Discussions

Tried to fill my application on line but it says I have to call instead because my Covid affective dates have passed. I didn’t apply in March because I didn’t think I was eligible doing a part time job. 3 days in a row now of listening to recorded music on the phone with never an answer. Any ideas?

I’ve called like five times and got through every time I just had to wait like two hours...

Ok I guess I will keep trying. Good thing I can put it on speakerphone at least and just lay it down. I know the background music now off by heart . Same music on a continuous cycle.

I applied for cerb on the phone since being being temp. laid off 3 months ago and had no issues. It only took me 5 minutes.

What number did you dial? 1-800-717-7735? On day 4 now still nothing.

Just be patient!! Took 3 hours of waiting.. but I did get thru... have it on speaker near you  
 
Edited by Michelle5534, 2020-07-15 16:34:42

Well make that 4 straight days now with no response. There offices close at 6 pm Eastern so then it’s on to tomorrow to try again. I have to use the number 1-&00-717-7735 and that number only. It’s because I am trying to qualify for the period of March and it’s now July. I didn’t think I was eligible back then but now people tell me I am. Speakerphone for 2-3 hours a day.

Just thinking, before you spend another day on hold, have you gone through the eligibility criteria on your own and feel that you qualify? Ive talked to a lot of people that don't understand it. Are you on Ei-erb now and want to adjust your claim, or are you trying to apply for the first time?

To apply for CERB on the phone, dial 1-800-959-2019. Have your SIN in handy, date birth, the month, know the dates which you applying. It walk you through pretty nicely. In 2 days, you will have CERB in your bank account if you have it set up so CRA can directly deposit in your bank account.  
 
In my opinion, applying for CERB on the phone is A LOT easier and faster then trying apply online base from my experience.  
 
Edited by alight, 2020-07-15 17:20:09

I must stress again I can not use that number you are suggesting with the sin ready. I’ve tried that and it tells me to use the other number which puts me on hold forever. Do I qualify? You tell me. I am a senior who looks for part time winter and part time summer employment because God knows you can’t survive on CPP and OAS. Besides that I like to stay busy. In the beginning of March I got a part-time job and then Covid came along and that was the end of that. Six weeks later I have found another part-time job so I am now working again. Do I qualify for that period from March till six weeks later? If not I will stop calling that number.

if you stopped working due to covid, you qualify. Even if you were only working part time. Did you have enough insurable hours to qualify for regular EI? If so, you unfortunately need to keep calling and apply through them. If not, you can apply through the cra which is a bit easier.  
 
I didn't suggest a number, so I'll have to go back and see what was recommended to you.  
 
I'm not sure if they'll be able to help with your situation. Sometimes they can and sometimes they're useless, but there's a call back request form on the main service Canada page to get someone to call you.  
 
Edited by JM3030, 2020-07-15 19:23:37

I started this whole procedure online with my CRA account. I ticked off all the boxes that applied and then the next page says that I can’t continue online but instead I must use the number 1-800-717-7735. I cannot use the other number that everyone else uses because my application date has expired. All I want to know is do I qualify or not but I cannot get an answer now for four days three hours at a time sometimes.

so as far as what you've told me, you qualify. As long as you didn't quit the job you stopped working in March? You automatically disqualify if you quit. But if you were laid off or just got no shifts you're good there. Unfortunately I think you'll have to keep trying that number you have. It isn't any of the ones I've used to talk to the cra or service Canada so it might be specific to issues with applications.

Ok great I qualify. I did not quit that first part time job . I was laid off due to Covid. Now I just have to have a tremendous patience to wait for someone on the other end of that phone number to actually speak to me..

I found a bunch of discussions online, just using the number you have to call. It sounds like anyone older, some students, people who haven't filed taxes yet to verify they made 5 grand last year, and anyone already receiving benefits like a pension has to call in. Even people who are getting payments already are having to call and verify.

Hooray for day number 5 of calling CERB. Finally got an agent and a nice one who was friendly. Patience and speakerphone.

Does anyone know when, and if you qualify, support will be given out?