Even if that trip outside the country was pre-planned, they can still get the Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB) from when the benefit became active in mid-March. The latest memo, called “COVID-19 and deferral of adjudication on an EI Emergency Response Benefit claim,” deals in part with applications from individuals whose records or claim indicates they quit or were fired. “When the agent determines the client qualifies for an EI Emergency Response Benefit claim, adjudication is deferred on all contentious issues,” the guidelines indicate. “Should a disentitlement be imposed for out of Canada on EI Emergency Response Benefit claims,” it asks. Clients with an EI Emergency Response Benefit claim have the ability to complete an Out of Canada/area questionnaire.

Source: National Post May 14, 2020 10:03 UTC