If you work in the Standardbred industry and have stopped working due to the COVID-19 pandemic, you may be eligible for Canada’s COVID-19 Emergency Response Benefit.

Please note: Applications may be submitted starting today (Monday April 6, 2020), for those who have birthdays in January, February and March, as you apply for this benefit based on the month in which you are born.

DETERMINE THE BEST DAY OF THE WEEK TO APPLY

Whether you apply online or by phone, here are the specific days for you to apply. Please use the following guidelines:

CANADA EMERGENCY RESPONSE BENEFIT (CERB)

The CERB supports Canadians by providing urgently needed financial support to employed and self-employed Canadians who have been directly affected by COVID-19. It provides a payment of $2,000 for a four-week period (equivalent to $500 a week) for up to 16 weeks. The CERB may be of benefit to participants in the horse racing industry.

WHO CAN APPLY?

The CERB 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.

Once you apply, you can expect to get your payment in three business days if you have signed up for direct deposit, and approximately 10 business days if you haven’t signed up for direct deposit.

If your situation continues, you can re-apply for a payment for multiple four-week periods, to a maximum of 16 weeks (4 periods).

HOW TO APPLY

Application submissions for the CERB start today (Monday, April 6, 2020).

There are two ways to apply:

• Online with CRA My Account.

• Over the phone with an automated phone service.

If you phone, before you call, make sure you have the following to verify your ID:

• Your social insurance number (SIN).

• Postal code.

TELEPHONE NUMBER

1-800-959-2019
or
1-800-959-2041

GET READY NOW

Check the government website here for more details on how to set up your application, what documentation is needed, and how to make sure you can access the funds when they become available.