Financial relief

We want to do everything we can to help. Meridian has a variety of solutions to meet your unique needs, including payment deferrals, direct deposit for CRA payments, and expert advice to help you manage your finances during this challenging time.

Please reach out to your advisor directly, call our Contact Centre at 1-866-592-2226, or contact your local branch so we can help customize a solution for you.

If you’re having trouble making a payment on your mortgage or loan, we’re here to help. We can tailor a solution to your individual circumstances, and one possible approach is skipping a payment. You can request to skip a payment online, through your mortgage or loan payment options, or by calling our Contact Centre at 1-866-592-2226.

How it works

You can skip one month’s mortgage payment once every 12 months with no penalty. If you have already skipped a payment due to COVID-19, you are still eligible for up to a total of 6 skipped payments - if they are related to COVID-19.

When you skip a payment, you are only deferring the payment, not subtracting it from the total you owe. Instead, you make an additional payment later. The interest continues to accrue but will not be added to the outstanding principal balance. This means that you won’t be charged interest on interest.

Is this for you?

Skipping a payment is a great option to have for your peace of mind. Remember, though, paying off your debt is always going to be better for your finances overall, so if you can make your current mortgage or loan payment, you should. Our skip-a-payment feature is intended to help you if you are incapable of making a payment due to financial difficulties arising from a crisis or emergency.

Eligibility

You are eligible to skip a payment as long as:

• Your mortgage or loan is currently in good standing.

• There is more than 60 days until your mortgage or loan maturity date.

• Interest-only construction mortgages are not eligible for skip-a-payment.

 

Frequently asked questions about skipping a mortgage or loan payment

By setting up Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) direct deposit online, you can get the money you need faster. If you have a Meridian chequing or savings account you can submit an online request for CRA direct deposit and the CRA will put the benefit right into your account.

How it works

It’s easy to get started. Just sign in to online banking, and from the Account Summary screen, select the link that says "CRA Direct Deposit". Alternatively, you can find the option under 'Settings’ or via the "Set up a Direct Deposit" option located in the "Select an Action" menu from any Chequing or Savings account. Once you sign up for direct deposit it takes about 3 to 5 business days to complete the request.

How to set up direct deposit for CRA benefits

Is this for you?

Direct deposit is a great option for you if you’re receiving any of the following refunds, credits, or benefits:

• Canada Emergency Response Benefit

• Canada Emergency Student Benefit

• Income tax refund

• Goods and services tax / Harmonized sales tax (GST/HST) credit

• Canada child benefit

• Canada workers benefit

• Ontario trillium benefit

Eligibility

You can sign up online for direct deposit CRA payments if:

• You have a chequing or savings account with Meridian

• You have filed at least one income tax return

• Your account has been opened for more than 90 days

If you don’t meet these criteria you can still register for direct deposit by contacting CRA directly or using their My Account application. For more information, visit the CRA website.

Repaying CERB payments

If you applied for CERB and are either no longer eligible, or applied multiple times for the same period, you may have to return the CERB payments. For details on how to repay it visit the CRA website

 

Frequently asked questions about CRA payments