The online portal for the Canada Emergency Student Benefit (CESB) is open and accepting applications, as of Friday May 15.
Post-secondary students and recent graduates across Canada are now able to apply through the Canada Revenue Agency website to receive the federal government financial aid.
The CESB will provide students with a monthly payment of $1,250 per month, running from May through August.
For any students with dependants or a disability, that monthly payment increases to $2,000 per month.
The benefit is part of a $9 billion support package for students who have experienced economic difficulties due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The CESB targets recent grads, current post-secondary students and individuals starting post-secondary, who are not eligible for the Canada Emergency Response Benefit or any other federal government aid programs.
“The priority of our government during this COVID-19 pandemic is to provide support quickly to those who need it most. Canada’s students face a unique set of challenges, and the legislation introduced today brings us one big step closer to helping them. The Canada Emergency Student Benefit would help approximately one million eligible students pay their bills and stay connected to the labour market,” said Carla Qualtrough, Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Disability Inclusion
In order for students to apply online they can either sign in with your Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) account or you can call a toll free number at 1-800-959-2019 or 1-800-959-2041. The application will require a social insurance number and postal code.
Students will be applying for a 4-week eligibility period and, if aid is still necessary when that period ends, you must re-apply, according to the government.
Eligibility periods for post-secondary students:
- May 10 to June 6, 2020
- June 7 to July 4, 2020
- July 5 to August 1, 2020
- August 2 to August 29, 2020
Both direct deposit and cheque options are available.
Applications must be submitted before September 30, 2020.
In CESB is part of a $9 billion emergency aid package from the government, geared towards helping students who have been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic and do not qualify for the Canada Emergency Response Benefit. Along with the monthly benefit, the government is investing $291 million towards student researchers to allow for the extension of scholarships, fellowships and grants. It also includes the Canada Student Service Grant for anyone volunteering as opposed to working, which will provide those eligible with funding between $1000 to $5000, depending on hours.
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