[News](https://www.payments.ca/insights/news-research?field_article_type=24)

# Canada’s Emergency Response Benefit: bringing Canadians safe and secure payments during a time of crisis



April 3, 2020

Financial institutions have quickly and effectively responded to the Government of Canada’s request to provide a convenient and secure way for Canadians to receive funds from the Emergency Response Benefits (CERB) Plan, to assist Canadians as they navigate through this challenging time.

Financial institutions are providing the option for Canadians to enroll online in CRA Direct Deposit. Payments Canada has supported this initiative, playing a facilitation role for regulators and our [member financial institutions](https://www.payments.ca/about/our-members-stakeholders/members).

The ability to enroll electronically to receive government payments directly into a bank account simplifies a complex process, and supports the faster and more secure delivery of government payments for Canadians.

Payments Canada acknowledges the significant effort by the ecosystem to deliver this online registration capability in record time - less than two weeks - to support the fast, safe, secure deposit of emergency benefits for Canadians.

Enrolment for CRA Direct Deposit is available as of April 3, 2020.

For further information please, visit [Canada.ca/cra-direct-deposit](https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/services/about-canada-revenue-agency-cra/direct-deposit.html?utm_campaign=not-applicable&utm_medium=vanity-url&utm_source=canada-ca_cra-direct-deposit) or the website of your financial institution.



 

[Return to newsroom](https://www.payments.ca/insights/news-research)

## Keep reading



 [ ![placeholder.png](/sites/default/files/styles/article/public/placeholder.png?h=5dafd208&itok=qKDbzxAp)

News

October 1, 2026

### Payments Canada welcomes six new members as expanded membership...



 

 Twenty-two new members have joined since 2025 regulatory changes — a necessary step for those seeking access to critical national payment infrastructure, including the forthcoming Real-Time Rail... 

 ](https://www.payments.ca/payments-canada-welcomes-six-new-members-expanded-membership-eligibility-reaches-one-year-milestone)[Learn more](https://www.payments.ca/payments-canada-welcomes-six-new-members-expanded-membership-eligibility-reaches-one-year-milestone)



 

 [ ![placeholder.png](/sites/default/files/styles/article/public/placeholder.png?h=5dafd208&itok=qKDbzxAp)

News

September 25, 2026

### Payments Canada names Stephan Orzechowski as Vice President...



 

 Payments Canada is pleased to announce the appointment of Stephan Orzechowski as Vice President, Strategic Partnerships and Business Transformation. Stephan will lead strategic vendor partnerships... 

 ](https://www.payments.ca/payments-canada-names-stephan-orzechowski-vice-president-strategic-partnerships-and-business)[Learn more](https://www.payments.ca/payments-canada-names-stephan-orzechowski-vice-president-strategic-partnerships-and-business)



 

 [ ![placeholder.png](/sites/default/files/styles/article/public/placeholder.png?h=5dafd208&itok=qKDbzxAp)

News

July 27, 2026

### ACSS rule changes enhance payment system processes



 

 Updates provide expanded definitions and process efficiency Payments Canada has implemented a series of administrative and operational amendments to the Automated Clearing Settlement System (ACSS)... 

 ](https://www.payments.ca/acss-rule-changes-enhance-payment-system-processes)[Learn more](https://www.payments.ca/acss-rule-changes-enhance-payment-system-processes)