The Government of Canada will not reach out by text or email to ask you to apply for the Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB). Nor will the Government notify you by text or email that you have received a CERB payment.
There are only 2 ways to apply for the CERB:
- online at Coronavirus disease (COVID-19), or
- by phone at 1-833-966-2099, for those who do not have Internet access
When in doubt, contact 1 800 O-Canada (1-800-622-6232) and ask them to verify the validity of any communication you have received (including government websites).
