Your CERB repayment might be returned

June 2, 2021

Self-employed Canadians who reimbursed the Canada Emergency Response Benefit at the government’s request because they thought they were eligible under “unclear” revenue criteria can now file a claim to have that money sent back to them.

“Starting today, self employed workers who applied for the CERB in good faith can apply to have the Government reimburse their CERB repayments. This will help to ensure that self-employed individuals continue to receive financial support throughout the pandemic,” Minister of National Revenue Diane Lebouthillier said in a statement.

This week, National Post reported that the government’s decision in February to forgive the debt of an estimated 30,000 self-employed Canadians who claimed an average $8,000 in CERB overpayments despite being ineligible will cost $240 million.

Of that number, 6,500 had already reimbursed some or all of the CERB they received to the government, and so qualify to have that money sent back to them so long as they meet all other eligibility criteria.

Source: National Post