CERB to End, EI Rates Frozen for 2 Years

CERB to End, EI Rates Frozen for 2 Years

The Federal Government has announced its plans to phase out the Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB) and replace it with temporary, one-off enhancements to Employment Insurance (EI). Here are the details:

  • The CERB has been extended for 4 more weeks until the end of September. After this four-week period, workers still needing income support will be transitioned to the EI system.
  • To expand access to EI, the qualification requirements have been relaxed for both regular benefits and work-sharing benefits. EI special benefits (maternity, sickness, etc.) qualification requirements have been relaxed too.
  • Three new, temporary, one-year benefits, have been introduced for COVID-19 related issues and will be administered by the EI system:

Canada Recovery Benefit (CRB): $400 per week for up to 26 weeks to workers who are self-employed or are not eligible for EI and who still require income support.

Canada Recovery Sickness Benefit (CRSB): $500 per week for up to two weeks for workers who are sick or must self-isolate for reasons related to COVID-19.

Canada Recovery Caregiving Benefit (CRCB): $500 per week for up to 26 weeks per household for eligible Canadians unable to work because they must care for children or dependents.

• EI Premiums for employees and employers will be frozen at 2020 rates for 2 years.

The government intends to introduce legislation to make all these announcements law once Parliament returns in late September. You can access all the details of today’s announcement here.
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