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 which is available now.
CANADA EMERGENCY RESPONSE BENEFIT (CERB)
The CERB supports employed and self-employed Canadians by providing urgently needed financial support. 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 fit the following criteria:
Resident of Canada and at least 15 years old;
Stopped working because of COVID-19 or are eligible for Employment Insurance regular or sickness benefits;
Income of at least $5,000 in 2019 or in the 12 months prior to application date and;
Expect to be without employment or self-employment income for at least 14 consecutive days in the initial four-week period.
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DETERMINE THE BEST DAY OF THE WEEK TO APPLY – You can apply for CERB now, and whether you apply online or by phone, there are specific days for you to apply, based on your birth month. Check the calendar below to see when you should apply.
If you sign up for direct deposit, you can expect to get your payment in three business days, or about 10 business days if you are having a cheque mailed.
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 are available now!
You can apply:
Over the phone with an automated phone service. 1-800-959-2019 or 1-800-959-2041
If you phone, before you call, make sure you have the following to verify your ID:
Your social insurance number (SIN).
Postal code.
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.