CESB: What Students Need to Know About the Canada Emergency Student Benefit
The Canada Emergency Student Benefit (CESB) supported students and recent graduates who couldn’t work during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. Even though the program has ended, many Canadians still search for what it was, who qualified, and whether it was simply CERB for students.
Below is a clear, easy overview to help you understand how the program worked — and what to know today if benefit issues affect your employment situation.
What Is CESB?
The CESB (Canada Emergency Student Benefit) was a federal income-support program created in 2020. It provided temporary financial help to:
- Post-secondary students
- Recent graduates
- Students starting school in the fall
- Students who couldn’t find work due to COVID-19
The goal was to give students an alternative when they were not eligible for the CERB, Canada’s main emergency benefit at the time.
How Much Did CESB Pay?
CESB provided:
- $1,250 per 4-week period
- $2,000 per 4-week period for students with disabilities or dependants
Payments covered the period from May to August 2020.
Although it is no longer active, some individuals continue to deal with repayment questions or CRA reviews.
CESB Eligibility: Who Qualified?
Students were eligible for CESB if they met all of the following criteria during the program period:
- Were a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or protected person
- Were unable to work, or had limited work opportunities due to COVID-19
- Were not eligible for CERB or EI
- Were enrolled in a post-secondary program, had recently graduated, or were starting a program within four months
This is why many people refer to CESB as CERB for students — It covered individuals who didn’t meet the CERB requirements.
Was CESB Taxable?
Yes. It was taxable income, meaning the amount received had to be reported on your tax return.
If you still have an outstanding balance or CRA contacts you about repayment, consider getting legal advice if you believe the amount is incorrect.
CESB vs. CERB for Students
| Program | Who It Helped | Payment Amount | Eligibility Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| CERB | Workers who lost income due to COVID-19 | $500/week | Required loss of employment income; many students weren’t eligible |
| CESB | Students and recent grads unable to find work | $1,250–$2,000 per 4 weeks | Designed specifically as CERB for students |
Why CESB Still Matters Today
While CESB ended in 2020, many students and graduates still face:
- CRA reviews
- Repayment requests
- Questions about eligibility
- Concerns over whether they applied correctly
Additional Resources
Learn more about additional benefits available during the pandemic:
About the Author
Lior Samfiru
Lior Samfiru is a Founding Partner at Samfiru Tumarkin LLP and the Practice Leader of the firm’s Labour & Employment Law Group. Known for his advocacy and success representing both employees and employers, Lior exclusively serves clients in Ontario, where his extensive experience has made him one of Canada’s most sought-after employment lawyers.
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