Support is coming for those who have lost their jobs because of COVID-19.
Richmond residents can start applying for the government’s pandemic emergency response benefit this week.
According to the Government of Canada's website, the Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB) will provide residents, who have lost their jobs or income, a temporary income support of $500 a week for up to 16 weeks.
Those who have been approved for employment insurance (EI) benefits, applications will automatically transfer to the new benefit.
CERB will be available to Canadians workers who are over the age of 15 and must have an income of at least $5,000 last year or 12 months before their date of application.
Workers must have stopped worked because of COVID-19 and have not voluntarily quit their jobs.
They are or are expecting to be without an income for at least 14 consecutive days in the first four-week period.
Applications for CERB will begin on April 6, but applicants are asked to apply over four days depending on their month of birth.
| Month of birth | Apply for CERB on | Best day to apply on |
| January, February or March | Mondays | April 6 |
| April, May or June | Tuesdays | April 7 |
| July, August or September | Wednesdays | April 8 |
| October, November or December | Thursdays | April 9 |
| Any month | Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays |
For more information and to apply, visit canada.ca
