2. Send in your request
Question & Answer
The CRA says I must pay back the COVID-19 benefit. What can I do?You can send your letter and documents using your My Account with the (CRA). Click the “submit documents” link on the left-hand side of the screen and follow the instructions.
You must include a reference number with your documents. This number should be on the letter the CRA sent to you. You can call the CRA if you cannot find it.
You can also fax your letter and documents. But it may take up to 2 weeks for the CRA to see documents you send by fax.
Get a response from the CRA
It can take several months to get a response.
If the CRA decides you did qualify for the benefit, you do not have to pay it back.
If you did not qualify to get the benefit, the CRA will not get rid of your debt. But you may other options if:
- you cannot pay it back, or
- paying it back would cause you financial hardship.
Read more in Steps 4 and 5.
