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Renewing my SIN during the pandemic. Can I apply for CERB?

Angie1993

Newbie
Apr 11, 2020
4
0
Hi everyone,

I just got my new work permit on April 6th. My study permit expired on March 31st. After I received my new work permit, I started to apply for my SIN (which expired with my study permit.) Because of the chaotic situation now, I could only apply online... I applied through the SIN online service and I got an application number.... and that's it. No any update so far, nor have I heard anything from them yet.
The problem is, I was going to apply for CERB. I don't know can I still apply for it? or I have to wait for my SIN to be renewed?
 

canuck78

VIP Member
Jun 18, 2017
55,684
13,552
Hi everyone,

I just got my new work permit on April 6th. My study permit expired on March 31st. After I received my new work permit, I started to apply for my SIN (which expired with my study permit.) Because of the chaotic situation now, I could only apply online... I applied through the SIN online service and I got an application number.... and that's it. No any update so far, nor have I heard anything from them yet.
The problem is, I was going to apply for CERB. I don't know can I still apply for it? or I have to wait for my SIN to be renewed?
The old and new SINs are linked. Did you lose your job due to covid? Do you meet the other requirements like making 5k?
 

Angie1993

Newbie
Apr 11, 2020
4
0
The old and new SINs are linked. Did you lose your job due to covid? Do you meet the other requirements like making 5k?
Yes. I’ve checked the website and I believe I meet all the other requirements.
It’s just at this moment, I don’t know when my SIN will be officially renewed, and my old one has expired. Service Canada didn’t provide any further information after I applied. I don’t know if will that affect me applying for CERBo_O
 

canuck_in_uk

VIP Member
May 4, 2012
31,553
7,205
Visa Office......
London
App. Filed.......
06/12
Yes. I’ve checked the website and I believe I meet all the other requirements.
It’s just at this moment, I don’t know when my SIN will be officially renewed, and my old one has expired. Service Canada didn’t provide any further information after I applied. I don’t know if will that affect me applying for CERBo_O
Apply with the expired SIN. It is the authorization to work that is most important to qualify.
 

Ravkaur98

Newbie
Apr 14, 2020
5
1
Hello

Actually my sin was expired on 30th march and I applied for CERB on 9th April and I meet all the eligibilities. But I have a doubt expired sin affect CERB payment because I didn’t receive yet
 

Copingwithlife

VIP Member
Jul 29, 2018
4,494
2,264
Earth
Hello

Actually my sin was expired on 30th march and I applied for CERB on 9th April and I meet all the eligibilities. But I have a doubt expired sin affect CERB payment because I didn’t receive yet
Your SIN expiration Is typically linked to your work authorization. Do you hold a valid work permit ?
 

Copingwithlife

VIP Member
Jul 29, 2018
4,494
2,264
Earth
If your funds aren’t in your account today / tomorrow . Send a copy of your valid work permit and your SIN to :
Service Canada
PO Box 2602
Mississauga, ON
L4T 0B1

Otherwise anyone could put in a expired SIN from years ago and expect funds
And you had direct deposit , and or your current address on file ?
 

Angie1993

Newbie
Apr 11, 2020
4
0
I got a phonecall from Service Canada this morning. They said the only thing people can do now is to apply their SINs online or by mail, and because of this is a whole new system and they have a massive amount of applications to deal with, they don't know how long it's going to take... we can only wait. I assume it's a bit unfair to ask for a valid SIN to get the CERB at this point... because nobody knows how long it's going to take to renew it!
Has anybody received the CERB with an expired SIN?
 

Copingwithlife

VIP Member
Jul 29, 2018
4,494
2,264
Earth
I got a phonecall from Service Canada this morning. They said the only thing people can do now is to apply their SINs online or by mail, and because of this is a whole new system and they have a massive amount of applications to deal with, they don't know how long it's going to take... we can only wait. I assume it's a bit unfair to ask for a valid SIN to get the CERB at this point... because nobody knows how long it's going to take to renew it!
Has anybody received the CERB with an expired SIN?
No, it’s not unfair .Some countries are giving students temporary workers etc in their countries NO support during this time . So saying it’s unfair that Canada requires you to have a valid SIN to apply for this monetary benefit , is confusing to say the least. It’s extremely generous on Canada’s part
Have you reached out to your country to inquire about the possible assistance they could give their citizens abroad while you’re waiting ?
 
Last edited:

Angie1993

Newbie
Apr 11, 2020
4
0
No, it’s not unfair .Some countries are giving students temporary workers etc in their countries NO support during this time . So saying it’s unfair that Canada requires you to have a valid SIN to apply for this monetary benefit , is confusing to say the least. It’s extremely generous on Canada’s part
Have you reached out to your country to inquire about the possible assistance they could give their citizens abroad while you’re waiting ?
Thank you for your suggestions.
What I meant is if they strictly require the SIN at this point, it would become like some temporary workers get the funds and some don't simply because they can't walk into Service Canada and get their SIN within a day like it used to be before the pandemic. They might have the exact same immigration status and have paid the same amount of tax. This is the part I think kind of doesn't make sense. So I simply hope it's not going to end up that way.
 

Copingwithlife

VIP Member
Jul 29, 2018
4,494
2,264
Earth
Since the pandemic was a “unplanned “ global event , I’m sure many countries , not just Canada were creating policy on the fly . Example, CERB. This was created in a extraordinary short period of time , for the sole reason to ensure individuals received monies in the shortest period of time . If Canada went thru the normal steps in creating this program it would have taken MONTHS. However, there still has to be a few rules . A valid SIN being one of them . It’s listed as a requirement on the Government’s website. You’ll receive the funds, just not as fast as a PR/Citizen, and be supported during this period, more than if you were in other countries
Btw paying tax is a given in this country , it’s a price we pay to live here
 

canuck_in_uk

VIP Member
May 4, 2012
31,553
7,205
Visa Office......
London
App. Filed.......
06/12
Thank you for your suggestions.
What I meant is if they strictly require the SIN at this point, it would become like some temporary workers get the funds and some don't simply because they can't walk into Service Canada and get their SIN within a day like it used to be before the pandemic. They might have the exact same immigration status and have paid the same amount of tax. This is the part I think kind of doesn't make sense. So I simply hope it's not going to end up that way.
Given the fact that you dont even know if an expired SIN is an issue, it's a bit early to complain about it. CRA generally doesn't care if a SIN is valid; the employer can still remit your taxes, you can still file returns, get benefits/credits etc.