The Process

The actual process of applying for the CESB is very quick (about 3 minutes). However, the process of setting up a CRA My Account or filing your SIN, which is 100% necessary to apply, may take a few hours. I was on hold for 1.5 hours, but it depends on how busy the toll-free lines are. 

If you have filed a tax return:

  • You can register online through your CRA My Account or call 1-(800)-959-2019 or 1-(800)-959-2041.
    • You can login or register for your CRA My Account by using your CRA Login information; username and password, or by using one of their sign-in partners, such as CIBC, TD, etc.
      • When you’re applying you’ll be asked a series of simple questions, such as “Are you actively looking for jobs right now?”

Using a CRA Username and Password:

 

Using a Sign-In Partner:

  • If you call, you’ll be met with an automated voice message. It takes around 3 minutes to complete.
    1. Select your language preference: English or French.
    2. Press '2' to apply for the Canada Emergency Student Benefit (CESB).
    3. Follow the prompts to enter your information, including:
      • your SIN
      • confirmation of your postal code
      • the period you are applying for
    4. Declare that you qualify for the benefit.

Directions for Calling:

If you have never filed a tax return:

  • You will need to call 1-(800) 959-8281 to file your SIN number. You will not be able to apply to CESB or set up direct deposit until you call.
    1. Make sure you have these items before calling.
      1. Social Insurance Number (SIN)
      2. Full name and date of birth.
      3. Complete address.
      4. Assessed return, notice of assessment, or reassessment (aka a tax return).
  • Ask the CRA agent to apply for the CESB, or call 1-(800)-959-2019 or 1-(800)-959-2041.
    1. If you call, you’ll be met with an automated voice message. It takes around 3 minutes to complete.
      1. Select your language preference: English or French.
      2. Press '2' to apply for the Canada Emergency Student Benefit (CESB).
      3. Follow the prompts to enter your information, including:
        1. your SIN
        2. confirmation of your postal code
        3. the period you are applying for
      4. Declare that you qualify for the benefit.

Enroll in Direct Deposit!

If you enroll in direct deposit you will receive payment in 3 business days, otherwise, you will get a cheque in the mail within 10 business days. You can enroll either online or over the phone. 

Online: Sign up either through your CRA My Account or through your financial institution. 

Phone: Call 1-800-959-8281 and have your transit number, account number, and institution number on hand. If you’re already calling to file your SIN, ask the agent to also register for direct deposit to save time! 

For example, here is how you can get your direct deposit with TD:

CESB Eligibility

You cannot apply for the CESB if you have already applied for the CERB or EI.

You can apply for the CESB if...

  • You did not apply, receive, nor qualify, for the CERB or EI benefits for the same eligibility period.
  • You are a Canadian citizen, registered Indian, permanent resident, or a 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.
    • 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 eligibility period you are applying for.

The CRA will be looking to verify that you are job hunting, so make sure to keep a record of your efforts.

Graduating High School Students

If your high school completion date is after June 7 2020, you will not be eligible for all four eligibility periods, only the last two, July 5 - August 1 2020, and August 2 - August 29, 2020. 

Eligibility Conditions for the Benefit Top-Up

Additional support is available, if at least one of the following applies:

  • You have a disability as defined for this benefit.
    • 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.
  • You have at least one child under the age of 12 or other dependents.
    • 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.

Things that Might Be Confusing

  • If you try to make a CRA My Account and it keeps saying “Error” after inputting your SIN, you will have to call 1-(800) 959-8281, the agent will make an account for you. Just a heads up, you may be on hold for a long time.