Many New Brunswickers hurrying to get their applications in for the one time $900 benefit being administered by the Red Cross are discovering the only way left to apply is by phone and those lines are quite busy.

Dan Bedell from Red Cross NB says  “We’re aware of a call volume surge with the approaching deadline that has caused some calls to either not get through or disconnect while waiting to speak with an agent. More lines and staff are being added to expand capacity.”

*Online applications are no longer available for this.

To expedite the process and better determine your eligibility for the program, registration will now be done by telephone with a Canadian Red Cross agent.

Please apply by telephone, by speaking with a Canadian Red Cross agent at 1-800-863-6582 (from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., 7 days a week). Applications will close at 8pm on Thursday, April 9.