The CBC wrote a great article on the CERB transition (link below) - here is a summary.

What happened to CERB?

• CERB was designed to be a temporary benefit - it ends on October 3, 2020. Those who are still eligible will transition to an expanded employment insurance (EI) program.
   

How much will people get?

• For most people - $500 per week
• It is less for extended parental benefits ($300 per week)
   

How long does it last:

• EI claimants are eligible for at least 26 weeks. 
   

How do you make a claim:

• If you were collecting, you should automatically move over, with a couple of exceptions:
  • You need to apply if:
    • You are self employed and received CERB through Service Canada
    • You have a SIN that starts with 900
    • Certain Canadians who received CERB through CRA but have unique insurable hours/eligibility criteria. Apparently CRA will proactively reach out to these people.
       

When will these payments start:

• You become eligible for EI after two weeks of being out of work.
• Most people on CERB now will be eligible to move to EI on October 11th, first payment should be 3 days later (Oct. 14th)
   

What if I'm self employed?

• You may qualify for the Canadian Recovery Benefit
  • This is for self-employed/gig workers
  • It is also $500 per week
     

What if I'm sick with COVID-19 or a family member is sick?

• You may qualify for one of two benefits ($500 per week)
  • Canada Recovery Sickness Benefit - for those who are off sick/self isolating due to COVID
  • Canada Recovery Caregiving Benefit - for those who can't work because they need to watch a child or dependent due to COVID

What do you need to do to keep collecting:

• Like regular EI, recipients should make a reasonable effort to find new employment. Here are the eligibility rules.
   

Please find the original CBC article.

All the best,
Gary

 

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