Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy (CEWS)
How to apply
You must submit a separate application for each CEWS claim period you are eligible for.
Current claim periods open for application:
- March 15 to April 11 (period 1)
- April 12 to May 9 (period 2)
- May 10 to June 6 (period 3)
- June 7 to July 4 (period 4)
On this page
Before you apply
- Make sure your business details and direct deposit information for your payroll accounts (RP) are up to date. This will ensure that any payments to you will be processed quickly and easily. The CRA may contact you by phone to confirm your information. Learn more about what to expect when the CRA phones you.
Register your payroll accounts for direct deposit
Sign in to your My Business Account to update your direct deposit information.
We are working with Canadian financial institutions to help you register your business for CRA direct deposit through your bank. This service is available with some banks now, with others offering the service soon.
These financial institutions can securely update your direct deposit information with the CRA:
- You need to calculate the estimated subsidy for your business.
- If you are expecting a payment of $25 million or more, you will have to get your payment through the large value transfer system (LVTS). Learn more: LVTS registration process.
Apply online
You must submit a separate application for each CEWS claim period you are eligible for.
The subsidy will be processed at the payroll program (RP) account level, so you will have to file a separate application for each RP account.
Read the Privacy Statement
Privacy Notice for the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy
When you apply for the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy (CEWS), your information is collected under the authority of the Income Tax Act as part of the Government of Canada’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The personal information bank CRA PPU 120 in Info Source is being updated to reflect this program.
The information you provide will be used for the purpose of (i) administering your application, and could be used for (ii) issuing a payment to your business, (iii) verifying that your business meets the program’s eligibility requirements, and (iv) to collect any overpayments or erroneous payments that may have been issued. Failure to provide information will affect consideration for the subsidy. Providing false information may lead to penalties and other serious consequences.
Please note that to process your application we will need to access information in your tax file. Information regarding your participation in the program may be disclosed to the public in accordance with the Income Tax Act.
Under the Privacy Act, you have a right of protection, access to and correction of your personal information and to file a complaint with the Privacy Commissioner of Canada regarding our handling of your information.
For an in-depth understanding of the online application requirements and input fields, refer to: CEWS application guide
There are three ways to apply:
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Most businesses may apply using My Business Account
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Business representatives may apply using Represent a Client
Note: Only representatives authorized at Level 2 or 3 will be able to applyDownload: Attestation for owner/managers and/or senior employees
If you are completing the application as a representative of an employer, you are required to have the owner (or person who is financially responsible) complete and sign an attestation form. Keep this signed form in case we ask you to submit it in the future.
Download:
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If neither are an option for you, use the Web Forms application with your web access code. If you need to, you can get a new web access code or find one you lost.
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