Concerned about a CERB double payment?
Find out what to do if you mistakenly applied twice for the benefit
April 29, 2020 3 minute read
Find out what to do if you mistakenly applied twice for the benefit
April 29, 2020 3 minute read
If you were surprised to get two identical Canada Emergency Relief Benefit (CERB) payments for your first eligibility period, you’re not alone. A few Canadians inadvertently registered for both the CERB and EI and received payments for both. If you are one of them, the Canadian Revenue Agency (CRA) will send you a letter with instructions on how you can repay one of the $2000 payments, without interest or penalties.
What was the issue?
What should you do if you got a duplicate payment?
Set the $2,000 duplicate payment aside and don’t spend it. You can wait for the CRA to send you a letter outlining how you can pay back the money, or you can find repayment instructions on the CRA website.
Keep in mind that if you have already received a payment and then receive a second one in error via electronic deposit, you can ask Coastal Community to return the payment electronically to the Receiver General.
Is every CERB double payment a mistake?
No, it is possible to apply for a retroactive eligibility period as well as the current one. If you applied for two eligibility periods, you would expect to get two payments of $2,000, one of which would be the retroactive payment. Both payments would come from the same agency.
Remember that the red flag for a duplicate payment in error is receiving payments from both the CRA and Service Canada for the same eligibility period.
We’re committed to sharing helpful and timely information to support you and our communities during the COVID-19 pandemic. If there’s a topic you would like us to explore, please email communications@cccu.ca.
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