Greetings:
Further to the correspondence I sent out in August regarding the Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB) coming to an end and a transition to Employment Insurance (EI), please find below the update and resources from the Federal Government.
Even though the CERB has ended, you can apply for a period retroactively. The CRA is continuing to accept and process retroactive applications for period 7 (August 30 to September 26, 2020) through the CRA’s My Account or automated toll-free phone line.
The new Recovery Benefits are available between September 27, 2020 and September 25, 2021. The CRA will open applications for the Canada Recovery Sickness Benefit and the Canada Recovery Caregiving Benefit on October 5 and for the Canada Recovery Benefit on October 12.
Three new temporary recovery benefits will be as follows:
- Canada Recovery Benefit for self-employed workers and workers not eligible for EI.
- Canada Recovery Sickness Benefit for workers who are unable to work because they are sick or must self-isolate for reasons related to COVID-19.
- Canada Recovery Caregiving Benefit for eligible Canadians unable to work to provide care or support for a child, family member or dependent.
Canadians transitioning from CERB to EI should review the following Federal Government website containing their Frequently Asked Questions that will help guide you for the transition. The government website can be found HERE.
My office will keep you posted to any further changes to the temporary recovery benefits or changes to EI in the coming weeks and months ahead.
Best wishes and stay safe.
In solidarity,
Tom Reid
International Vice President