Parliament for Sault Ste. Marie and Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Economic Development and Official Languages (FedNor)
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