The federal government is expanding eligibility for the Canada Emergency Response Benefit.

This program was originally introduced to support those who lost all their income due to the COVID-19 pandemic and weren’t getting employment insurance.

However, they are now accepting people who earn up to $1,000 a month, are seasonal workers, and those who’ve already exhausted all of their EI benefits.

“We will do whatever it takes to protect the health and safety of Canadians while making sure that our workers and businesses are supported,” said Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.

This program will provide $2,000 a month, $500 a week, over the next four months.

People will receive their first payment within 10 days of applying. Canadians will also need to re-apply every four weeks.

“This is an extremely difficult time for all Canadians, and we need to make sure that essential workers have the support they need so they can continue to do the critical work we all rely on,” added Trudeau.

CERB will be available until October 3, 2020, and will be backdated to March 15, 2020.