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. The benefit provides a payment of $1,250 for each 4-week period from May to August 2020. You may be able to get an extra $750 for each 4-week period, if you have a disability or you are taking care of a dependent.

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

• You did not apply, receive, nor qualify, for the CERB or EI benefits for the same eligibility period
• You are one of the following:
  • Canadian citizen
  • registered Indian
  • permanent resident
  • protected person
• You are studying in Canada or abroad
• One of the following applies:
  • you are enrolled in a post-secondary educational program (at least 12 weeks in duration) that leads to a degree, diploma, or certificate from a recognized po
  • you completed or ended your post-secondary studies in December 2019 or later
  • you completed or expect to complete high school, or received, or expect to receive your high school equivalency in 2020, and have applied for a post-secondary educational program that starts before February 1, 2021
• One of the following applies:
  • 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

• Current eligibility period: May 10 to June 6, 2020
• Next eligibility period: June 7 to July 4, 2020

GET READY TO APPLY

1. You must confirm that you are registered with the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA)
   • You will be registered with the CRA if you’ve filed your taxes before in Canad.
   • If you’ve never filed your taxes before, this means you are not registered and you must call 1-800-959-8281 to register your Social Insurance Number (SIN) with the CRA.
   • You will not be able to apply for the CESB or set up direct deposit until you are registered with the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA).
2. Set up direct deposit with the CRA. 
   • To set up or modify your direct deposit information with CRA:
     • Sign into your CRA My Account(opens in new window) and update your direct deposit information OR
     • Have your financial institution securely update your direct deposit information with the CRA, you may do this either online or over the phone with your financial institution
   • If you prefer to receive the CESB by cheque, your mailing address must be up to date:
     • Online: Confirm it’s up to date in your CRA My Account(opens in new window) under “Personal profile”
     • By phone: Call 1-800-959-8281 (wait times are longer than usual)

Reminder: Direct deposit payments take 3 business days. A cheque takes about 10 business days.

HOW TO APPLY

You may find out more information of when to apply and how to apply here.

If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate in contacting our office at (519)-663-9777.