U-of-L Students Union building -- LNN

By Connor Gunn

Canada Emergency Student Benefit applications open on May 15

May 13, 2020 | 3:53 PM

OTTAWA, ONT. — COVID-19 is on a destructive path and not being able to receive any benefits can be challenging.

Many students across Canada that don’t qualify for the Canada Emergency Relief Benefit (CERB) or EI will be able to apply for the CESB starting Friday March 15.

As part of the COVID-19 Economic Response Plan, the Government of Canada is providing direct support to students and recent graduates who will face a completely different job market for the upcoming summer.

The Canada Emergency Student Benefit, (CESB) will be available from May to August of 2020 for students that meet the requirements which includes being a Canadian citizen or permanent resident and being enrolled in a post-secondary education program leading to a degree, diploma, or certificate.

Carla Qualtrough, Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Disability Inclusion says it’s important for students to get any sort of relief.

“During these unprecedented times, summer jobs are more scarce, leaving post-secondary students worried about making ends meet. Through the Canada Emergency Student Benefit, the Government of Canada is providing students with the support they need to keep a roof over their heads. When Canada emerges from this pandemic, we want to ensure students are in a financial position to continue their studies so they can pursue fruitful careers.”

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Qualtrough says the Government of Canada remains fully committed to supporting all Canadians during this global pandemic and the Government will continue to carefully consider any additional steps it can take to do just that.

To get ready to apply, the CRA is encouraging eligible students to take three easy steps:

1. Create a profile with the CRA by calling 1-800-959-8281 (for students who have never filed a tax return)
2. Register for a CRA My Account as it is the fastest and easiest way to complete an application
3. Enroll in Direct Deposit to have CESB payments deposited directly into their bank accounts. Financial institutions across the country are also allowing Canadians to sign up for CRA Direct Deposit through their bank portals in a few easy steps.