Canada Emergency Student Benefit (CESB) Application Process

Application process to begin May 15 at 6:00 AM ET. Details on the Application process have now been released. The CESB Enquiries phone line is 1-833-966-2099.

The CESB isintended to 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.

This benefit is for students who do 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

or

$2,000
For each 4-week period, if you have dependants or a disability

For more information, click on one of the following:

Of note:

  • Dependant definition:

    • a child (adopted child, stepchild, or foster child) who is under 12 years old and is completely dependent on the student, student’s spouse, or common-law partner for support, care, and upbringing

    • a person with a disability who is completely dependent on the student, student’s spouse, or common-law partner for support, care, and upbringing

  • Disability definition: Any impairment, including a physical, mental, intellectual, cognitive, learning, communication or sensory impairment — or a functional limitation — whether permanent or episodic in nature, or evident or not, that, in interaction with a barrier, hinders a person’s full and equal participation in society.

  • Application days will be spread out like they were for CERB. They are based on birth month and whether the applicant is a recent graduate, or a post-secondary student.

  • To apply/re-apply for the CESB, one of the following must still apply:

    • 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

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