If you have lost income because of COVID-19, the Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB) will provide you with temporary income support. International students in Canada are eligible for the CERB.

Eligibility

The benefit will be available to workers:

• Residing in Canada, who are at least 15 years old;
• Who have stopped working because of COVID-19 or are eligible for Employment Insurance regular or sickness benefits:
• Who had income of at least $5,000 in 2019 or in the 12 months prior to the date of their application; and
• Who are or expect to be without employment or self-employment income for at least 14 consecutive days in the initial four-week period. For subsequent benefit periods, they expect to have no employment income.

The income of at least $5,000 may be from any or a combination of the following sources: employment; self-employment; maternity and parental benefits under the Employment Insurance program and/or similar benefits paid in Quebec under the Quebec Parental Insurance Plan.

The benefit is only available to individuals who stopped work as a result of reasons related to COVID-19. If you are looking for a job but haven’t stopped working because of COVID-19, you are not eligible for the Benefit.

How to apply

Applications will be accepted starting April 6.

Prior to April 6, individuals who are without work and are eligible for EI can continue to apply for Employment Insurance.

For more information, please visit the Government of Canada’s website.