CERB – Details on the new $1,000 threshold

What is the earnings limitation?

When submitting the first claim, you cannot have earned more than $1,000 in employment and/or self-employment income for 14 or more consecutive days within the four-week benefit period of your claim.

When submitting subsequent claims, you cannot have earned more than $1,000 in employment and/or self-employment income for the entire four-week benefit period of your new claim.

What counts towards the $1,000 in income I can earn?

The $1,000 includes employment and/or self-employment income.  This includes among others: tips you may earn while working; non-eligible dividends; honoraria (e.g. nominal amounts paid to emergency service volunteers); and royalties (e.g. paid to artists) you may receive within the four-week benefit period.

Pensions, student loans and bursaries are not employment income and therefore, should not be included in the $1000.

Applications will be verified against tax records to confirm income. 

If I am in receipt of dividends am I eligible for the Canada Emergency Response Benefit?

Yes, as long as the dividends are non-eligible dividends (generally those paid out of corporate income taxed at the small business rate) and you meet the eligibility criteria.

Non-eligible dividends count towards the minimum $5000 in income required for eligibility.  Non-eligible dividends also count toward the $1000 income threshold for a benefit period.

Application details https://www.canada.ca/en/services/benefits/ei/cerb-application.html

FAQ: https://www.canada.ca/en/services/benefits/ei/cerb-application/questions.html