Each eligibility period is a 4-week period with a specific start and end date. When you apply, you will receive a payment for the specific eligibility period you applied for.

You can only apply for one eligibility period at a time. If your situation continues, you must re-apply for another 4-week eligibility period.

You do not need to include supporting documents as part of your CESB application, but the CRA may ask you to provide them at a later date to verify your eligibility.

Post-secondary students

The CESB is available to eligible post-secondary students, post-secondary graduates, and students who have recently left their post-graduate studies.

You can start applying during the May 10 to June 6 eligibility period. If your situation continues, you must re-apply for another 4-week eligibility period.

Eligibility periods for post-secondary students:

  • May 10 to June 6, 2020
  • June 7 to July 4, 2020
  • July 5 to August 1, 2020
  • August 2 to August 29, 2020

Keep your transcripts, tuition receipts, and other supporting documents, in case the CRA asks you to provide them at a later date to verify your eligibility.

Graduating high school students

The CESB is only available to eligible students who:

  • completed or expect to complete high school or equivalency in 2020
  • applied to a post-secondary educational program that starts before February 1, 2021

If you complete high school or equivalency:

  • before June 7, 2020, your completion date must be before the start of the first eligibility period you are applying for
  • after June 7, 2020, you can only apply for 2 eligibility periods, starting from the July 5 to August 1 eligibility period

In case the CRA asks you to provide information at a later date to verify your eligibility, keep documents showing:

  • completed requirements for graduation in 2020
  • proof of attending a post-secondary program that starts before February 1, 2021

Determine which periods you can apply for

When did you or will you expect to complete high school or equivalency?