Canadians complain of inexplicable CERB payment delays

With the COVID-19 pandemic decimating numerous industries, millions of Canadians rely on the Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB) to help pay the rent and put food on the table.

Many of those Canadians are now fuming online, saying their September deposits have been delayed without explanation.

Recipients say they have generally received the $2,000 payment ($500/week) within two days of submitting their claim.

But scores of angry Canadians have taken to social media to say their latest payments haven’t yet shown up, adding that  the reason for the delay hasn’t been clearly explained by government officials.

https://twitter.com/KipSantiago2/status/1301473833635856385

When asked about the issue Thursday during an interview with a Newfoundland radio station, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau admitted there could be “little hiccups” related to the recent four-week extension of CERB payments.

Ottawa announced the extension and introduced the benefit’s replacement on Aug. 20.

When the CERB runs out on Sept. 27, three million Canadians will transition into the “simplified” EI program, coming into effect the same day.

@CanRevAgency WHERE IS OUR CERB? Will be evicted if not deposited today and have medications to pay for that I cannot survive without. What's going on?! #CERB #nopayment #PleaseHelp

— Rissa Casey (@princessrissaXO) September 2, 2020

When asked about the complaints of delays, the Canadian Revenue Agency (CRA) didn’t provide an explanation, but assured Canadians the money is on the way:

The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) understands how important the Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB) is to Canadians during this time, and we want to assure applicants that they will receive the payments that they are entitled to.

As part of its ongoing commitment to quality client service, the CRA aims to have CERB payments made by direct deposit issued within 3-5 business days of an application being received, and within 10 business days for payments by cheque. This is in line with our timeliness service standards for processing payments. The CRA expects that the vast majority payments will be issued within this time frame.

Still no #CERB
I am working part time but my cheques are about $300 each. My husband is disabled and unable to work, the kids need new clothes, school supplies and their school fees are due.
Not to seem ungrateful but we have four slices of bread left.

— ????????Jess???????? (@Machinegunnun) September 3, 2020

With files from Cormac Mac Sweeney, Kathryn Tindale, and The Canadian Press