Closed
Source verified May 28, 2026
Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB)
Temporary income support for COVID-19 disruptions
Latest source updateLast Update: April 27, 2026Latest change: The CERB page now focuses on how repaid COVID-19 benefits are treated for tax purposes, including deduction timing and repayment reporting.View change
Latest source update
Last Update: April 27, 2026
Latest change: The CERB page now focuses on how repaid COVID-19 benefits are treated for tax purposes, including deduction timing and repayment reporting.
CERB tax treatment updated
The CERB content has shifted from general benefit eligibility and payment guidance to a tax treatment page for repaid COVID-19 benefits. The updated page explains when repayments can be deducted, which tax slips report the amounts, and how the rules differ for repayments made before or after January 1, 2023. It also adds step-by-step examples and guidance on supporting repayment claims, including information for CERB repaid through CRA or Service Canada.
Funding available
$ 500 - $ 2,000
Deadline
December 2, 2020
Location
Canada
Overview
CERB provided temporary income support for Canadians directly affected by COVID-19. Eligible recipients could receive $2,000 for a 4-week period, up to 16 weeks, for periods of work interruption or reduced income.
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Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Ensure financial sustainability
Eligible Funding
- Maximum amount : 2,000 $
- Minimum amount : 500 $
Funds Providers
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- All industries
Location
- Canada
Legal structures
- All legal structures
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- All groups
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Activities funded
- Income support for workers affected by COVID-19.
- Support for employees who stopped working because of COVID-19.
- Support for self-employed individuals affected by COVID-19.
Documents Needed
- Social Insurance Number
- Postal code
- Supporting documents for repayment review, if requested
Official resources
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Employed Canadians
- Self-employed Canadians
- Workers affected by COVID-19
Who is not eligible
- People who already applied through Service Canada for the same period.
- Applicants who quit their job voluntarily.
- People who do not reside in Canada.
Eligible geographic areas
- Canada
Selection criteria
- Need for income support due to COVID-19.
- Eligibility based on income and work interruption.
How to apply
- Step 1: Choose an application method
- Apply online with CRA.
- Or apply by automated phone service.
- Step 2: Provide identity details
- Have your SIN and postal code ready for phone verification.
- Step 3: Submit your application
- Complete the application through CRA online or by phone.
- Step 4: Receive payment
- Wait for payment by direct deposit or cheque after processing.
Processing and Agreement
- Applications are reviewed by the CRA.
- Additional information may be requested to validate eligibility.
- Payments are issued after the review, if approved.
- If a payment was received in error, the applicant may be contacted about repayment.
Additional information
- The benefit is closed.
- Payments are taxable income.
- Repayments may be required if the benefit was received in error or if eligibility conditions were not met.
- Special repayment options existed for certain self-employed workers and students.
Contacts
Frequently Asked Questions about the Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB) Program
What is the Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB)?
CERB provided temporary income support for Canadians directly affected by COVID-19. Eligible recipients could receive $2,000 for a 4-week period, up to 16 weeks, for periods of work interruption or reduced income.
How much funding can be received?
Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB) Funds up to $2,000 of admissible expenses.
Who is eligible for the Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB) program?
To be eligible for the Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB) program, you must:
Canadian resident, age 15+
Minimum $5,000 income
Work stopped due to COVID-19
What expenses are eligible under Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB)?
Income support for workers affected by COVID-19.
Support for employees who stopped working because of COVID-19.
Support for self-employed individuals affected by COVID-19.
Who can I contact for more information about the Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB)?
You can contact Town of Penetanguishene or by phone at 1-800-959-2019.
Where is the Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB) available?
The Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB) program is available across Canada.
Is the Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB) a grant, loan, or tax credit?
Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB) is a Tax Credits