The new CRB program from the Government of Canada can be confusing. Hopefully this will answer some of the common questions we hear and give you some guidance on how to apply. Please go to The CRA CRB Benefits website for all up to date information and for the application process. Additionally, you can call 1-800-959-2019 or 1-800-959-2041.

CERB was $2000 every 4 week period, or $500 per week. CERB was also untaxed, which will sadly be a surprise for some come April 30. CRB will be the same amount, but it will be received every 2 weeks and will taxed at $100 per $1000. Therefore, the CRB will be $900 in after tax income every two weeks.

In its current form, the new CRB will run for a full year, however, if your individual situation continues past 2 weeks, you will need to reapply (just as one did with the CERB) every 2 weeks for a total of 13 periods or 26, 2 week schedules. Also, each eligibility period one is applying for is a period that has already passed. This means that you are applying for benefits where you were not employed for that period, not applying for a period where you will be unemployed. This is a major distinction because in order to be eligible, one must be actively looking for work or be employed, but due to COVID-19, income has become affected.

Self employed individuals are also eligible but there are some caveats. A self employed individual can still work and earn while also receiving the CRB benefit. The catch here is that an individual cannot earn more than $38,000 of self employed income and CRB combined. After the $38k threshold has been exceeded, that person will need to pay back $.50 on every dollar above the $38k. Here’s the math:

Example: An self employed individual is on CRB for the entire year ($1000 per 26 2 week periods = $26,000). $38,000 threshold minus $26,000 = $12,000. Therefore, a self employed person can earn up to $12,000 without having to pay back.

There is plenty more information that is both pertinent and available on the CRB Benefits website.