With the Canada Emergency Response Benefit applications now open, here is some information that you might find helpful.
If you are applying for the CERB benefit, it is very easy through the CRA website. You can also apply through Service Canada.
If you can't set up a CRA or Service Canada account online, you can do it over the phone.
1-800-959-2019 or 1-800-959-2041 (if you have filed taxes in Canada but haven't filed them in a few years)
1-800-959-8281 (if you have never filed taxes)
FILING YOUR TAXES IS A NOT A REQUIREMENT TO GET THE CERB.
All you really need is your SIN number (and they will ask you other things to confirm your identity over the phone)
Some other unique things to note:
- You will sign a declaration (see attached image) and will not need to provide any proof or evidence at this time (no paystubs, T4s, ROE, etc)
- You do not need to be unemployed, you need to be without employment income. This way, workers do not need to be laid off, lose their job or get an ROE to apply for the fund
- You will need to report the CERB as income in the future, so you may need to eventually pay income tax on those funds
- If you are still getting some income from employment, you cannot apply for the CERB now. However, we expect them to announce how people can get funds if they lost some but not all of their employment income.
The images below are from the online CRA application, so you can see what it will look like.
IF YOU RECEIVE MONEY FROM OUR LGBTQ2S EMERGENCY FUND YOU WILL STILL QUALIFY FOR THE CERB
Funds you receive from Glad Day Lit should be considered a gift, like as if a family member is helping you out in a time of need.
It is not income from employment.
