CERB double payments and penalties – Global News

Global News reports that many Canadians are wondering what to do after receiving a potential double payment from the government during the first round of applications to the Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB) program.

The answer depends on the nature of those payments.

Individuals who applied twice for the CERB by mistake

Some individuals may have applied twice, and therefore received two payments of $2,000. The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) and Service Canada plan to contact those people who received extra funds through this avenue.

People who’ve mistakenly applied for CERB twice should set aside the $2,000 they received in overpayment and “be prepared to pay it back,” said Lior Samfiru, a Toronto employment lawyer and co-founder of Samfiru Tumarkin LLP.

Individuals who applied for the CERB but aren’t entitled to it

Samfiru said in recent days has heard “countless times” from Canadians who have erroneously applied for CERB believing the benefit is available to all.

Many are applying even if their income has not dropped to zero or they have voluntarily quit working, even if the benefit is only available to those who have no income and have lost the ability to work due to COVID-19, Samfiru said.

Much of the misunderstanding appears to stem from Canadians receiving incorrect advice from accountants and financial advisors.

Read the full article by Erica Alini on Global News.