Starting on May 1, 2020, B.C. residents can apply now for the B.C. Emergency Benefit for Workers, a tax-free, one-time $1,000 payment for those whose ability to work has been affected due to COVID-19.
One of the requirement is that the BC resident applied for and is eligible for the Federal CERB.
Applicants must have direct deposit set up (or must set it up) to get the funds.
Click here for more information
Some excerpts:
Find Out If You’re Eligible
To be eligible for the emergency benefit, you must:
- Have been a resident of British Columbia on March 15, 2020
- Meet the eligibility requirements for the Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB)
- Have been approved for the Canada Emergency Response Benefit, even if you haven’t received a federal benefit payment yet
- Be at least 15 years old on the date you apply
- Have filed, or agree to file, a 2019 B.C. income tax return
- Not be receiving provincial income assistance or disability assistance
- Not be incarcerated in a provincial or federal correctional facility for a period of 90 days or longer that includes March 15, 2020
If you’re eligible for the Canada Emergency Response Benefit and receive a CERB payment, then return to work, you may still be eligible for the B.C. Emergency Benefit for Workers if all other requirements are met, provided you are not required to repay the CERB benefit.
If you receive a payment and we later determine that you are not eligible for it, you may be required to repay it with penalties and interest.
What You Need To Apply
Your Social Insurance Number
When you apply, we’ll need your Social Insurance Number (SIN), Individual Tax Number (ITN), or Temporary Tax Number (TTN) to verify your eligibility.
Your direct deposit information
The B.C. Emergency Benefit for Workers will only be issued by direct deposit, ensuring you receive the benefit as soon as possible.
Obtain your direct deposit information before the application period begins. The image below shows how to find the relevant numbers on a cheque.
Please speak to your DMCL advisor about your circumstances and to clarify any questions you may have about the emergency benefit.
