In 2020, the federal government implemented several programs to provide financial support to students, Canadian workers and businesses affected by the COVID-19 economic lockdowns. The Canada Emergency Response Benefit program (CERB) was one of these programs. It provided financial support to employees and self-employed Canadians who were directly affected by COVID-19.
The CERB was available for individuals residing in Canada; who were at least 15 years old; who had stopped working or had been working reduced hours due to COVID-19; who did not expect to earn over $1,000 in employment or self-employment income for at least 14 days in a row during a four-week period; who had employment or selfemployment income of at least $5,000 in 2019 or in the 12 months prior to the date of their application; and who had not quit their job voluntarily.1
