On April 29, the federal government approved $9 billion in emergency financial aid for post-secondary students and recent graduates to help offset the loss of expected income over the summer due the economic fallout of COVID-19. The main component of this aid package is the Canadian Emergency Student Benefit (CESB).
Students can apply for this benefit beginning on Friday, May 15.
For four months, from May to August 2020, the CESB will provide $1,250 per month for eligible students or $2,000 per month for eligible students with dependents or disabilities. This benefit is for students who do not qualify for the Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB) or Employment Insurance (EI).
TO APPLY FOR THE CESB, click here.
*NOTE* – You must reapply every 4 weeks to determine whether you still qualify
In addition, the federal government has proposed other steps to assist students over the summer and into the next academic year:
- Expanding existing federal employment, skills development, and youth programming to create up to 116,000 jobs, placements, and other training opportunities to help students find employment and develop valuable skills this summer and over the coming months.
- Doubling the Canada Student Grants for all eligible full-time students to up to $6,000 and up to $3,600 for part-time students in 2020-21. The Canada Student Grants for Students with Permanent Disabilities and Students with Dependents would also be doubled.
- Broadening eligibility for student financial assistance by removing the expected student’s and spouse’s contributions in 2020-21.
- Raising the maximum weekly amount that can be provided to a student in 2020-21 from $210 to $350.
We will continue to keep students updated as more details become available.
For more information on the Government of Canada’s COVID-19 Economic Response Plan, see here.
