The Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB) helped many locals get through tough times. But some people are now getting a notice asking to pay it back.

CERB supported 8 million Canadians by providing direct payments of $2,000 during the pandemic and has since closed.

If you received advanced CERB payments and then went back to work without stopping or notifying Service Canada or CRA (whoever you applied through), as of Nov. 25, they are now reaching out to some recipients for repayment.

“The CRA must ensure that the CERB is kept only by people who were eligible. Payments made to anyone who is later found to be ineligible will need to be returned.” An excerpt on Canada Revenue Agency’s website explains. “Individuals who made a mistake when applying, received multiple payments for the same period, or received payments they did not apply for should begin the process to repay the CERB.” 

If you are unsure and worrying you might be getting a notice soon, Service Canada has launched an online quiz to help answer the most asked questions.

quizPhoto - Goverment of Canada

If the quick quiz does not provide the answers you are looking for, you're encouraged to contact either CRA or Service Canada.