Apply Online
You will need a CRA My Account to apply.
Do you have a CRA My Account?
Yes - but I forget my CRA user ID or password
You can recover them by going to My Account, selecting ‘CRA Login’, and selecting 'Forgot your user ID' or 'Forgot your password'.
For 'Forgot your user ID' you will need:
- Your copy of this year's or last year's assessed individual tax return
- Your answers to the security questions you set up during registration
For 'Forgot your password' you will need to answer the security questions you set up during registration.
Update your CRA My Account username/password
Yes - but I'm locked out
As there are currently fewer call agents available to assist due to COVID-19, the quickest way for you to apply for the CERB at this time would be to do so via the CRA’s automated telephone service (see below “Applying by Phone”).
No - but I have a My Service Canada Account
Since you have a My Service Canada Account, you do not need to register for a CRA My Account.
After you sign in to My Service Canada Account:
- Look for the link to "Switch to Canada Revenue Agency" and then "I agree" on the Registration and authentication page. This transfers you to CRA My Account.
- Update your address and direct deposit with CRA (CRA does not have your personal information from your My Service Canada Account)
- You can then complete the application when it becomes available on April 6.
Sign in to My Service Canada Account
No - I don't have either
Register for a CRA My Account to apply for the CERB
Applying on Your Instructed Date
Once you have your CRA My Account set-up, on your instructed date of application (see chart above), you will:
- Sign in to your CRA My Account
- Go to COVID-19: Canada Emergency Response Benefit in the alert banner at the top of the page
- Select the period you want to apply for
- Declare that you qualify for the benefit
- Confirm the right payment information is on file