INTENT

To define how to treat Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB) payments when determining program eligibility and monthly benefit amount.

POLICY

Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB) Payments

In 2020, The Government of Canada provided CERB to eligible Canadians who stopped working due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The CERB provided a payment of $500 per week.

Combine CERB payments with the household’s employment and self-employment income, if any. The CERB receives the same exemption as employment and self-employment income. Refer to the Employment and Self-Employment Income policy to see the partial exemptions.

For new applicants, see the Income at Intake policy.

Note: For payments received retroactively, subject to repayment, see the Overpayments as a Result of Retroactive Payments policy.

Entering CERB Payments

Enter CERB payments into LISA using the same codes as employment income:

• 4101 Employment Earning Head of Household
• 4102 Employment Earnings for Partner
• 4103 Employment Earning Child(ren)

 
Workers must enter a Mobius Note including the following information:

• Statement that the client received a CERB payment;
• The amount of the CERB; and
• The period of assistance for which the CERB was paid.