I guess it was a catch 22. Verify eligibility in advance but slow emergency payments down for those that desperately need it or verify later and claw back when filing tax return if ineligible.

“If you’re applying for CERB right now … you’re probably spending every dollar you receive,” she said. She advises that recipients put some extra money away when they do regain employment, so they are able to pay a potentially higher tax bill.”

https://www.thestar.com/business/2020/04/09/all-emergency-benefit-applicants-will-receive-payments-star-learns-whether-they-actually-qualify-or-not.html