COVID-19 financial support for working seniors
You may still qualify for the federal government’s CERB payments, even if you collect CPP and OAS.
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You may still qualify for the federal government’s CERB payments, even if you collect CPP and OAS.
Q. I am still working, and also receive Canada Pension Plan (CPP) and Old Age Security (OAS) benefits. If I get laid off from work, as it appears will happen soon, would I qualify for the government COVID-19 income? I am 69 years old.
–Tom
A. The Canadian government has unveiled massive financial support for workers and businesses in the wake of COVID-19. Working retirees are not excluded, Tom.
The Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB) is meant for both employed and self-employed Canadian residents. It is payable to recipients who have involuntarily stopped or who will involuntarily stop working for at least 14 days consecutively.
For seniors, receiving Canada Pension Plan (CPP) or Old Age Security (OAS) benefits does not rule out receiving CERB.
The benefit is $500 per week and is currently payable for up to 16 weeks, payable in four-week periods. That is the equivalent of $26,000 annualized, payable for approximately four months. It is certainly possible the government could extend this benefit past the initial 16 weeks, but this remains to be seen.
If you are working part-time (or were, prior to being laid off), the caveat is you must have earned at least $5,000 in 2019, or over the previous 12 months at the time of applying, from employment, self-employment, or government maternity or paternity benefits.
The only age limit in place is for younger workers: you must be at least 15 years of age or older when you apply. So, at 69 years of age, Tom, there are no restrictions to you receiving the CERB if you do get laid off.
In order to continue to receive the CERB for the full duration, you must continue to be unemployed and not receive any salary, self-employment income, or parental benefits for the next four-week period for which you are applying.
The benefit is payable during the period of March 15 to Oct.3, meaning if you lose your job at any point up to Oct. 3, Tom, you can apply. Applications for retroactive payments will be accepted up to Dec. 2.
After the 16-week CERB period ends, you may still be eligible to apply for Employment Insurance (EI) or sickness benefits.
You can apply for CERB through Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) or Service Canada.
As the end of your CERB benefit period approaches, if you are still out of work, Tom, you can apply for Employment Insurance (EI) with Service Canada. It may be payable for up to an additional 45 weeks after the up to 16-week CERB benefit is paid—you cannot double-dip and receive both at the same time.
While on EI, you must complete biweekly reports to confirm you still qualify for EI. Generally, you must be ready, willing and capable of working, and have been available to work and actively looking for work.
The caveat, Tom, is that any earnings you have while receiving EI reduce your entitlement. OAS is not considered earnings, but CPP does impact your EI entitlement. EI benefits are a maximum of $573 per week, depending on your insurable earnings preceding your claim. The average CPP benefit is $735 per month and the maximum is $1,176—it is different for everyone.
CPP or other earnings while receiving EI regular benefits will reduce your EI by 50 cents for every dollar earned, up to 90% of the weekly insurable earnings used to calculate your benefits. Any earnings above this threshold will be deducted dollar for dollar from your EI entitlement.
As a result, you may be entitled to EI, Tom—but, depending on your CPP pension and job search after applying, your benefits may be impacted.
That said, there is no doubt you would qualify for the CERB in the interim if you are laid off, Tom.
Jason Heath is a fee-only, advice-only Certified Financial Planner (CFP) at Objective Financial Partners Inc. in Toronto. He does not sell any financial products whatsoever.
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Hi my question is regarding Cerb eligibility for seniors who are working but have had to stay home and lose income due to the nature of their job being too risky to their health. A 67 who was working as a cashier in a grocery store who also cares in her home for a 97 year old.
Due to the large volume of comments we receive, we regret that we are unable to respond directly to each one. We invite you to email your question to [email protected], where it will be considered for a future response by one of our expert columnists. For personal advice, we suggest consulting with your financial institution or a qualified advisor.
My question is , what if you are on pensions,rent to help and the renters not paying, mortgage new for renewal, bills piling and bank refuse consolidation????? Am I in BWB
I am retired, getting a full pension, and working casual to supplement my income. My casual hours a cut a lot, just wondering if I qualify for any relief
As a senior, retired and not working, with income only from CPP and OAS, am I eligible for CERB?
Due to the large volume of comments we receive, we regret that we are unable to respond directly to each one. We invite you to email your question to [email protected], where it will be considered for a future response by one of our expert columnists. For personal advice, we suggest consulting with your financial institution or a qualified advisor.
My question is if am on CPP Disability I am 57 years old do I get this help?
I am senior on Cpp and OAS can i apply forCERB ?
Hi there I’m 64 retired dec 24 2019 receive cpp and a small work pension havnt work since then am I intitlef for a cerb
Hi I received EI from dec 2019 till feb 2020 then started back to work.
On March 23rd I was laid off again due to covid 19 and reapplied for EI
and was reinstated. My EI payments are less then the $500 offered by CERB
My question is can I stop excepting EI payments and apply for CERB.
If I am retired and only receiving cpp as my source of income, do I qualify for cerb
Due to the large volume of comments we receive, we regret that we are unable to respond directly to each one. We invite you to email your question to [email protected], where it will be considered for a future response by one of our expert columnists. For personal advice, we suggest consulting with your financial institution or a qualified advisor.
So my question is this. Both my husbsnd and I are seniors and on pensions. Our worries are our investments we have in our RIF’S. Since companies are getting some benefits for relieve in loses is there anything for us.
I am 69 years old I work as full time security guard i also revive cop & oas I am thinking of giving up my job because of the risk of the virus where iWork will I be aligable to receive the emergency fund
If a senior with an underlying heart condition leaves their job due to covid 19 exposure can they qualify for CERB?
Due to the large volume of comments we receive, we regret that we are unable to respond directly to each one. We invite you to email your question to [email protected], where it will be considered for a future response by one of our expert columnists. For personal advice, we suggest consulting with your financial institution or a qualified advisor.
Hello! I am curious about whether I would qualify for the CERB? I was in a car accident in 2011 and have been on CPP Disability! I do not have an income other than that! Thank you.
DO low income seniors get any help other then the gst top up…I did part time jobs (some under table)and elections canada which gave me extra income to top up my 1650.00 monthly income..will I get any financial help that I can’t do these jobs
I have my husband’s pension plus cpp and oas. I am 67 and was working part time but now on leave of absence due to covid. Do I still qualify for cerb. Thanks
Hi, my mom and dad is above 65 age but since they came in canada they didn’t work are they eligible for CERB ?
Due to the large volume of comments we receive, we regret that we are unable to respond directly to each one. We invite you to email your question to [email protected], where it will be considered for a future response by one of our expert columnists. For personal advice, we suggest consulting with your financial institution or a qualified advisor.
I’m canadian living and WAS working in Dubai. I was deemed a non tax resident however I am returning permantely back to canada
I’m 61 do o qualify for cerb?
All Seniors Citizens who received Pension who no longer works should be included as its not enough
The rent and our maintenance for our medicine alone we are strugling every month.
Its time our government look up to us.
We have done our share paying taxes working through out our lives.
When you retire you will know the hardship we are going through.
Thats all i can say.
What if you have 2 jobs and the second one of them is no longer an option, yet you continue to get paid from the first one? Can you still apply?
I was laid off last year, March 3, 2019 and received a severance package, when I try to apply for EI, I was told told to wait for 18 months then re apply (Sept 2020) Am I qualified for CERB? I don’t have any other income but receives OAS and CPP. Can you please clarify.
Thanks
Anthony
Due to the large volume of comments we receive, we regret that we are unable to respond directly to each one. We invite you to email your question to [email protected], where it will be considered for a future response by one of our expert columnists. For personal advice, we suggest consulting with your financial institution or a qualified advisor.
If you are on CPP disability do you qualify for anything
Would I be able for creb because I’m taking money from my retirement account to make end meet so I was waiting for the government to help
I receive cpp & a private pension and was working part time at a food kiosk in 2019 (earned approx. $3,000), can i still receive payment from the cerb program
Your CPP and OAS benefits are not clawed back if you were collecting them BEFORE you applied for EI. OAS is only clawed back based on your net income. I have collected EI a few times since I started collecting my CPP at age 63. I was specifically told because I was already a CPP recipient, there would be no deduction from EI. If there are new rules, then I’m not aware of them.
I am on company pension and worked part time up to March 16, do I qualify for CERB
When applying for the CERB do you state your CPP earnings when they ask the question, do you have earnings for this report period?thank you.
Due to the large volume of comments we receive, we regret that we are unable to respond directly to each one. We invite you to email your question to [email protected], where it will be considered for a future response by one of our expert columnists. For personal advice, we suggest consulting with your financial institution or a qualified advisor.
My husband is on ODSP and CPP but he is not working can he apply for CERB?HE is 64 years I am still confused weather to apply for CERB or not.
I had applied for company pension April 4 2020 after working full time until that date. I still have the form to fill out. Am I eligible for the COVID-19 benifit? I’m am receiving CPP
I’m 61
Due to the large volume of comments we receive, we regret that we are unable to respond directly to each one. We invite you to email your question to [email protected], where it will be considered for a future response by one of our expert columnists. For personal advice, we suggest consulting with your financial institution or a qualified advisor.
It’s sickening to see people who want to profit off the system when they are not DIRECTLY impacted by the quarantine orders. Justin Trudeau has made it extremely easy to defraud the system as no claims will be checked. We will be paying the price for this for decades to come.
what if you are on oas cpp and have small income from renters that now are not paying do I qualify for cerb because of this loss of income
I have been layed off from my job. I am 75 years of age.
I applied for EI benefits on March 29th I received my first cheque by mail on the 15th of April it was dated 6th April I did my Bi weekly reports from the 12th – 18th April. Received on 21st $500.00but did receive on the 15th a cheque 2.000.00
So I cannot understand why I only received 500.00 if EI says they pay bi weekly my next reporting date is 19th to the 2nd May. So when will I receive my next cheque and for how much.
Due to the large volume of comments we receive, we regret that we are unable to respond directly to each one. We invite you to email your question to [email protected], where it will be considered for a future response by one of our expert columnists. For personal advice, we suggest consulting with your financial institution or a qualified advisor.
I am 70 yrs. old & work in a restaurant at a camp site for summer from May to End of September but this summer it will not open. I applied for the CERB. I’m worried I will have to pay it back later. We really don’t know the rules. A lot of people r scared to spend the money. Should we worry?
Hello I have a question that several others have asked I am on a CPP Disability Pension do I qualify for the CERB benefit, it seems like myself and other Canadians are unable to get an answer on this, please see if you can get us the answer we are looking for , it seems that there are a lot of Canadians that have fallen thru the cracks while I understand there is problems all around seniors have had additional expenses as well . Thank You, Gordon
Due to the large volume of comments we receive, we regret that we are unable to respond directly to each one. We invite you to email your question to [email protected], where it will be considered for a future response by one of our expert columnists. For personal advice, we suggest consulting with your financial institution or a qualified advisor.
I’m a senior on CPP I was to start a part time light duty job in May but do to the covid 19 I am unable to work.
Will I receive CERB ???
Due to the large volume of comments we receive, we regret that we are unable to respond directly to each one. We invite you to email your question to [email protected], where it will be considered for a future response by one of our expert columnists. For personal advice, we suggest consulting with your financial institution or a qualified advisor.
I was to start a part time job I am on CPP do I qualify for CERB ?
I am a senior worker at a golf course and with the talk that the course may not open this season will I be eligible to receive help from cerb from the goverment And where can l download the forms
I am laid off from work and receive Canada Pension Plan (CPP), Old Age Security (OAS) benefits.and also receive Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS} …Would I qualify for the government CERB? I am 71 years old….would any Cerb payments received effect my GIS payment in 2021-2022?
thank you
I am a senior on oas and cpp am I getting any help this coming cheque issue??
I am 74 I take care of my mother 93 , can’t leave her alone she has dementia I take care of her 24/7 do I get some financial help .i still have to pay my rent. Lots of expenses unexpected due to covid 19
Thank you
Hi there, can you pls advise if senior part time workers have to provide t4 slips at some point to prove they have earned the $5000. in 2019 and qualify for CERB; would this $5000 include money from CPP and/or OAS.
Thank you for your time
Sincerely from member
Tracey Ven
Due to the large volume of comments we receive, we regret that we are unable to respond directly to each one. We invite you to email your question to [email protected], where it will be considered for a future response by one of our expert columnists. For personal advice, we suggest consulting with your financial institution or a qualified advisor.
My son was off for covid isolation for 14 days. He applied, but wouldn’t make anywhere near 2000, as he is part time, and only missed 2 weeks, but CRA gives payments for 4 weeks. Is there a way to send 2 weeks worth, $1000, back to the government ASAP, he does not want to set aside a big chunk in his account for a whole year. Could it be sent back as a CRA payment, like you would,if you owed year end taxes?
I am a retire, I received CPP Old age also , I am still qualify for CERB?
Thanks
Will seniors. Get financial help in the near future due to coved 19 as of April 2020
What if you are also receiving a company or group pension?
I am senior and getting CPP and OAS. Am I eligible for CERB?
Can I receive Cerb if I’m not working.i am a senior and receive old age and cpp plus company pension, thank- you
If you are on CCP and a union pension And make 2400.00 a month do one quality for any government assistance (CERB)
Hi,
I would like to know why people on CPP Disability are not getting any Help??
We now have to worry about buying food or our prescriptions. Since now we can only get a 30 day supply. Which mean three times the Dispensing Fee which adds up with 6 and more prescriptions a month.
Hello. My husband and I are both on pensions, but only do volunteer work. With covid the cost of our prescriptions have tripled because the dispensing is only for one month at a time. Food prices have gone up considerably. Will we be receiving help?
Due to the large volume of comments we receive, we regret that we are unable to respond directly to each one. We invite you to email your question to [email protected], where it will be considered for a future response by one of our expert columnists. For personal advice, we suggest consulting with your financial institution or a qualified advisor.
I am self-employed but haven’t been working because of COVID-19. I received the CERB from March 15 to May 9 but I turned 65 and will receive my first OAC on May 28. Do I still qualify for the CERB or do I claim
my OAC as income?
Nancy
Hi, I’m in a financial rut. At the moment I’m only receiving CPP as I have MS multiple sclerosis and can no longer work. To make matters worse my husband suddenly passed from a heart attack in his sleep. He was also my caregiver and would help me. Now I’m alone with no family and really struggling to pay bills as now there is only one income instead of two. I don’t know where to turn for help. With COVID-19 I can’t even afford toilet paper if it can be found and now selling for 3 times the cost. I feel so alone, depressed and scared. Is there any extra help for someone like me?
Thank you,
Paula
I am a pensioner receiving CPp and Oas , am I entitled to Cerb
I am trying to survive on CCP and my RRIF has taken a hit in the Market. It won’t last another 6 months. Forced retirement at 60.
Is there any assistance there for my wife and I.
What about Pensionser work all life but unable to work because health problems I have same Bill’s as Tom others increased electricity Bill’s & increases in rent & grocery Bill’s we deserve same as others who get this COVID help . Please Respond ty Wayne
Is CERB available for non working seniors with cpp n oas as source of income, plus any taxable rrif withrawals for 2019?
Thanks
It seems that most of the seniors are asking the same question whether or not if we are entitled to the CERB and we can’t get a response!.How unfair is this to leave us vulnerable seniors in the dark! We are struggling financially because of covid 19.The gst that was uped was already spent in a flash because of so much extra needed things that were important. We paid taxes too when we all had jobs. Something has to be said and done to help us seniors. We need answers now!
I am 64 and I am receiving can. pension plan..Am I able to receive any help from the gov..I am retired
I’m 64 years old and the only income I have is cpp do I qualify for cerb
So I’m on Cpp disability retired from the military with a pension I’m only 56 due to covid 19 do I qualify for anything at all. Thanks
Due to the large volume of comments we receive, we regret that we are unable to respond directly to each one. We invite you to email your question to [email protected], where it will be considered for a future response by one of our expert columnists. For personal advice, we suggest consulting with your financial institution or a qualified advisor.
Hi I am 53 with cancer collecting disability from cpp. Can not go back to work because of a weak immune system. Do I qualify for cerb even though I receive just a little more than that 1000 dollars amount per mount.
I lost my quarterly bonus due to Covid, do I qualify?
This I loss of potential income based on performance and results and now this bonus structure has been removed for Q2
Lost income!!
I applied for cpp disability recently and I am not 65 yet. The covid government is $2000 but my disability is $800. Should I rather apply for covid government support and cancel my disability application?
Due to the large volume of comments we receive, we regret that we are unable to respond directly to each one. We invite you to email your question to [email protected], where it will be considered for a future response by one of our expert columnists. For personal advice, we suggest consulting with your financial institution or a qualified advisor.
What if you are a person under 65 and are getting a survivors benefit, work part time say 8 hours a month and are getting EIA the government is not helping these type of people.Even with EIA and the survivors benefit it is hard to pay rent ,pay bills and food for a person.
If you were born in 1945 or earlier, you cannot apply for the C.E.R.B. online anymore. You will have to call a phone number for CRA (as on the CRA personal account site) and go through questions – name, address, SIN, line item on tax return, and accountants name/tel if you use one. With this info, applying for C.E.R.B. is easy through a live agent but you may have to wait in line.
I WAS JUST WOUNDERING IF THERE IS ANY RELEAF HELP I AM ON CPP AND I AM FINDING IT HARD TO PAY BILLS AND BUY FOOD AND PAY A MORGAGE
I’m on cpp disabilty and dont work or get much money a month I was wonder if the goverment is going to help do to the virus
Hi…. My wife and I are receiving CPP & OAP and a supplement because of our income. In March my wife was scheduled for breast cancer surgery but broke her ankle and had to undergo an operation for her ankle with pins and plates and also underwent her cancer operation. At 80 I am the excluisve care-giver and do not require help fto care for her. However, being that the ankle operation and the cancer operation were performed in different cities, and that the extra costs involved in the numerous trips have incurred, I find it somewhat unjust to have to bear the extra costs, as well as her care, and yet be expected to give that care without receiving any other assistance from anyone. My wife did work until a three years ago at age 73, but obviously can’t any longer, but I m able to give her all the care she requires, and yet I do so without any help from anyone. My question is simple, is there any help that can also help us.???? Thanks, if so we sure could use it. Just because we are old does not imply we do not also need help, even though it is obvious I cannot work and care for my wife at the same time. ….. although at 80 there aren’t a lot of job openings….. As you well know, a Covid infection at our age is pretty well a death sentence for either my wife or myself…. and so any financial help that could help us avoid some infectious conditions would be most welcome. Older people who work are being helped, but as you can attest from the above sometimes working is an impossible condition for myself at the moment, but doesn’t mean we could not use the same help as as other retired Canadians are receiving….
What if you just started working and is self employed but receive old age security and gis do I still qualify
If you are just receiving cpp and are not working is there any support due to covid 19
I am disabled and a retiree. Am I eligible to receive the benefit
Can anyone tell me if CPP recipients are qualified for any kind of assistance? I don’t get GST and have no job, no Benefits of any kind and wifey get MEAGER CPP Disability payment.
I didnt work 2019 or this year due to medical condition. AM I eligable for CERB? I HAD NO ICOME WHAT SO EVER…ZERO.
THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME.
I have been looking for that answer and hit a brick wall still don’t know
CPP Disability, I have been on it for years and I pay income taxes on it every year.
I owe the Government taxes from a negative income, each year. They have the audacity to add fines and penalties when I cannot pay it.
Yet now they are claiming CPP Disability does not meet the income standards. If so I want all my taxes back as now Canada is saying CPP Disability pension is NOT income.
One way or the other, you can not have it both ways. And I am collecting CERB, My income is taxable and Canada says CPP is income in doing so.
After what Canada put me through, I as does every other Canadian who receives a measly $850.00 a month to live on because something beyond our control left us disabled and unable to work. I contributed to Canada just like everyone else and I still do.
You try living on that amount…….Where do they shop, live, eat?
Hi. I am 70 years old receiving CPP and OAS, but currently working from home doing contract work. My work has basically been cut in half. Would I qualify for CERB?
Hi question is that if my employer doesn’t apply for the wage subsidy and I only work 32 hrs a week at 16 an hr. That puts me at roughly 510 per week before deductions and that puts me a substantial amount below what is being offered by the federal government so is there any way around this to get the max amount per week. I am a security Officer.
You didn’t answer the most important question which is, does CPP count toward the $1,000 threshold.
Myself I receive CCP disability… that is my only income.. $871 a month.. unable to work … can’t even afford to buy my medication each month… I’m 53 years old… My question is will I receive any government money due to this covid 19
I am on CPP disability…do I qualify for any government assistance during covid 19
I called both the CRA and CERB and upon checking with them I’ve been informed that both CPP and OAS benefits are not affected towards CERB application. They also informed me that my PSAC pension (Superannuation) benefit is also not affected towards CERB application. After my divorce I am getting only one half of all my pensions except OAS therefore I decided to work after my retirement. Upon clarification from both the CRA and CERB through phone, I applied the CERB for the three months payment for a total of $6000 and the next one is due on August 1st. I am 72 years old and as a retiree, I still work to meet the ends but laid off due to COVID. Now that I have said it all, I’d like to know if it would be OK for me to apply for the CERB funds. Thank you for your input in this regard.
I receive CPP and OAS and do occasional casual work. My income from that source was just over $5000 last year. Can I receive CERB?
If I am on cpp pension from an accident how much money a week could I make on a part time job
I retired from my Job January 24,2020 with every intention to find part time em
ployment to top up our income. Covid 19 happened and I’m unable to find work. Do I qualify for cerb.
Hi, as a senior ,retired and not working.only income from OAS.was wandering if im qualified for cerb relief.
Hi there – I need some help. I’m 69, a pensioner but secured a f/t job with an airline 2 yrs ago. Unfortunately I am currently on LTD waiting for hip surgery and then further investigation into a disk problem in my back. I was supposed to have hip surgery in June, but of course that was postponed because of COVID. I’ve just been informed that my LTD will expire in October, 2020. My current rent is more than my pensions. (When I moved I was working full time and had plans to purchase etc. etc. so wasn’t expecting to be paying this amount for my home). I don’t qualify for EI because I don’t have insurable earnings, I don’t qualify for CPP disability because I’m over 65. What else is there for me to apply for that can help me until after my surgery when I can returned to reduce work until my back is assessed again? Please help…. I’m pushing surgeon for surgery date but… nothing has been confirmed yet. thank you
Response from the MoneySense editorial team:
Hi Karen, thank you for reaching out.
Due to the large volume of comments we receive, we regret that we are unable to respond directly to each one. We invite you to email your question to [email protected],
where it will be considered for a future response by one of our expert columnists. For personal advice, we suggest consulting with your financial institution or a qualified advisor.
I’m on CPP/ OAS and Collecting CERB. If I have to Start Paying back, Where Will the Money be Taken from? My GST and Trillium?
Response from the MoneySense editorial team:
Thanks for the question.
Due to the large volume of comments we receive, we regret that we are unable to respond directly to each one. We invite you to email your question to [email protected],
where it will be considered for a future response by one of our expert columnists. For personal advice, we suggest consulting with your financial institution or a qualified advisor.
I was laid off 1 month before the covid 19 started but yet I am only receiving regular benefits on my EI and not the CERB amount that people are receiving … some worked part time hours and received the $2000 a month and I worked 40 hours a week and only receiving $1560 a month. How is that fair… it should have been adjusted to the $2000 a month for everyone seeing that you cannot go look for work
I am a senior working and last week got a severance letter and company is closing in S September.. can I apply for cerb
Response from the MoneySense editorial team:
Hi Frank, thanks for the question.
Due to the large volume of comments we receive, we regret that we are unable to respond directly to each one. We invite you to email your question to [email protected],
where it will be considered for a future response by one of our expert columnists. For personal advice, we suggest consulting with your financial institution or a qualified advisor.
I am 73 years old receiving pensions which total 42.000 yearly .Can i apply for cerb benefits? Thank you .
Due to the large volume of comments we receive, we regret that we are unable to respond directly to each one. We invite you to email your question to [email protected], where it will be considered for a future response by one of our expert columnists. For personal advice, we suggest consulting with your financial institution or a qualified advisor.
Is the goverment going take money from C.CP next year because of the virus
Thanks
I do hope people who are genuinely needing help get some. I cant believe the gall of some, I really hope their situation is honestly facing the need they portray. Who will be paying back these money for the ones who are here thinking “FREE MONEY”