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# Canada Emergency Response Benefit to be exempted from Yukon Social Assistance

Yukoners receiving Social Assistance benefits will not experience a reduction if they receive the Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB).

Currently, under Yukon’s Social Assistance Regulation the CERB would qualify as unearned income and result in a reduction in the total amount of Social Assistance benefits. Forthcoming changes under the Civil Emergency Measures Act will fully exempt CERB payments from April to June 2020.

Additional support is also available for Yukoners receiving Social Assistance benefits who are waiting to receive their CERB payments. Individuals in need of emergency financial support are encouraged to contact Income Support Services at 867-667-5674 or by email at incomesupport@yukon.ca. Income Support workers are available to ensure the needs of individuals are met throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.

> It is important that Yukoners are not placed in financial hardship as we respond to the COVID-19 pandemic. These changes, which align with recommendations from the Government of Canada, will make Yukon one of just two jurisdictions in Canada to fully exempt CERB payments from Social Assistance benefits.

Quick facts

- The Government of Canada recommends that the provinces and territories work to ensure that Canadians who are receiving CERB payments are not penalized by seeing a reduction in overall benefits.

Media contact

Matthew Cameron
Cabinet Communications
867-393-7136
matthew.cameron@yukon.ca

Pat Living
Communications, Health and Social Services
867-335-1531
patricia.living@yukon.ca

News release #:
20-113