Knowing the CERB application dates by month is certainly important if you plan to continue reapplying for the federal benefit payment over the next few months.

And considering the fact that millions of Canadians applied for the assistance the first time around, it's safe to say many will be receiving the income for weeks to come as the COVID-19 pandemic forces non-essential businesses to remain closed.

The Canadian Emergency Response Benefit opened to Canadians on April 6, and anyone eligible could apply for a $2,000 payment for a four-week period. 

Those who applied and signed up for direct deposit received their first payment in three days or less, and many were pleasantly surprised by the government's swift action to help those struggling due to the impacts of COVID-19.

And though the first application period was only about a week ago, residents can already sign up for the next eligibility period. 

Reminder! Born in July, August or September? You can now apply for the 2nd period of the #CERB (April 12th to May 9th). If you haven’t applied for the first period, you can still apply. Find out more ➡️ https://t.co/pjbcT0wn6p #COVID19 #CdnTax pic.twitter.com/HZha0JBFUK

— Canada Revenue Agency (@CanRevAgency) April 15, 2020

The first four-week cycle went from March 15 to April 11, meaning many received backdated cheques for that time period the first time they applied. 

The second period is between April 12 and May 9, the third is between May 10 and June 6, the next is between June 7 and July 4, then July 5 to August 1, August 2 to August 29 and August 30 to September 26. 

Still, Canadians are only eligible to receive payment for a maximum of 16 weeks (or four periods).

Application dates are divided by birth months in order to not overwhelm the system all at once, and those born between July and September are encouraged to apply today (or on Wednesdays in general) for the next cycle. 

ANSWER ➡️ Eligibility periods are fixed in 4-week periods. If your situation continues, you can re-apply for CERB for an additional 4-week period, to a maximum of 16 weeks (4 periods). See specific dates here: https://t.co/92SVbp222T (2/2) #CdnTax

— Canada Revenue Agency (@CanRevAgency) April 14, 2020

Those born between January and March are encouraged to apply on Mondays, those born between April and June are encouraged to apply on Tuesdays, anyone born between October and December should apply on Thursdays and people born in any month can apply on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. 

Canadians can apply for the benefit either online using the CRA My Account, or over the phone with an automated phone service. 

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced today that many Canadians who weren't previously eligible for the CERB will now be able to receive it upon application, so make sure to review the new requirements if you're struggling financially amid the COVID-19 pandemic.