Closed
Source verified July 23, 2026
Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB)
Income support for COVID-19 disruptions
Latest source updateLast Update: July 23, 2026Latest change: The CRA validation page now says the Canada Emergency Benefits Validation program is closed and no longer accepts new requests, and the T186 remission form page is marked archived.View change
Latest source update
Last Update: July 23, 2026
Latest change: The CRA validation page now says the Canada Emergency Benefits Validation program is closed and no longer accepts new requests, and the T186 remission form page is marked archived.
CERB support pages now closed or archived
The CRA validation page for COVID-19 benefits now states that the Canada Emergency Benefits Validation program is closed and has stopped accepting new requests. It also changes the second-review instructions by treating the 30-day request window as expired and introducing judicial review, while removing the prior online and mail-based review options. The T186 Canada Emergency Benefit Remission Application page is now marked ARCHIVED and says it will not be updated, with the page presented for research or reference. The main CERB application page itself shows only minor chrome updates, with no visible change to CERB eligibility, payment terms, dates, or application steps.
Funding available
$ 2,000 - $ 8,000
Deadline
Closed
Location
Canada
Overview
The Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB) provided $2,000 for each 4-week period to employed and self-employed Canadians directly affected by COVID-19. Eligible applicants had to stop working because of COVID-19, meet the $5,000 income threshold, and satisfy the relevant $1,000 income limit for the claim period.
Find open grants for your business
Explore open funding programs that match your business and project.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Ensure financial sustainability
Eligible Funding
- Maximum amount : 8,000 $
- Minimum amount : 2,000 $
Funds Providers
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- All industries
Location
- Canada
Legal structures
- All legal structures
Annual revenue
- $ 5,000 minimum revenue
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- Canadians
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Official resources
Program guide
Application form
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Employed Canadians
- Self-employed Canadians
Who is not eligible
- People who already applied for or received CERB or EI benefits from Service Canada for the same eligibility period.
How to apply
- Apply online for the Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB) with CRA.
- Apply over the phone using the automated phone service at 1-800-959-2019 or 1-800-959-2041.
- To verify your identity over the phone, you will need your Social Insurance Number (SIN) and postal code.
Processing and Agreement
- After you apply, payment is sent by direct deposit or by cheque if your direct deposit information is not on file.
- If you signed up for direct deposit, you should get your payment in 3 business days.
- If you did not sign up for direct deposit, you should get your payment in about 10 business days.
Contacts
Frequently Asked Questions about the Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB) Program
What is the Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB)?
The Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB) provided $2,000 for each 4-week period to employed and self-employed Canadians directly affected by COVID-19. Eligible applicants had to stop working because of COVID-19, meet the $5,000 income threshold, and satisfy the relevant $1,000 income limit for the claim period.
How much funding can be received?
Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB) Funds up to $8,000 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:
You did not apply for, nor receive, CERB or EI benefits from Service Canada for the same eligibility period.
You did not quit your job voluntarily, and you reside in Canada and are 15 years old or more when you apply.
You earned a minimum of $5,000 (before taxes) in the last 12 months or in 2019, and you meet the relevant $1,000 income limit for the 4-week period.
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 Grant and Funding
Who are the financial supporters of the Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB)?
Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB) is funded by Town of Penetanguishene