The Canada Revenue Agency says it is still trying to recover more than $10 billion in COVID-19 benefit payments made during the pandemic.
This includes billions related to the Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB) and other programs, after later review found some recipients were not eligible, or received overpayments.
As of December 2025, close to 1.4 million people have repaid about $3.3 billion, but hundreds of thousands more are being contacted about debts they may owe.
In some cases, the agency has taken steps such as withholding tax refunds and other credits to recoup amounts owed.
Since these recovery efforts began, there have been numerous reports of Canadians facing substantial repayment demands.
In one recent case, an Alberta couple says they were told to repay roughly $33,000 in COVID-19 benefits - a sum they say they can’t afford after relying on the funds when hours and income were reduced during the pandemic.
Other stories include an Ottawa-area hairstylist who was demanded to pay back $17,000 after she applied to CERB in light of public health restrictions that forced her to stop working.
Meanwhile, a New Brunswick man took a leave of absence from his job as a travel consultant to stay at home with his 10-year-old son. Five years later, the CRA is demanding he make an immediate payment of $13,000.
CTVNews.ca wants to hear from you.
Were you contacted by the CRA about owing money for CERB or other COVID-19 benefits? How much are you being asked to repay? Have you already paid it or are you still in dispute with the CRA?
Did you receive a letter or notice years after you applied? Has CRA repayment demands affected your financial situation (tax refunds withheld, legal actions, etc.)?
Share your story by emailing us at dotcom@bellmedia.ca with your name, general location and phone number in case we want to follow up. Your comments may be used in a CTVNews.ca story.
