In response to some questions we are receiving, we are providing you with some additional answers for your reference.
Q: What happens if I received more than one payment from CERB?
A: You may have mistakenly applied for the CERB twice. Don’t worry, they will contact you shortly. Any other combination of payments means you were paid accurately. Again, do not contact them, they will contact you. If you spend the extra payment, you may risk paying interest and penalties or it will be deducted from a future payment.
Q: Is the CERB payment taxed at source?
A: No, the amount you receive is not taxed at source like Employment Insurance is. You will pay tax on your annual income including any CERB payments you have received when you file your personal T1 income tax return for 2020 in 2021.
Q: What happens if I work some hours at my clinic for dental emergencies but I am receiving the CERB?
A: Anyone who had applied for EI prior to the CERB was automatically transitioned to the CERB as of March 15th. If you do work at a clinic for dental emergencies, you will need to report those earnings as you typically would through the Service Canada website bi-weekly reporting. You may be asked to pay back some of your CERB payment or your next CERB payment will be reduced. Remember, this is new for the government so they are trying to sort all of the scenarios out.
Q: Can I bank hours that I work or move them to another pay period?
A: No, all earnings must be recorded as they are worked or earned – no banking of time is permitted if you are receiving benefits from Employment Insurance or the Canada Emergency Response Benefit.
Also to note for everyone, in addition to our Employee Assistance Plan that we offer through our Group Benefits www.workhealthlife.com, that the government has opened up a new site for you to go to for your Mental Health and Well-Being.
Stay well, everyone!
Sandra Morrison, CPM, CPHR, SHRM-SCP
Vice President, Human Resources
smorrison@123dentist.com | Direct: 604-553-9007 ext. 129 | Cell: 604-808-9007
