If you lost your job or cannot work because of the COVID-19 pandemic, more help is on the way.

On Wednesday, the federal government passed a $107-billion emergency package , which included the new Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB) designed to support people economically impacted by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

The hard truth is people are out of work because of this crisis and worried about what comes next. So I want you to know that well be there to help you. Our government is doing everything we can to be there for you, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said.

The new benefit allows people to claim $2,000 a month for up to four months in emergency support. But how does it work? And do you qualify?

What is the Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB)?

The government previously announced two benefits in response to the pandemic. One was for those directly impacted by COVID-19 or caring for someone impacted by it, and one for people who lost their job as a result of the pandemic, but did not qualify for EI.

The Canada Emergency Response Benefit announced Wednesday is an amalgamation of those two benefits.

The benefit is $2,000 a month for up to four months, directly paid to Canadians impacted by COVID-19, whether you are not working because you are sick, or youve been laid off or lost work hours because of the pandemic.

Who qualifies?

The CERB covers Canadians who have lost their job, are sick, quarantined, or taking care of someone who is sick with COVID-19, as well as working parents who must stay home without pay to care for children because of school or daycare closures.

It also applies to anyone who was laid off and qualifies for EI. But unlike EI, it also applies to people who dont, such as freelancers, contractors and people still technically employed but no longer receiving income due to the pandemic.

To qualify, applicants must have had $5,000 in employment income, self-employment income, or maternity or parental leave benefits for 2019 or in the 12-month period preceding the day they make the application.

So basically, its designed to fill any gaps left by existing income support programs when it comes to people whove lost work because of COVID-19.