Updates for Students & Seniors

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CANADA EMERGENCY STUDENT BENEFIT (CESB)

May 13, 2020

• Support students and recent graduates who are not eligible for the Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB) or Employment Insurance (EI) or unable to work due to COVID-19

• $1,250 for “eligible students” or $2,000 for “eligible students” with dependents under the age of 13 or disabilities for a 4 week period

• The benefit is available from May through August

• “Eligible Students” include:

• A student enrolled in a post-secondary education program leading to a degree, diploma or certificate

• Students who ended their studies or graduated since December 2019

• High school graduates who have applied for and will be joining post- secondary programs in the coming months prior to February 1, 2021

• Canadian Students studying abroad qualify if they meet one of the above criteria

• The first period runs from May 10 to June 6

• The applicant must be either unable to work due to COVID-19 or looking for work but unable to find work due to COVID-19 or

• Currently working but self-employed or employment income is less than

$1,000 for the period

• The applicant needs to apply for each subsequent period

• The applicant must attest to the above rules in the application

• High school students are not able to apply until high school is completed, depending upon this date they may not be eligible for period 1 and possibly period 2

• The application window opens on May 15 at 6 AM EST

• There are some steps to take to prepare for the application see the link below to guide you through the process especially if you have never filed a personal tax return:

• https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/services/benefits/emergency-

student-benefit.html

• Applicants will apply through the CRA My Account or by phone

• After applying the applicant needs to demonstrate that they are trying to find employment; it is suggested that they register with the Government of Canada Job Bank; you need to demonstrate this to support your claim when reviewed at a future date

• The applicant must return the CESB

• If they earn more than $1,000 in the period 

• If they determine that they should not have applied, or 

• If they receive more than they are entitled to receive

• The CESB will be included on the applicant’s 2020 tax return though a T4A reporting slip

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SENIORS

May 13, 2020

• It is suggested that seniors file their returns as soon as possible

• GIS and Allowance payments will be temporarily extended if the seniors’ 2019 income information has not been assessed until October 1, 2020

• The one-time payment is to help cover the increased costs caused by COVID-19

• Those eligible for the Old Age Security (OAS) pension will receive a one-time tax-free payment of $300 with an additional $200 going to seniors eligible for the Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS)