New flexible EI rules introduced as CERB ends

The government announced that as of September 27, 2020, it will be transitioning from the Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB) program to a more flexible and accessible temporary Employment Insurance (EI) program. This new program gives employees who are still unable to work due to the pandemic at least 26 more weeks of benefits, equaling $500/week or more before taxes with as little as 120 insured hours.

Individuals who applied for the CERB program through Service Canada and qualify will automatically be transitioned to EI. Individuals who were receiving their CERB payments through CRA and would like to apply for EI will need to apply through Service Canada. All EI claimants will now be required to self-report on their employment status and apply every two weeks in order to keep receiving support.

For CERB claimants who don’t qualify for the new EI benefits may still be eligible to apply for other new temporary benefits, should Parliament approve the proposed changes. These benefits include the Canada Recovery Benefit, the Canada Recovery Sickness Benefit, and the Canada Recovery Caregiving Benefit.

RCC will keep members informed once these measures pass parliament and as more details become available.

For more information, view RCC’s summary of the new income support programs – After CERB, what comes next?