The Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB) was initiated to provide temporary support to Canadians who had to stop working due to the pandemic.
As Canada’s economy restarts, the Government has transitioned to a simplified Employment Insurance (EI) program to provide income support to those who remain unable to work and are eligible, as well as temporary and taxable recovery benefits to further support workers.
While the Government prepares for the transition, and to ensure that Canadians whose employment has been impacted by the pandemic receive continuous support, the CERB will be extended by an additional four weeks, providing a new maximum of up to 28 weeks of benefits.
Summary of temporary measures to help Canadians qualify for EI benefits:
120 hours of insurable work required to qualify
Minimum benefit rate of $400 per week
At least 26 weeks of regular benefits
Credit of insurable hours to enhance access to EI regular benefit and EI special benefits:
The Government of Canada recognizes that the pandemic has prevented many Canadians from accumulating the number of insurable hours that are normally required to access EI benefits. To help individuals qualify with a minimum of 120 hours of work, EI claimants will receive a one-time insurable hours credit of:
300 insurable hours for claims for regular benefits (job loss)
480 insurable hours for claims for special benefits (sickness, maternity/parental, compassionate care, or family caregiver)
The hours credit will be retroactive to March 15, 2020.
Read Employment E-News – October 2020 – We Are Open!
Image provided by www.1COMMUNITY1.ca
