Everything You Need to Know About the CESB

Just a few short months ago, you were likely excited to welcome the warm summer months. You probably had some potential summer jobs in mind and were ready to start saving up for next semester. Then everything changed, and all your plans got kyboshed, including most job opportunities around the country. If this sounds like you, there’s a silver lining. You are now eligible to apply for the Canada Emergency Student Benefit (CESB). This benefit provides emergency financial relief to Canadian students who are unable to find work or whose employment offers have been rescinded due to coronavirus (COVID-19). As of May 15th, 2020, eligible high school and post-secondary graduates can apply for the monthly benefit. Here are the details.

Who is eligible for the CESB?

The Government of Canada website lists a series of requirements necessary before applying for the CESB. In addition to the below requirements, if you are able to work, you must be actively job-seeking to be eligible to receive the CESB. If you still cannot find work due to COVID-19, you can re-apply for each CESB period that you are eligible for. Requirements for the CESB:

• You are a Canadian Citizen, registered Indian, permanent resident or protected person*
• You are studying in Canada or abroad
• You did not apply, receive, nor qualify, for the CERB or EI benefits for the same eligibility period.

One of the below requirements applies to you:

• 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 below requirements applies to you:

• 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

* An individual who is recognized by the Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada (IRB) and Immigration Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) as a person in need of protection.NOTE:You cannot apply for the CESB if you already applied for the CERB or EI. Please review the full list of requirements to apply for the CESB on the Government of Canada website.

How to apply for the CESB?

1. To apply to either benefit, visit the My Account page on the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) website. If you do not have a CRA My Account, you can register for one here.
2. Once you qualify, funds will either be mailed to you or deposited directly into your bank account. The funds will be sent from the CRA.

You can also apply by phone. For more information on how to apply, visit the Government of Canada website.

What is the deadline for the CESB?

Dates and stipulations around application timelines will vary depending on whether you’re a post-secondary student or graduating high school. In general, the eligibility period lasts four weeks with specific start and end dates. When you apply, you will receive a payment for the specific eligibility period you applied for. You can only apply for one eligibility period at a time. If your situation continues, you must re-apply for another 4-week eligibility period. Visit the Government of Canada website for the full list of dates and requirements for CESB eligibility, depending on your circumstance.