# Government Still Seeking Billions in Unpaid COVID Benefits | Calgary News

Page: https://stenobird.com/podcast/calgary-news-today-2-min-news-the-daily-news-now-7599267/government-still-seeking-billions-in-unpaid-covid-benefits-calgary-news
Text version: https://stenobird.com/podcast/calgary-news-today-2-min-news-the-daily-news-now-7599267/government-still-seeking-billions-in-unpaid-covid-benefits-calgary-news.md
Podcast: [Calgary News Today | 2 Min News | The Daily News Now!](https://stenobird.com/podcast/calgary-news-today-2-min-news-the-daily-news-now-7599267)
Published: 2026-09-19T03:16:18+00:00
Episode link: https://sources.thednn.ai/12dbed795a991e1f
Audio file: https://api.fastcast.ai/audio/cd80ec6d-6708-4075-a820-24b16ea14295.mp3
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Duration seconds: 103

## Resource

The government is still chasing nearly $5.56 billion from Canadians who received pandemic benefits they weren’t eligible for — a steep drop from over $10 billion last November. Most of the money came from CERB and CRB, but strict eligibility rules meant some recipients didn’t qualify. Since repayments began in 2022, $3.67 billion has been returned, leaving $2.91 billion from CERB and $1.81 billion from CRB still outstanding. The CRA says the total fluctuates due to eligibility changes and write-offs — though even written-off debts can be pursued later. While they’ll take legal action against those who can pay but won’t, they’re also offering flexible, interest-free payment plans to help people resolve their debts on a case-by-case basis. Listen in comfort: Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN: advertise@thednn.ai This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting. Sources: https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/cra-cerb-crb-debt-benefit-clawbacks-9.7349986 More coverage & latest updates: https://sources.thednn.ai/12dbed795a991e1f Report issues to feedback@thednn.ai.

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