Uh-Oh! The $14,000 CERB Is Ending: Now What?

CERB is ending 10 days from now, but the EI system and three new recovery benefits will take over. Meanwhile, the Bank of Nova Scotia stock is a profitable investment, even if the capital is only $14,000.

| More on:

The $14,000 Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB) is officially over soon. Millions of CERB recipients still struggling from the pandemic are troubled. The lifeline that ran for 28 weeks is not coming back. What will Canadians in need do next?

The flagship COVID-19 program cost more than $69 billion but was highly successful. About 8.6 million people received the pandemic money during the emergency period. As the country moves to the recovery phase, Employment Minister Carla Qualtrough expects over four million people to apply for the CERB replacement.

Simplified EI and CRB

Canada is again acting decisively to support its people while the economy is restarting. The federal government will transition as many as possible to a simplified Employment Insurance (EI) program. To access the EI benefits, all you need is to have 120 hours of work instead of 400 to 700 hours.

The minimum benefit rate per week is $400 and up to 26 weeks of regular benefits. The weekly amount will reduce the negative impact on EI benefit rates for workers and aligns with the amount in the new Canada Recovery Benefit (CRB).

If you don’t qualify for EI, the CRB is for you. This taxable benefit is effective for one year beginning on September 27, 2020. As mentioned, the weekly benefit amount is $400 for up to 26 weeks. Self-employed individuals and gig workers are the likely recipients.

Sickness and caregiving benefits

The new Canada Recovery Sickness Benefit (CRSB) would provide $500 weekly for up to two weeks, if you’re unable to work because of sickness. You can also claim the benefit if you need to self-isolate due to COVID-19.

If you can’t work because you need to provide care to children or support other dependents at home, the Canada Recovery Caregiver Benefit (CRCB) is for you. The weekly benefit is $500 for up to 26 weeks. However, only per household can be eligible to claim the benefit. Both the CRSB and CRCB is effective for one year only.

How valuable is CERB?

The total CERB is a significant amount and enough as seed capital for investment. If you have $14,000 in free money, you can grow it through the power of dividends. Bank of Nova Scotia (TSX:BNS)(NYSE:BNS) is a smart buy today for two reasons: bargain price and high dividend yield.

Scotiabank is trading at $55.53 per share or 20.7% cheaper than it was on December 31, 2019. The dividend offer is an incredible 6.51%. Your $14,000 will generate a quarterly income of $227.85. In 10 years, your capital will swell to $26,304.61. Because the bank’s dividend track record is 188 years, you can own it for more than a century.

In the recovery phase, Scotiabank will not see a sharp increase in impaired loans. According to the bank’s CEO Brian Porter, 99% of its mortgage borrowers with expired payment deferrals are current or up to date in payments. Its deferral exposure is down to Scotiabank $39 billion as of July 31, 2020.

Smooth transition

We’ll be bidding CERB goodbye, but the benefits will continue. Canadians are hoping the transition to EI, and the recovery benefits are smooth and problem free.

This article represents the opinion of the writer, who may disagree with the “official” recommendation position of a Motley Fool premium service or advisor. We’re Motley! Questioning an investing thesis — even one of our own — helps us all think critically about investing and make decisions that help us become smarter, happier, and richer, so we sometimes publish articles that may not be in line with recommendations, rankings or other content.

Fool contributor Christopher Liew has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool recommends BANK OF NOVA SCOTIA.

More on Dividend Stocks

TFSA (Tax-Free Savings Account) on wooden blocks and Canadian one hundred dollar bills.
Dividend Stocks

Where to Invest Your $7,000 TFSA Contribution

The TFSA is attractive for investors who want to generate tax-free passive income.

Read more »

The TFSA is a powerful savings vehicle for Canadians who are saving for retirement.
Dividend Stocks

TFSA Investors: 3 Dividend Stocks Worth Holding Forever

These TSX stocks have the potential to grow their dividends over the next decade, making them top investments for TFSA…

Read more »

Tractor spraying a field of wheat
Dividend Stocks

Is Nutrien Stock a Buy for its Dividend Yield?

Nutrien is down more than 50% form the 2022 highs. Is NTR stock now oversold?

Read more »

golden sunset in crude oil refinery with pipeline system
Dividend Stocks

Best Stock to Buy Right Now: Enbridge vs TC Energy?

Enbridge and TC Energy rebounded nicely over the past year. Are more gains on the way?

Read more »

Electricity transmission towers with orange glowing wires against night sky
Dividend Stocks

2 Utility Stocks That Are Smart Buys for Canadians in November

Are you looking for some of the smart buys to consider in November? These utility stocks offer growth and a…

Read more »

View of high rise corporate buildings in the financial district of Toronto, Canada
Dividend Stocks

Is Power Corporation of Canada Stock a Buy for its 5% Dividend Yield?

Is Power Corporation of Canada (TSX:POW) stock's 5% dividend yield worth it? Discover why this resilient stock could be a…

Read more »

hand stacks coins
Dividend Stocks

Here Are My Top 3 Dividend Stocks to Buy Now

These three dividend stocks are ideal for strengthening your portfolio and earning a stable passive income.

Read more »

man touches brain to show a good idea
Dividend Stocks

3 No-Brainer REIT Stocks to Buy Right Now for Less Than $200

REITs have long been touted as some of the best dividend stocks out there if you want recurring, strong income.…

Read more »