On April 15, 2020, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced an expansion for the Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB) to include both contract and part-time workers.
Under this expansion of the program, any individual making $1,000 or less per month may apply for CERB. This is intended to support contract and gig workers as well as those in essential roles that are making $1,000 or less a month.
How much will this cover?
This taxable benefit would provide $2,000 a month for up to four months for workers who lose their income as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
For additional information:
- Watch Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s announcement on April 15, 2020 here
- To apply for CERB visit www.canada.ca — please note that the application system has not yet been updated to reflect this announcement
- Expanding access to the Canada Emergency Response Benefit and proposing a new wage boost for essential workers (Department of Finance Canada, April 15, 2020)