Application for Canada Emergency Student Benefit Open Now!

The application for the Canada Emergency Student Benefit (CESB) is open on May 15, 2020. It provides financial support to post-secondary students, and recent post-secondary and high school graduates who are unable to find work due to COVID-19. Students who apply must not qualify for the Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB) or Employment Insurance (EI).

From May to August 2020, the CESB provides a payment to eligible students of $1,250 for each 4-week period.You may be able to get an extra $750 for each 4-week period, if you meet at least one of the following requirements you have a disability as defined for this benefit or you have at least one child under the age of 12 or other dependants.

Here are the eligibility requirements:

• You did not apply, receive, nor qualify, for the CERB or EI benefits for the same eligibility period
• You are one of the following:
  • Canadian citizen
  • registered Indian
  • permanent resident
  • protected person
• You are studying in Canada or abroad
• One of the following applies:
  • you are enrolled in a post-secondary educational program (at least 12 weeks in duration) that leads to a degree, diploma, or certificate
  • you completed or ended your post-secondary studies in December 2019 or later
  • you completed or expect to complete high school, or received, or expect to receive your high school equivalency in 2020, and have applied for a post-secondary educational program that starts before February 1, 2021
• One of the following applies:
  • you are unable to work due to COVID-19
  • you are looking for, but cannot find work due to COVID-19
  • you are currently working during the COVID-19 pandemic, but your income from employment and self-employment has been $1,000 or less (before taxes) during the 4-week period you are applying for
    • Current eligibility period: May 10 to June 6, 2020
    • Next eligibility period: June 7 to July 4, 2020

If you would like more information or would like to apply, please visit https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/services/benefits/emergency-student-benefit/cesb-how-apply.html