Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB)

Visit our Economic Impact Update page for frequent updates on COVID-19 related resources, including the following:

Ontario Government's Supports Families in Response to COVID-19

The Ontario government is offering direct financial support to parents while Ontario schools and child care centres remain closed as a result of the COVID-19 outbreak.

The new Support for Families initiative offers a one-time payment of $200 per child 0 to 12 years of age, and $250 for those 0 to 21 years of age with special needs.  Read more.

Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB)

If you have lost your income because of COVID-19, the Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB) will give you $2,000 over a 4-week period for up to 16 weeks. Applications open on Monday, April 6.  Please see this video for more details about applying.

Affected Canadians are being encouraged to submit their applications based on the month they were born in.

Applications can be made online, through the Canada Revenue Agency website using CRA My Account, or they can be done over the phone at 1-800-959-2019. You will need your SIN and postal code to use the phone option. Both services will be available seven-days-a-week, 21-hours-a-day (they will be closed from 3 a.m. to 6 a.m. ET each day).

If you are eligible for CERB, the Canada Revenue Agency recommends that you register now with CRA My Account and choose the direct deposit option to receive your payments within 3 business days from the day you submitted your application.

Please see the links below for more information:

• Who can apply
• How to apply
• Start to apply (April 6)
• After you apply
• Questions and answers 
• Benefits information on Employment Insurance & Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB)