Who can apply
If you are able to work, you must be actively looking for work to be eligible to receive the CESB. If you still cannot find work due to COVID-19, you can re-apply for each CESB eligibility period that you are eligible for.
You cannot apply for the CESB if you already applied for the CERB or EI
If you have already applied, or are receiving support from the Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB) or Employment Insurance (EI) you are not eligible to apply for the CESB.
Eligibility
Check these boxes to see if you are eligible for the CESB:
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Who is considered a protected person
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.
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Recognized post-secondary educational institutions
- courses taken at a university or college level, or secondary level vocational training in Quebec
- educational institutions listed on:
- Master List of designated educational institutions
- Master List of certified educational institutions
- Quebec’s directory of educational institutions and programs (universities, colleges, and secondary level vocational training)
- Indigenous institutions recognized by their province
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- Current and final eligibility period: August 2 to August 29, 2020
Eligibility conditions for the benefit top-up
If you meet all of the conditions above, you may also be eligible for an extra $750 for each 4-week period.
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What is considered a disability
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.
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Who can be claimed as a dependant
- 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
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Verifying your eligibility
The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) will verify your eligibility to receive the CESB after you have applied. You may receive a notice from the CRA asking you to contact the CRA to validate your application. This is needed to verify your information and process your application.
In cases where claimants have received a payment and are later found to be ineligible, they will be contacted to make arrangements to repay any applicable amounts. Canadians can also report suspected CESB misuse through the CRA’s Leads program.
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